
Starting from 2021, the unified electronic visa will be introduced in Russia. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the list of states whose citizens will be able to obtain it. This list includes 52 countries, these are the states whose citizens could previously enter Russia on an e-visa as part of a pilot project. Qatar has not been included in the list, since a visa-free regime between our countries has been effective since 23 February 2020.
The pilot e-visa project was launched in 2017 and had several restrictions. Foreign citizens carrying such a visa could only cross the border through checkpoints in the Far Eastern Federal District, St-Petersburg, Leningrad Region, and Kaliningrad Region. Moreover, they could not leave these regions.
Now e-visas will be effective on the entire territory of Russia. The border will be crossed through any specially equipped checkpoint, regardless of the region, and travels will be allowed throughout the country. In addition, the period of stay of foreign citizens in Russia will be extended from 8 to 16 days.
E-visas will be issued via the Internet for tourist, business, humanitarian, and guest visits. No invitations, hotel reservations or any other documents confirming the purpose of the trip will be required to obtain an e-visa. The consular fee will amount at $40. Children under 6 years of age will receive e-visas free of charge.
The introduction of the unified e-visa in Russia will help develop tourism, increase the investment attractiveness of the regions, and contribute to the overall growth of the economy.
THE LIST OF COUNTRIES:
Austria
Andorra
Bahrain
Belgium
Bulgaria
China (including Taiwan)
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Vatican
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Turkey
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Latvia
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland