To travel in Russia, you need a visa, an essential document for entering the country, whether for a short stay as a tourist or for business or study purposes. The cost of this visa varies according to a number of criteria: the type of visa requested, the length of stay, the number of entries authorised (single, double or multiple), and the processing times chosen. On this page, we'll explain the different types of visa for Russia, their prices, and the factors to consider when choosing the option that's right for you.
Cost of a visa for Russia: in brief
- The cost depends on the type of visa: standard tourist visas generally cost EUR 50, while multiple-entry business visas can cost between EUR 180 and EUR 350.
- The number of entries influences the price : a single-entry visa is cheaper (around EUR 50), but for multiple entries the price can double, with costs of up to EUR 160 for a tourist visa.
- Express visas are more expensive: If you need a visa quickly, express or urgent processing increases the cost, with additional fees of up to EUR 200-300.
- The cost varies according to nationality: Non-European citizens, such as those from the United States or the United Kingdom, generally pay higher visa fees, up to EUR 150 for a simple tourist visa.
- Additional costs to be expected: In addition to the visa fee, service charges (EUR 20-50) and required travel insurance (EUR 10-50) must often be added, increasing the total cost of obtaining a visa.
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How much does a Russian visa cost, depending on the type of visa?
The price of a visa for Russia varies according to the type of visa requested, the number of entries required and how quickly you need to obtain your visa. Here is a summary of the prices for the different types of visa.
Tourist visa prices for Russia :
- Standard visa (single entry): The standard tourist visa, valid for a single entry, costs around EUR 50 for regular processing. This type of visa is most commonly requested by travellers who only plan to visit Russia once in a given period.
- Multiple-entry visa: If you wish to enter and leave Russia several times, a multiple-entry visa will be required. The cost of this visa is higher, at around €120 to €160, depending on the length of validity of the visa and the processing time.
Russian business visa prices :
- Single entry:For a single-entry business visa, the price varies between EUR 120 and EUR 150. This visa is often used for one-off business visits.
- Double or multiple entries: For people who need to visit Russia several times on business, the cost of a multiple-entry visa can be between €180 and €350, depending on the period of validity (from 6 months to 1 year) and the additional services chosen.
Electronic visa (e-Visa) price for Russia :
The e-Visa is a more affordable and simpler option for some travellers. It generally costs EUR 50, and can be applied for online without the need to visit a consulate or visa centre. However, this visa is limited to certain regions of Russia and to short stays (8 to 16 days).
e-visa application for Russia!
Russian express visa price :
For travellers who need to obtain a visa for Russia urgently, an express visa service is available. This service speeds up processing of the application, often within 1 to 3 days, but at a higher cost. The price can vary between EUR 120 and EUR 300, depending on the type of visa requested (tourist, business, etc.) and the speed of processing.
Does the price of a visa for Russia vary according to nationality?
Russian visa prices may vary according to the nationality of the applicant. Citizens of certain countries benefit from reduced rates or simplified procedures due to bilateral agreements between Russia and their countries of origin.
- European citizens: Citizens of the European Union, as well as countries such as Switzerland and Norway, often benefit from standard rates for tourist and business visas. The price for a single-entry tourist visa is usually around EUR 50-80.
- Non-European citizens: Citizens of non-European countries may be subject to higher visa fees. For example, citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom can pay up to EUR 150 or more for a similar visa. Applications from certain countries, such as the United States, may also require additional paperwork.
- Bilateral agreements: Some countries have special agreements with Russia, which may affect the price and procedure for applying for a visa. For example, citizens of certain CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries may be exempt from visa requirements for short stays.
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What additional costs need to be taken into account when applying for a Russian visa?
In addition to the cost of the visa, it is important to consider several additional fees that may increase the final price of your application.
- Service fees: If you use a specialist agency or visa centre to help process your application, service fees may apply. These fees vary depending on the service provider, but are generally between an additional EUR 20 and EUR 50.
- Delivery charges: If you opt to have your visa sent by post, particularly for electronic visas (e-Visa) or visas issued by remote embassies, delivery charges may be added to the invoice. These charges depend on the delivery method (standard or express post) and the country of delivery. They generally vary between EUR 10 and EUR 30.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is often required to obtain a visa for Russia. It must cover medical expenses, repatriation and hospitalisation in the event of an emergency during your stay in Russia. The cost of travel insurance varies according to the length of your stay and the level of cover, but it can represent an additional cost of between EUR 10 and EUR 50, depending on the terms of the contract.
Russian visa price according to processing time :
The processing time for a visa application for Russia varies according to the type of visa, the country from which the application is made and the level of urgency required. Here are the three major processing levels with their associated costs:
Type of processing
|
Processing time |
Additional cost |
Type of visa applicable |
Standard
|
7 to 20 working days |
None (standard price) |
All visa types |
Express
|
3 to 5 working days |
100 to 150 EUR |
Tourist or business visa |
Urgent
|
24 to 48 hours |
200 to 300 EUR or more |
Business visa, exceptional cases |
e-visa application for Russia!
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.