Visa Free Countries for Russian Passport Holders

The Russian passport is ranked 93rd in the world by the World Passport Index. This ranking tells us how convenient it is for Russian citizens to travel to other countries. In this case, there are 90 Visa Free Countries for Russian Passport.

Now, let’s talk about what this means for Russian travelers. If you have a Russian passport and you want to go to one of the 90 countries that welcome you without a visa, you can simply book your tickets, pack your bags, and go! It’s a pretty straightforward process. These countries have agreements with Russia that allow its citizens to enter for tourism or business purposes without going through the visa application process.

But what about the remaining countries, the ones where Russian passport holders do need a visa to enter? Well, in these cases, you can’t just show up at the border and expect to be let in. Instead, you’ll need to plan ahead and apply for a visa before you travel. This usually involves filling out forms, providing documentation, and paying a fee. The exact requirements can vary from country to country, so it’s essential to research the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip.

Visa Free Countries for Russian Passport

As of now, Russian passport holders can travel visa free to 90 countries and territories:

• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belize
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Cabo Verde
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Iran
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Palestine
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Qatar
• Samoa
• San Marino
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Türkiye
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Eswatini

That’s an important point to remember Visa Free Countries for Russian Passport. Even though you don’t need a visa for these countries, you still need a valid passport. Most countries require that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. This is a common rule to ensure you have a valid identification throughout your entire stay.

Additionally, some countries may require you to have travel health insurance. This insurance is essential in case you get sick or injured during your trip. It ensures that you can receive necessary medical care without incurring significant expenses. The specific insurance requirements can vary from one country to another, so it’s crucial to check the regulations for your destination before you travel.

By having a valid passport and the necessary travel health insurance, you can enjoy your visa-free travels with peace of mind, knowing that you’re prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during your journey.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Russian Citizens?

The following 22 countries issue eVisas for Russian passport holders:

• Albania
• Angola
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• India
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Montserrat
• Nigeria
• Papua New Guinea
• South Sudan
• Togo
• Uganda

Getting an eVisa is a convenient way to travel to certain countries. It’s quite similar to applying for a traditional visa, but with some key differences that make it easier. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Online Application: Instead of visiting a visa application center in person, you can complete the entire visa application process online. This means you can apply for your visa from the comfort of your own home or anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Payment Online: When applying for an eVisa, you’ll also make the visa payment online. This streamlines the process and eliminates the need for in-person payments.
3. Application Approval: Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the necessary fees, it will be reviewed by the immigration authorities of the country you intend to visit. This process may take some time, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned trip.
4. Confirmation Email: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This email will contain important information about your visa, including its status and validity.
5. Print Your eVisa: It’s crucial to print out the eVisa document you receive via email. While some countries may have the eVisa linked to your passport electronically, others may ask for a physical copy. To be on the safe side, it’s a good practice to keep a printed copy with you when you cross the border.
6. Travel with Your eVisa: With your printed eVisa in hand, you can now travel to your destination. It’s essential to keep this document safe and easily accessible while you’re traveling because immigration officers may request to see it when you arrive in the country.

Remember that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an eVisa can vary from one country to another. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the visa application process for your intended destination and follow the instructions provided by the country’s immigration authorities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Russian Passport Holders?

If you are a Russian citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 27 countries listed below:

• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Comoros
• Egypt
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Nepal
• Rwanda
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

A visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that you receive after you’ve entered the country you’re visiting. When you arrive at the international airport or border checkpoint of the country that offers VOA, you will need to proceed through immigration and customs as usual.

Which Countries Are Russian Passport Holders Not Allowed to Enter?

Russian passport holders are not allowed to enter Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.

Where Can Russian Citizens Go With an Internal Passport?

A Russian internal passport is an identification card which allows its holder to travel within the Russian borders, but it can also be used to enter the following countries:

• Armenia
• Belarus
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan

Where Can I Enter Visa-Free With an APEC Card?

If you have an APEC business card from Russia, you can enter the following countries visa-free:

• Australia
• Brunei
• Chile
• China
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• South Korea
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Vietnam

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a valuable travel document issued to individuals from countries that are part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreement. APEC is an economic arrangement involving numerous countries that aims to facilitate business interactions and travel within the region. Holders of an ABTC enjoy several significant benefits, making international business travel smoother and more efficient. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Visa-Free Entry: One of the primary benefits of holding an ABTC is the ability to enter participating APEC economies without the need for a visa. This streamlines travel for business professionals, eliminating the often time-consuming and complex visa application process.
2. Business Activities: ABTC holders are permitted to engage in lawful business activities within the participating APEC economies. This includes attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and other business-related events.
3. Accelerated Border Crossing: When traveling between member countries, ABTC holders can take advantage of an expedited border crossing process. This means shorter wait times at immigration checkpoints, allowing for more efficient business travel.
4. Accelerated Visa Appointments: In some cases, ABTC holders may also benefit from accelerated visa appointment procedures when traveling to transitional countries. For example, when visiting the United States, ABTC holders may have access to a quicker visa application process, further facilitating their business travels.

Overall, the APEC Business Travel Card plays a vital role in promoting economic cooperation and simplifying business travel within the APEC region. It enhances the efficiency and convenience of international business activities, benefiting both individuals and the economies involved in this important economic agreement.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Russian Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 82 countries with a Russian passport:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bermuda
• Caribbean Netherlands
• British Virgin Islands
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Croatia
• Curaçao
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Eritrea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Germany
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Guam
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Liberia
• Libya
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Mali
• Malta
• Mayotte
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Niger
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Norway
• Philippines
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Réunion
• Romania
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Spain
• Saint Helena
• Saint Martin
• Sudan
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syria
• Gambia
• Turkmenistan
• United States Virgin Islands
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City
• Yemen

How to Apply for a Visa as a Russian Citizen:

Applying for a visa can be a bit of a process, but it’s necessary if you plan to visit countries that require one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how Russian citizens can apply for a visa:

1. Schedule an Appointment:

• To start, you need to make an appointment at the visa center in Russia. You can do this by contacting a local visa application center in your home country.
• Be prepared for the possibility that it may take several months to secure an appointment with the embassy or consulate, so plan ahead.

2. Gather Your Documents:

• The success of your visa application depends on having the right documents in order. Key documents typically include your passport, visa application form, health insurance, and more.
• Some documents may need to be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office, so make sure to check the specific requirements for your destination.

3. Attend the Visa Interview:

• Once you have your documents ready, you can submit your visa application and attend a visa interview.
• In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric data during this process.

4. Document Translation and Verification:

• Before submitting your application, ensure that all your documents are translated as required by the embassy or consulate and verified with an apostille stamp if necessary.

5. Wait for a Decision:

• After submitting your application, you’ll need to be patient. It typically takes several weeks for the embassy or consulate to make a decision regarding your visa application.

Important Notes:

• If you already have a valid visa that allows you to visit multiple countries, you usually don’t need to apply for a new one.
• Always check the specific requirements for the country you intend to visit, as document requirements may vary.

Commonly Required Documents for Visa Applications:

• Valid Russian passport (plus a photocopy)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos (usually not older than six months)
• Travel health insurance covering your entire stay
• Proof of paid visa fees
• Detailed travel itinerary showing your planned destinations
• Letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Proof of a booked return flight
• Proof of accommodation reservations
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip
• Civil status documents (such as marriage certificates or birth certificates)
• Note: Having a criminal history may lead to visa rejection.

Remember that the specific requirements can vary from one country to another, so it’s essential to research and follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

You might also be interested in learning about visa-free travel for citizens of other countries.