Visa-Free Entry to Russia in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

The Russian Federation maintains a visa-free regime with several countries, significantly simplifying the entry procedure for foreign citizens. In 2025, the rules for visa-free visits to Russia vary depending on the traveler’s country of origin, type of passport held, and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Countries

The most favorable conditions are provided for citizens from CIS countries and some other states that have signed relevant agreements with Russia. These nationals can enter Russia using any types of passports, including internal identity documents:

• Abkhazia
• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Belarus
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Ukraine
• South Ossetia

Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states—Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—enjoy free movement rights and may stay indefinitely without additional permits.

Short-Term Visa-Free Regime

Many countries enjoy limited visa-free stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. This category primarily includes Latin American, Asian, and African nations:

• 90-day visa-free: Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador,UAE,South Africa.
• 60-day visa-free: South Korea, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde (for ordinary passports).
• 30-day visa-free: Botswana, Serbia (biometric passports only), Thailand, Montenegro, among others.

Special Conditions for Diplomats and Official Personnel

Holders of diplomatic or service passports benefit from visa-free entry from over 50 countries, including:

• All CIS countries
• BRICS members (Brazil, India, China, South Africa)
• Many Asian states (Vietnam, Indonesia)
• Several African countries (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia)

Typical visa-free periods range from 30 to 90 days. For example, Vietnamese diplomats can stay up to 90 days, while Iranian officials can remain up to 30 days without obtaining a visa.

Electronic Visas as an Alternative

For many countries not included in the visa-free list, there is an option to obtain an electronic visa valid for 16 days. This alternative is particularly beneficial for tourists from European Union countries, certain Asian and Middle Eastern states.

It’s important to note that visa-free entry terms may change, so it is advisable to verify current information through the official website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or at a Russian consulate in your home country before traveling.

At border crossings under the visa-free regime, immigration authorities may request proof of trip purpose, sufficient financial means during the stay period, and medical insurance valid within Russia.