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:

1. Austria
2. Andorra
3. Bahrain
4. Belgium
5. Bulgaria
6. China (including Taiwan)
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Democratic People`s Republic of Korea
11. Denmark
12. Estonia
13. Finland
14. France
15. Germany
16. Greece
17. Hungary
18. India
19. Indonesia
20. Iran
21. Ireland
22. Iceland
23. Italy
24. Japan
25. Kuwait
26. Latvia
27. Lithuania
28. Liechtenstein
29. Luxembourg
30. Malaysia
31. Malta
32. Mexico
33. Monaco
34. Netherlands
35. North Macedonia
36. Norway
37. Oman
38. Philippines
39. Poland
40. Portugal
41. Romania
42. San Marino
43. Saudi Arabia
44. Serbia
45. Singapore
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. Spain
49. Sweden
50. Switzerland
51. Turkey
52. Vatican