Travel Requirements for Moscow
International visitors can now get a visa for the Russian capital and the rest of the country online.
You can submit your Russian unified e-visa application electronically from anywhere in the world. You’ll receive your approved visa by email.
Moscow could previously be visited only with a traditional tourist paper visa, which meant going to a Russian embassy and obtaining an invitation letter. The online visa simplifies travel to Moscow.
This page explains how to get an electronic visa for Russia and use it to travel to Moscow.
Do I Need an e-visa to Travel to Moscow?
Most foreign visitors need a valid visa to enter the Russian territory and Moscow. Citizens of very few countries enjoy freedom of movement.
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Moscow. If you need a visa, you must apply in advance.
The easiest and quickest visa for Moscow is the e-visa. The electronic visa for Moscow is available to travelers from more than 60 countries, including EU citizens:
Advantages of the electronic visa for Moscow
There are several advantages to applying for an electronic visa for Russia. These include:
- Online application — appointment at a Russian embassy not required
- Fast processing — get your approved visa in 4 to 7 days
- Simpler requirements — you just need your passport and a photograph
- Explore Russia — the e-visa is valid across Russian territory
Other Cities You Can Visit With the e-visa
Moscow is well served by plane, train, and bus routes that allow for national and international travel.
Here are some popular destinations from Moscow that can be visited with a Russian e-visa:
- Golden Ring
- Irkutsk
- Kaliningrad
- Kazan
- Nizhny Novgorod
- Saint Petersburg
- Sochi
- Veliky Novgorod
- Vladivostok
- Yekaterinburg
Visa Requirements to Visit Moscow
To apply for an e-visa for Moscow, you need:
- Biometric passport: from an eligible country and valid for at least 6 months
- Applicant photo: taken in the last 6 months and that meets all the specifications
You’ll upload digital copies of your documentation. You do not need to send or present your physical passport.
How to get a visa for Moscow online
The online application for the electronic visa for Moscow and the rest of Russia can be completed in 3 simple steps:
-
Fill out the online application form in all of its parts
-
Upload copies of relevant supporting documents
-
Pay the application fee by credit or debit card
You’ll receive your approved e-visa by email. Print the visa ready to travel to Moscow.
Moscow e-visa application advice
Follow these expert tips when applying for your online visa for Moscow:
- Check the Russia e-visa application guide before getting started
- Take care when copying your passport number and other information
- Use the tooltips provided to guide you through the form
- Review your answers before submitting your application
- Submit a photo that meets the specifications
Apply through this site to increase your chances of success. Visa applications are reviewed by specialists before they are submitted for official processing.
Moscow Entry Points With an e-visa
As many as 3 Moscow airports can be used to enter Russia with an e-visa (as well as over 30 other border crossing points across the country). e-visa Moscow entry points are:
- Vnukovo (VKO)
- Domodedovo (DME)
- Sheremetyevo (SVO)
Please note that the e-visa can be used to travel across Russia. With an approved e-visa you can use any of the approved border crossings: Air, land, and sea.
How to use the electronic visa to visit Moscow and Russia
At the border, you’re asked to show your visa and the passport used during the visa application. The information on your visa must match your passport exactly.
Depending on their specific circumstances, some incoming passengers may be asked for further documents.
The electronic visa allows its holder to visit Moscow and the rest of Russia for up to 16 days. It remains valid for use for 60 days from the moment it is issued.