Russia e-visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens
If you’re a Turkish passport holders planning a trip to Russia, it’s essential that you have the correct paperwork. This includes a Russian visa, which you can apply for through the online Russia visa system.
This page provides key information for Turkish citizens traveling to Russia. Here you’ll find answers to common questions such as:
- Do Turks need a Russian visa?
- What documents are needed for an e-visa?
- How can Turkish citizens apply for an e-visa?
Do Turkish Citizens Need a Visa for Russia?
Yes, Turkish must have a valid Russian visa to enter the country. If you fail to present a visa when you reach the border you will be refused entry.
The easiest way to get a visa for Russia from Turkey is through the e-visa portal. This application method is 100% online and only requires a few items.
The Russia e-visa has the following features:
| Number of entries | Single entry |
| Validity | 60 days |
| Length of stay | 16 days |
| Travel purposes | Tourism, business, sport relations, cultural relations, humanitarian reasons, scientific-technical relations |
What Documents Do Turks Need for a Russia e-visa?
The Russia online visa for Turkish travelers only has a few requirements. These are:
| Turkish passport | ✔️ |
| Passport-style photo | ✔️ |
| Travel insurance | ✔️ |
| Email address | ✔️ |
| Debit or credit card | ✔️ |
Providing you have all the items listed above as a Turkish passaport holder can begin the Russia e-visa application process.
How Do I Apply for a Russia e-visa From Turkey?
The application process for the Russian electronic visa from Turkey is completely online. You do not need to visit a Russian embassy or consulate at any stage.
To request your visa, simply complete the online form, attach your supporting documents, and pay the processing fee.
The entire process takes a matter of minutes to complete. Once your visa application has been submitted it will be processed within 4 days.
Guide to Travel to Russia From Turkey
Traveling from Turkey to Russia is a popular journey with several common routes, catering to a range of preferences and requirements.
The main factors influencing these routes are the cities of departure and arrival, airline choices, and whether the flight is direct or includes layovers.
Major Airports in Turkey and Russia
The journey typically commences from major Turkish airports like Istanbul Airport or Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
In Russia, the primary destinations are Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, or Vnukovo International Airport, and Saint Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport.
Direct flights from Turkey to Russia
There are direct flights available, especially from Istanbul to Moscow, which is one of the most common and convenient routes. These direct flights are offered by several airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot.
Flights with layovers
While direct flights are preferred for their convenience, there are also options with layovers, especially for travelers heading to cities in Russia other than Moscow or Saint Petersburg.
Common layover locations include various European cities, offering an opportunity to briefly explore another destination.
Flight duration from turkey
The duration of direct flights from Turkey to Russia usually ranges between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the specific cities involved. Flights with layovers will naturally take longer, and this duration varies based on the layover length and location.
Airlines operating these routes
A variety of airlines operate on these routes, providing options in terms of cost, flight duration, and service quality. Some of the airlines include Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and Pegasus Airlines.
Seasonal variations when traveling to Russia from Turkey
Flight availability and prices can fluctuate based on the season. Peak travel times, such as summer and major holidays, may see increased flight frequency and higher prices.
Can You Go to Russia Without a Visa from Turkey? Toggle faqs
Turks must apply for a Russian visa before traveling to the country unless special circumstances apply).
If you’re a Turkish citizen and don’t hold a diplomatic passport, you’ll have to apply for a visa in advance before traveling to Russia. You may be eligible for a range of visas depending on several factors.
If you intend to visit Russia as a tourist for a limited stay, the Russian eVisa is the easiest and quickest way to be allowed entry into the St Petersburg Leningrad region, Kaliningrad Oblast, and the Far East District.
There is one exception to the no-visa-free rule. Turks can enter Russian soil without a visa if they get to the Russian shore on a ferry or cruise ship. Cruise passengers can stay in Russia visa-free for up to 72 hours. However, strict limitations apply.
Passengers can leave the ship visa-free during port calls only and accompanied at all times by a tour operator officially licensed by the Russian authorities.
How Long Does the Russian Visa Take? Toggle faqs
Russian visa times vary greatly depending on the type of visa you decide to apply for.
The fastest and easiest visa for Russia to obtain is the region-specific electronic visa.
The eVisa application only takes minutes in itself. Once you submit the application, the Russian authorities will take between 2 to 4 business days to approve your request. Some applications may take longer — that is especially the case when there’s missing or incorrect information.
Once the eVisa application has been approved, you’ll receive your granted visa at the email address you have provided. The visa is valid for 30 days since the date of issue (as to say, the day you were sent the approved visa).
During this time, eVisa holders are allowed to travel to the specific Russian region the electronic visa applies to. Remember to print your approved eVisa and carry it with you to the Russian border.