Visiting Far East Regions With the Russia e-visa
The Russian Far East is the extreme eastern territory of Russia, between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re planning to visit the Russia Far East, you can now do so with the Russian unified e-visa.
The Russia unified e-visa is valid across the entire Russian territory. You can travel to the Far East and other popular destinations such as Saint Petersburg or Moscow, all with the same visa.
Cities in the Russian Far East
The Russian Far East is a vast and diverse region home to several important cities. With the Russian unified e-visa you can visit:
- Vladivostok: A major port city located near the Russia-China border
- Khabarovsk: The administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai and one of the largest cities in the Far East
- Yakutsk: The capital city of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Yakutsk is an important hub for the mining industry, particularly for diamonds
- Chita: Chita is an important transportation and cultural hub in the Transbaikal region
If you hold a Russian e-visa, you can explore the Russian Far East as well as other parts of the Russian territory.
Russia Far East Visa Requirements
If you need a visa for Russia, you need a visa to visit the Far East district. Most foreign visitors need a visa.
For short tourist, business, or humanitarian stays, the Russia unified e-visa is the most convenient option. You must be from one of the e-visa-eligible countries to apply.
Visit the Russian Far East, or other areas of Russia, for up to 16 days with the unified e-visa.
If you do not meet the unified e-visa requirements, you must apply for a different type of Russian visa at the embassy or consulate.
How to Get a Visa For the Russian Far East
You can get a visa for the Russian Far East by applying online. To find out if your nationality is eligible, access the Russia e-visa application form — eligible countries appear on the drop-down list.
Provided you’re eligible, you can continue with the application process. Fill out the online form, upload your documentation, and submit your request. You need to pay the Russia unified e-visa fees online to finalize your request.
Visa processing takes 4 to 7 days. You’ll receive your e-visa by email, ready to travel to the Russian Far East region.
About the e-visa for Russia’s Far East
With a unified e-visa, you can travel to the Far East region for up to 16 days. Permitted purposes of travel are:
- Business
- Tourism
- Humanitarian (cultural, sporting, scientific or technological motives)
It’s a single-entry visa — you need to apply for a new visa each time you travel to Russia. If you exit Russia and wish to return at a later date, you can follow the same process to apply for a new electronic visa.
Russia Far East Ports of Entry
he Russia unified e-visa is valid at several ports of entry in the Russian Far East.
| Region | Port of entry |
|---|---|
| Primorsky Krai | Vladivostok International Airport Vladivostok sea passenger terminal Zarubino sea port Khasan Station railway checkpoint Makhalino station railway checkpoint Poltavka road checkpoint Turiy Rog road checkpoint |
| Kamchatka Krai | Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky sea port Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport |
| Sakhalin Oblast | Korsakov sea port Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport |
| Amur Oblast | Blagoveshchensk Airport |
| Khabarovsk Krai | Khabarovsk Novy Airport Khabarovsk River Checkpoint |
| Chukotka Autonomous Okrug | Ugolny Airport (Anadyr) |
| Zabaykalsky Krai | Kadala Airport (Chita) |
| Buryatia | Baikal International Airport (Ulan-Ude) |
You must also exit through an approved crossing point. Have your visa and passport ready to present to Russian immigration officials at the checkpoint.
Countries Eligible for the Far East e-visa
You can get a Russian e-visa for the Far East regions if you are a passport holder from one of these countries:
If your country does not appear on this list, you need to get a visa from the Russian embassy or consulate for your trip to the Far Regions.
Other Types of Visas for the Russian Far East
The Russian unified e-visa is the best short-stay visa option for eligible tourists and business travelers.
However, you can also visit the Far East region with other types of Russian visas. For example:
- Business Visa
- Private (Homestay) Visa
- Student Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Work Visa
These visas require additional supporting documents. You need to apply at the embassy or consulate several weeks before you travel.
Russia Far East Traveler Checklist
Use this checklist to help you prepare for your trip to Russia’s Far East region:
- 1. Travel Documentation and Visa: Ensure you have a valid passport and apply for a unified e-visa or other relevant visa.
- 2. Health and Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive health and travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations or interruptions.
- 3. Climate-Appropriate Clothing and Gear: The Far East can have extreme weather conditions. Pack accordingly, including warm clothing for cold climates and sturdy footwear for outdoor activities.
- 4. Currency and Payment Methods: Consider carrying some cash when visiting the Far East, as remote areas may have limited access to ATMs and credit card facilities.
- 5. Emergency Preparedness and Connectivity: Know the local emergency numbers and have a plan for reaching medical facilities if needed.
Start your travel preparations early, including applying for your visa, to avoid travel disruption.