≡-Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, India, Turkey, and More Benefit as Russia Boosts e-Visa Access for Travelers from 60+ Countries with New One Hundred Twenty-Days Validity – Viral of Today
<> Viral of Today <>
Home » RUSSIA TRAVEL NEWS » Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, India, Turkey, and More Benefit as Russia Boosts e-Visa Access for Travelers from 60+ Countries with New One Hundred Twenty-Days Validity Wednesday, July 30, 2025From August 23, 2025, citizens of Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, India, Turkey and other countries will be able to take advantage of Russia’s decision to increase the validity period of the e-Visa to 120 days. The reform, effective for nationals of more than 60 countries, seeks to facilitate the entry of the Russian Federation for foreign travelers, especially business people but also tourists. The newly implemented extension provides visitors with more time to experience some of the many diverse offerings Russia has to offer, offering a longer stay period of up to 30 days. This development is part of Russia’s plan to enhance inbound tourism and develop stronger global ties.Starting on August 23, 2025, Russia will significantly extend the validity of its electronic visa (e-Visa), offering travelers more flexibility. The validity of the e-Visa will be extended from 60 to 120 days, while the maximum permitted stay will be increased from 16 to 30 days, marking a significant shift for both tourists and business visitors.Since its launch in August 2023, the Russian e-Visa has proven to be a success, facilitating entry for over 1.2 million visitors, according to the Russian authorities. Travelers from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, India, and Estonia have been the top users of this system. The e-Visa has simplified access for visitors, available to citizens of more than 60 countries, and has quickly become a favored method of entry for those wishing to explore Russia’s culture, business opportunities, or humanitarian efforts.The extension of the visa’s validity and the increase in the maximum stay reflect Russia’s strategic push to revitalize its tourism sector, despite the challenges posed by ongoing international tensions and complex diplomatic relations. The announcement of these changes follows a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 23, 2025, signaling a formal shift toward encouraging international visitation and providing easier access for travelers.The Long-Awaited Reform: What Does It Mean for Travelers?The e-Visa system has already garnered attention since its implementation, with both travelers and industry experts predicting such a reform. The possibility of extending the maximum stay beyond the 16-day limit was first discussed at the end of 2023, as Russian officials made it clear that enhancing the country’s appeal to international tourists was a priority. This announcement to extend the e-Visa’s validity further emphasizes Russia’s intent to draw more visitors from abroad, offering an easier entry process with a longer period to explore the country.By officially expanding the validity period and maximum stay length, the government hopes to make Russia a more attractive option for both short and extended visits. The move also aligns with a broader plan to increase the number of nationalities eligible for the e-Visa. This broader approach reflects Russia’s desire to modernize and simplify its visa procedures to appeal to global travelers.Could Russia Introduce a Multiple-Entry e-Visa?While the current e-Visa remains a single-entry visa, there are hints that Russia may consider introducing a multiple-entry option in the future. Officials have raised the prospect of allowing multiple entries with an e-Visa, an improvement that would make travel to Russia even more convenient for frequent visitors. However, for now, the visa remains single-entry, meaning that once travelers exit the country, they must apply for a new e-Visa to re-enter.This change could be part of a broader effort to facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. However, travelers should note that access is still limited to certain official checkpoints, such as major international airports in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, along with seaports and land border crossings. Cross-border travel outside these designated points requires additional approval from the Federal Security Service (FSB), which underscores the continuing importance of territorial control in Russia.How Does the e-Visa Work?The Russian e-Visa system simplifies the process for travelers, enabling citizens from 64 countries to obtain a visa entirely through an online application.The system is designed for various types of travel, including tourism, business, humanitarian, and cultural purposes.Applicants need to fill out an electronic form on the official Russian portal, evisa.kdmid.ru, and provide a digital photo of themselves, a passport copy, and travel details. The entire process is paperless, making it more convenient for travelers. The e-Visa costs approximately \$50, with children under six years old exempt from the fee. Once the application is submitted, the processing time typically takes four calendar days.As of August 2025, the changes to the visa will allow travelers to stay in Russia for up to 30 days, with the e-Visa remaining valid for 120 days from the date of issue. While the e-Visa remains single-entry, it offers a much-needed extension for tourists, business travelers, and anyone else interested in experiencing Russia’s culture and landscapes.A Gateway to Russia’s Expanding Tourism SectorThis reform in the e-Visa system signals Russia’s increasing openness to international tourism and reflects the country’s push to be more accessible in the global travel market. The extension of the validity and stay period will undoubtedly make it easier for travelers from around the world to visit, offering them more time to explore the diverse regions of Russia, from its bustling cities to its remote natural wonders.To sum up, the extension of the validity and duration of stay of the e-Visa is the added flexibility for tourists visiting from around the globe and the perfect example of how Russia is continuing to make its presence felt on the international tourism scene! The visa, while still a single-entry permit for now, is indicative of wider change that might herald a new, more open-minded dawn for Russia’s tourism industry.
This information will surprise you!
See also
- Read until the end to discover everything.
- Important information you need to know.
- Interesting facts and helpful tips.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!