Russia Tourist Visa
Tourist Visa / Unified Electronic Visa · For Germany citizens
Planning a trip to Russia as a German citizen? You have two convenient options: the unified e-visa for stays up to 16 days, or a traditional tourist visa for longer visits. The e-visa costs approximately $52 (around €50) and is processed within 4 days online. German citizens are among the top recipients of Russian visas from EU countries, with approval rates exceeding 92%.
Russia Tourist Visa for German Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Germany citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Machine-readable German passport valid for at least 6 months from the e-visa application date
Recent digital photo meeting Russian visa specifications for online submission
Digital scan or clear photo of your passport's biographical data page
Valid medical insurance covering your stay in Russia
Electronic visa application completed on the official Russian MFA website
Recommended (Optional)
Official invitation from a registered Russian travel agency or hotel
German Travel Advisory
The German Federal Foreign Office has issued travel warnings for Russia.2 Before planning any trip, carefully consider the following risks:
- Security situation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions
- Limited consular assistance: German embassy services in Russia may be restricted
- Flight disruptions: Direct flights between Germany and Russia may be limited
- Payment difficulties: International payment cards may not work in Russia due to sanctions
If you decide to travel, register with the German Foreign Office’s crisis preparedness system and ensure you have contingency plans.
E-Visa vs Traditional Visa
German citizens have two options for visiting Russia:1
Unified E-Visa (Recommended for Short Trips)
The easiest option for stays up to 16 days:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 60 days from issuance |
| Maximum stay | 16 days |
| Entries | Single entry |
| Cost | $52 (≈€50) |
| Processing | 4 calendar days |
| Invitation required | No |
Traditional Tourist Visa
For longer stays or multiple entries:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 30 days |
| Maximum stay | 30 days |
| Entries | Single, double, or multiple |
| Cost | €35-70 + service fees |
| Processing | 3-20 working days |
| Invitation required | Yes |
Application Process: E-Visa
The e-visa is processed entirely online with no consulate visit required.1
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before starting, gather your digital files: a passport scan and a recent photo meeting the specifications. Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months from your application date.
2. Complete the Online Application
Visit evisa.kdmid.ru and create an account.1 Fill out the application form with accurate personal information matching your passport exactly. Select your intended entry date and the border crossing point you will use.
3. Upload Documents and Pay
Upload your passport data page scan and digital photo. Pay the $52 fee using an international Visa or MasterCard.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
4. Wait for Processing
Your application will be processed within 4 calendar days.1 You will receive an email notification when a decision is made.
5. Download Your E-Visa
Once approved, download the PDF notification from your account. Print it or save it on your mobile device to present at the border.1
Application Process: Traditional Visa
For stays longer than 16 days or if you need multiple entries:3
1. Obtain an Invitation Letter
Purchase a tourist invitation from a registered Russian travel agency or hotel. This can be ordered online from services like GoingRus, Real Russia, or Russia Support for approximately €15-30.
2. Complete the Application
Fill out the visa application at visa.kdmid.ru. Select Germany as your country of application and choose your submission method (consulate or visa center).
3. Gather Documents
Prepare your original passport, printed application form, passport photo, invitation letter, travel insurance certificate, and any additional documents required.
4. Submit at Consulate or Visa Center
Submit your application at the Russian Consulate in Berlin, Munich, Bonn, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Leipzig, or through a visa application center if available.3
5. Pay Fees and Wait
Pay the consular fee (€35 standard or €70 express) plus any service charges. Collect your passport with the visa once processing is complete.
Fees
E-Visa Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-Visa Application | $52 (≈€50) |
| Children under 6 | Free |
Traditional Visa Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing (10-20 days) | €35 |
| Express Processing (3 days) | €70 |
| Visa Center Service Charge | €25-35 |
| Invitation Letter | €15-30 |
All fees are non-refundable if your application is denied.1
Authorized Entry Points
The e-visa is valid only at designated border crossing points.1 Key authorized entries include:
Airports: Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo), St. Petersburg (Pulkovo), Kaliningrad (Khrabrovo), Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Sochi, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, and many others.
Rail: From Finland (St. Petersburg-Finlyandskiy), Belarus (various), and other authorized rail crossings.
Automobile: Multiple authorized land crossings from Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and other neighboring countries.
Seaports: St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Vladivostok, Sochi, and others.
Check the complete list at evisa.kdmid.ru before booking your travel.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you arrive in Russia with your e-visa:1
- Present your printed e-visa notification (or show it on your mobile device) along with your passport to border officials
- Receive a migration card at passport control and keep it safe throughout your stay
- The 16-day stay limit counts calendar days, including your arrival and departure days
- You have freedom of movement throughout Russia, except for restricted areas requiring special permits
If Your Visa is Refused
E-visa refusals are uncommon for properly prepared applications. If refused:1
- Check for errors: Review the notification for specific reasons. Most refusals result from form errors or photo issues.
- No refund: The application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
- Reapply: You can submit a new application immediately after correcting any issues.
- Entry not guaranteed: Even with a valid e-visa, final entry decisions rest with border officials.
For traditional visa refusals, the consulate may not provide specific reasons. Review your documents carefully and consider consulting a visa specialist if needed.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Application Form Errors
Incorrect or inconsistent information in the visa application form, such as spelling mistakes, wrong passport numbers, or mismatched dates.
How to avoid: Double-check that all names match exactly as written in your passport's machine-readable zone. Verify passport number, date of birth, and travel dates before submitting.
Photo Specification Issues
Digital photo does not meet Russian visa specifications, including incorrect size, poor lighting, glasses issues, or background problems.
How to avoid: Use a professional passport photo service. Ensure neutral expression, light background, and that your face occupies 70-80% of the image with no glasses or head coverings (except religious).
Passport Validity Problems
Passport is not valid for the required period (6 months from application date) or is damaged, non-machine-readable, or has insufficient blank pages.
How to avoid: Verify your passport validity extends at least 6 months beyond your application date. If close to expiring, renew before applying.
Entering Through Unauthorized Checkpoints
Attempting to enter Russia through border crossings not designated for e-visa holders. The e-visa is only valid at specific airports, seaports, and land crossings.
How to avoid: Check the official list of authorized entry points before booking travel. Major airports like Moscow Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and St. Petersburg Pulkovo are all authorized.
Previous Immigration Violations
Past visa violations, overstays, or other immigration issues with Russia can result in entry bans or visa denial.
How to avoid: If you have had previous issues with Russian immigration, consider consulting a visa specialist before applying. Unpaid fines or previous overstays may need to be resolved first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
Yes, German citizens need a visa to enter Russia for tourism. However, Germany is one of 64 countries eligible for the simplified unified e-visa, which can be applied for entirely online without visiting a consulate.
What is the Russian e-visa and can Germans apply?
The unified e-visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens from 64 countries, including Germany, to visit Russia for tourism, business, or private visits. It is valid for 60 days from issuance, allows a single entry, and permits stays of up to 16 days.
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for German citizens?
The e-visa costs approximately $52 (around €50) and is free for children under 6. For a traditional tourist visa, the consular fee is €35 for standard processing or €70 for express processing, plus any visa center service charges.
How long does Russian visa processing take for Germans?
The e-visa is processed within 4 calendar days from submission. Traditional tourist visas take 10-20 working days for standard processing or 3 working days for express processing.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Russian e-visa?
No, German citizens applying for the unified e-visa do not need to provide an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation, or any other document confirming the purpose of travel. Only a traditional tourist visa requires an invitation letter.
How long can I stay in Russia on a tourist visa?
With the e-visa, you can stay up to 16 days (counting both arrival and departure days). With a traditional tourist visa, the maximum stay is 30 days. Note that the 16-day limit means calendar days, not 384 hours.
Where can German citizens enter Russia with an e-visa?
The e-visa is valid for entry through designated border crossing points including major airports (Moscow Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, St. Petersburg Pulkovo, Kaliningrad), select seaports, rail crossings, and automobile checkpoints. Check the official list before booking travel.
What documents do I need for the Russian e-visa?
For the e-visa, you need only three items: a valid machine-readable passport, a digital passport photo meeting specifications, and a digital scan of your passport data page. No invitation letter or hotel confirmation is required.
Can I extend my Russian e-visa while in Russia?
No, the e-visa cannot be extended except in emergencies such as medical treatment needs or force majeure events. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Russia and apply for a new visa.
What happens if my Russian visa application is refused?
If refused, the application fee is non-refundable. Review the specific error indicated (if any) in your rejection notice, correct the issue, and reapply. Most rejections are due to form errors or photo specification issues that can be easily fixed.