Russia Tourist Visa
Unified Electronic Visa (E-Visa) · For Turkey citizens
Planning a trip to Russia as a Turkish citizen? The unified e-visa is the simplest option, allowing a 30-day stay with no invitation letter required. With a 92% approval rate and just $52 in fees, the online application takes only 4 days to process. No embassy visit needed.
Russia Tourist Visa for Turkish Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Turkey citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Turkish passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months from the application date
Recent digital photograph in JPEG format meeting Russian e-visa specifications
Digital copy of your passport's biographical data page in JPEG format
Medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation for the entire duration of your stay
Active email address to receive your e-visa notification and status updates
Visa or MasterCard for online payment of the e-visa fee
Application Process
The Russian unified e-visa is fully online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.1 Follow these steps:
1. Create an Account
Visit the official Russian e-visa portal at evisa.kdmid.ru and register using your email address.1 You can also use the Russian Foreign Ministry’s mobile application. Keep your login credentials safe as you’ll need them to track your application.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Before starting the application, have ready:1
- Your Turkish passport (valid 6+ months from application date)
- Digital photo in JPEG format meeting specifications
- Scanned copy of your passport data page
- Visa or MasterCard for payment
3. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.1 Enter your planned entry date and purpose of visit (tourism, business, or private visit). All information must exactly match your passport.
4. Upload Photo and Passport Scan
Upload your digital photograph and passport data page scan.1 Photos that don’t meet specifications will be rejected during processing. Review the detailed photo requirements carefully before uploading.
5. Pay the Fee
Submit payment of $52 USD using an international Visa or MasterCard.1 Payment is processed through secure internet acquiring. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Children under 6 are exempt from the consular fee.
6. Submit and Wait
After payment, your application is submitted for processing.1 You’ll receive a confirmation email with your application number. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days.
7. Download Your E-Visa
When approved, your status changes to “Processing completed” and you can download the e-visa notification as a PDF.1 Print it or save it on your mobile device. You’ll need to show this to airline staff and border officers.
Fees
| Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $52 USD | Standard e-visa fee |
| Children under 6 | Free | Only small transaction fee applies |
The e-visa fee is significantly lower than traditional consular visas and includes no additional service charges.1 Payment is made online during the application process using Visa or MasterCard.
Important: The fee is non-refundable. If your application is rejected or returned for corrections, you will not receive a refund.1 If your application is returned for editing, you have 10 days to make corrections without additional payment.
What You Need to Prove
The e-visa application is streamlined compared to traditional visas. You do not need to demonstrate:1
- Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
- Flight reservations
- Invitation letters from Russian contacts
- Bank statements or proof of funds
- Employment verification
The consular review focuses on:1
Identity verification: Your passport must be valid, machine-readable, and issued by Turkey. All application details must exactly match your passport.
Photo compliance: Your digital photograph must meet strict biometric specifications. This is a common reason for application returns.
Security screening: Standard background checks are conducted. Previous immigration violations or security concerns may result in rejection.
Eligibility confirmation: Turkish citizens are on the approved list of 64 countries eligible for the unified e-visa.1
Processing Times
The e-visa is processed within 4 calendar days from submission.1 This makes it one of the fastest visa processes for Russian entry.
Timeline planning:
- Earliest application: 86 days before travel
- Latest application: 4 days before travel
- E-visa validity: 120 days from issuance
- Maximum stay: 30 days from entry
If your application contains errors, it will be returned for correction within 2 calendar days.1 You then have 10 days to make corrections and resubmit. The processing clock restarts when you resubmit the corrected application.
Peak periods: The e-visa system handles high volumes efficiently. Unlike embassy appointments, there’s no waiting for slots. Apply any time within the 4-86 day window before your trip.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your e-visa is approved:1
Download and print your e-visa notification. You can also save it on your mobile device. Show this document to:
- Airline staff at check-in
- Border officers upon arrival in Russia
Enter only through designated checkpoints. The e-visa is valid only at specific border crossings.1 Major airports included are:
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo)
- Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo)
- Kazan, Sochi, Vladivostok, and 40+ other airports
Sea ports, rail crossings, and some land borders also accept e-visas. Verify your planned entry point is on the approved list before booking travel.
Carry travel insurance. You must have medical insurance valid in Russia for your entire stay.1 Border officers may request proof of coverage.
Receive your immigration card. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an immigration card that must be kept until departure.4 Don’t lose it, as you need it to exit Russia.
Register if staying over 7 days. If you stay in one location for more than 7 working days, you must register with migration authorities.4 Hotels typically handle this automatically.
If Your Visa is Refused
E-visa rejections are relatively rare given the 92% approval rate, but they do occur. Common reasons include:1
Application returned for editing: If errors are found, your application is returned with specific fields marked for correction. You have 10 days to edit and resubmit without additional payment.
Outright refusal: If refused after review, you’ll receive notification. Common causes include:
- Security concerns or entry bans
- Passport validity issues
- Failure to meet eligibility requirements
- Providing false information
Next steps after refusal:
- Review the refusal notice for specific reasons
- Check for entry bans if you’ve previously visited Russia or violated immigration rules. Contact the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs through official channels.
- Apply for a regular visa through the Russian consulate if the e-visa route is blocked. Regular visas require more documentation but may succeed where e-visas fail.
- Seek professional advice for complex cases involving previous violations or unclear refusal reasons
Russian consulates in Turkey are located in Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, and Trabzon for regular visa applications.4
Important: Never provide false information. Misrepresentation leads to visa revocation at the border and potential long-term entry bans.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Application contains errors, missing fields, or information that doesn't match passport details exactly
How to avoid: Double-check all entries against your passport. Spelling of name, date of birth, and passport number must match exactly.
Photo Specification Failures
Submitted photograph doesn't meet the strict biometric requirements for size, background, lighting, or facial positioning
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service. Ensure white background, neutral expression, and face taking up 70-80% of the image.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport is not machine-readable, has less than 6 months validity, or is damaged
How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months from application date and has the machine-readable zone intact.
Entry Ban in Effect
Previous immigration violations, unpaid fines, or overstays have resulted in an existing entry ban
How to avoid: If you suspect an entry ban, check with Russian immigration authorities before applying. Previous violations must be resolved first.
Security or Criminal Concerns
Background check reveals security concerns or criminal history that disqualifies the applicant
How to avoid: Be honest in your application. Misrepresentation leads to immediate rejection and potential future bans.
Application Timing Issues
Application submitted too early (more than 86 days before travel) or too late (less than 4 days before travel)
How to avoid: Submit your application between 4 and 86 days before your planned entry date into Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes, Turkish citizens holding ordinary passports require a visa to visit Russia. The easiest option is the unified e-visa, which can be obtained entirely online without visiting an embassy. Diplomatic and service passport holders may have different arrangements.
How long can Turkish citizens stay in Russia on a tourist e-visa?
The Russian e-visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days from the date of entry. The visa itself is valid for 120 days from issuance, giving you flexibility on when to travel. Note that both the arrival and departure days count as separate days toward your 30-day limit.
How much does a Russia visa cost for Turkish citizens?
The e-visa fee is $52 USD for adults. Children under 6 years old are exempt from the consular fee, paying only a small transaction charge. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or rejected.
How long does it take to get a Russian e-visa for Turkish citizens?
Processing takes a maximum of 4 calendar days from the date you submit your completed application. You must apply at least 4 days before your planned entry date, and no earlier than 86 days before travel.
What is the approval rate for Russian visas for Turkish citizens?
The e-visa approval rate is approximately 92% for Turkish applicants. Most rejections result from application errors, photo issues, or passport validity problems rather than substantive concerns. Careful attention to details ensures high success rates.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Russian tourist visa?
No. One of the main advantages of the e-visa is that no invitation letter, hotel booking, or other supporting documents are required. You only need your passport, a digital photo, and payment card to complete the application.
Can I enter Russia from any border with an e-visa?
No, the e-visa is only valid at designated border crossing points. These include major airports like Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo), Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo), and many others, plus selected sea, rail, and land checkpoints. Check the full list before booking travel.
Can I extend my Russian e-visa once I'm in Russia?
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies, serious illness, or force majeure events like natural disasters. Standard extensions for tourism purposes are not available. Plan your trip within the 30-day limit.
What happens if my Russian e-visa application is rejected?
If rejected, you can correct your application and resubmit without additional payment if the issues are identified within the review period. For new applications after rejection, you must pay the fee again. Common issues include photo problems or data entry errors.
Do I need travel insurance for a Russian e-visa?
Travel medical insurance valid in Russia is required for your stay, though it's not checked during the online application process. You must have valid insurance when entering Russia. Carry printed proof of your policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation.