Russia’s electronic visa has become more expensive for the second time since mid-October 2026, rising from AED 238 to AED 256 for adults, while the application rules remain unchanged for now.

Second fee rise detected during application payment

Travellers applying for a Russian electronic visa are facing another increase in the amount charged for the document. VisasNews and visa services agency Action-Visas identified the latest change on Thursday, November 12, 2026, while completing a payment through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official application system.

The payment amount had still been AED 238, or approximately $65, on November 10. By November 12, it had risen to AED 256, roughly $70. That represents a further increase of 7.6% in only a few days, following an earlier rise introduced on October 14, 2026.

Taken together, the changes mean the cost of a Russian e-Visa has climbed by nearly 27% in less than a month. Since mid-October, the amount paid by adult applicants has increased by AED 54, equivalent to about $15.

Adult and child charges now listed by payment provider

The new pricing has also been reflected by GKD Global FZE LLC, a company based in the United Arab Emirates that processes payments connected to Russian electronic visa applications. Its published pricing now lists separate amounts for adults and children, described as fees for document processing and verification.

  • Through October 13, 2026: AED 202, or approximately $55.
  • From October 14 to November 10: AED 238, or approximately $65, a 17.8% increase.
  • As of November 12: AED 256, or approximately $70, a further 7.6% increase.
  • Current child fee listed by GKD Global FZE LLC: AED 201, or approximately $55.
The Neva River embankment in St. Petersburg on a grey morning, with historic pastel facades and a bridge reflected in cold water
Russia’s e-Visa rules still limit eligible travellers to approved border checkpoints, including several airports, land crossings, rail points and seaports.

Although the updated amounts have been confirmed through the payment process and the payment provider’s published figures, Russian authorities have not released a specific explanation for the most recent increase. It remains unclear whether the change is linked to higher consular fees, additional processing costs or payment-related charges.

The adjustment comes as Russian visa costs have been rising more broadly. Since October 14, expedited processing fees for tourist and business visas have doubled for European nationals, while work visa fees have also increased substantially.

Eligibility and entry rules remain unchanged

Despite the higher price, the current rules for Russia’s e-Visa have not changed. The electronic visa is available to nationals of 64 countries. Eligible countries include France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, India, Japan, Indonesia and Mexico, with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintaining the full list.

The e-Visa can be used for tourism, private visits and business travel. It also covers participation in some scientific, cultural, economic and sports events.

  • Validity: 120 days from the date of issue.
  • Maximum stay: 30 days, provided the visa has not expired.
  • Entries: single entry only.
  • Processing time: no more than four calendar days.

Holders may enter and leave Russia only through border checkpoints specifically authorised for e-Visa use. These include the main Moscow international airports of Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, as well as airports serving St. Petersburg, Kazan, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad and Sochi. Several land border crossings, railway checkpoints and seaports are also included.

Travellers are advised to verify the official list of authorised checkpoints before departure, because a checkpoint’s inclusion on the list does not automatically mean it is currently open to international travellers.

Draft law could reshape the e-Visa system

Russia is also considering changes to the structure of its electronic visa programme. A draft law prepared by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would reduce the visa’s validity from 120 days to 45 days, while allowing visitors to remain in Russia until the electronic visa expires.

That would differ from the current 30-day stay limit and could allow visits of up to 45 days. However, the actual permitted stay would depend on the traveller’s arrival date. For example, a person entering Russia 30 days after the visa was issued would have only around 15 days left before expiry.

The draft also proposes broader entry options, potentially permitting e-Visa holders to use more checkpoints open to international traffic, rather than only those currently authorised. Another proposed change would allow transit through Russia on an electronic visa, which is not presently one of the permitted purposes.

The proposal includes transitional measures intended to protect the existing conditions for e-Visas issued before any reform takes effect. No start date has been announced. If adopted, the changes would come into force 90 days after official publication.

For travellers, the immediate impact is a higher application cost, not a change in eligibility or stay rules. Anyone planning a trip to Russia should budget for the new fee and continue checking official entry-point and visa-condition updates before applying or travelling.