No minimum or maximum age applies to the Russian eVisa. Every child, including newborns, must hold a separate electronic visa. Children under 6 are exempt from the consular fee (≈ $2 transaction charge only); those aged 6 to 17 pay the standard $52. A valid passport, JPEG photo, parental consent, and medical insurance are required for all minors. Apply via at least two weeks before travel.
Russian eVisa Age Requirements & Required Documents for Minors
BLUF: The Russian eVisa imposes no minimum or maximum age; every child must hold an individual eVisa, separate from any parent’s application. The Russian MFA confirmed there is no age threshold, meaning newborns are equally eligible. Russian eVisa age requirements stipulate that a separate application must be submitted for each child, even if indicated in a parent’s passport. Children under 6 are exempt from the consular fee; applicants aged 6 to 17 pay $52.
| Age Bracket | Required for Application | Required at Border | Recommended as Safeguard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 (Infant) | Individual machine-readable passport, JPEG digital photo, parental consent form fields in MFA portal | Original birth certificate, medical insurance valid in RF territory | Notarised consent letter (English + Russian translation) |
| 6-11 (Child) | Same as above | Same as above | Bridging documents if parent surname differs (marriage cert, deed poll) |
| 12-17 (Adolescent) | Same as above | Same as above; biometric photographs taken at border | Power of attorney if travelling with non-parent adult |
No invitation letter, hotel booking, or flight tickets are required. Medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation for the entire stay is mandatory for all minors.
Passport Validity & Photo Specifications for Minors
The Russian eVisa requires the child’s passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the submission date and be machine-readable. A child listed in a parent’s passport cannot use the eVisa system. The digital photo must be JPEG, full-face, neutral expression, no more than 6 months old, showing the applicant alone. British passports issued after January 2017 must be signed before travel.
Step-by-Step Application Process & eVisa Fees by Age Group
BLUF: Each child’s Russian eVisa application must be submitted individually via within 4 to 86 days before entry, with processing taking up to 4 calendar days. A parent or guardian can manage multiple applications from one authorised account.
Create an authorised account
Create an authorised account on the MFA portal or use the MFA mobile app.
Start a new application
Start a new application for the minor and enter the child’s full date of birth (day, month, year). Incomplete DOB results in automatic rejection.
Upload documents
Upload a JPEG digital photo and a JPEG scan of the child’s passport bio page.
Provide parent/guardian details
Provide parent or guardian contact details and relationship to the minor.
Pay the fee
Pay by Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay. Billing is in AED (Emirati dirhams); the final GBP charge may vary with exchange rates.
Submit the application
Submit within the 4-86 day window. If errors are flagged, corrections must be returned within 2 calendar days.
Practical tip: When applying for a 4-year-old in March 2026, the MFA portal rejected a photo with a shadowed background. Use a plain white wall and natural daylight.
Russian eVisa Fees for UK Families
Russian eVisa fees are based on the child’s age at the date of application submission, not the travel date. Children under 6 pay only ≈ $2 in transaction costs; applicants aged 6-17 pay the standard $52. All fees are non-refundable. Worked example: 2 adults + 1 child aged 4 + 1 child aged 8 = (2 × $52) + $2 + $52 = $158 (≈ £126). See the full cost breakdown for UK travellers.
| Age Group | Consular Fee | Transaction Fee | Total (USD) | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $0 (exempt) | ≈ $2 | ≈ $2 | ≈ £1.60 |
| 6-17 | $52 | Included | ≈ $52 | ≈ £42 |
| 18+ (adult) | $52 | Included | ≈ $52 | ≈ £42 |
Travel Rules: Parental Consent, Surnames & UK-Specific Advice
BLUF: Parents with a different surname from their child must carry bridging documents; non-parent guardians need notarised power of attorney for Russian border entry. The Russian eVisa does not alter requirements based on surname mismatches, but border officials verify the parent-child relationship using a full birth certificate, marriage certificate, or deed poll. Russian-certified translations may be requested.
For a child travelling without both parents, Russian Federal Law No. 114-FZ requires notarised travel permission from at least one parent or legal guardian for exit from Russia (source: gov.uk). In practice, border officials expect consent from both parents, translated into Russian, for foreign minors entering the country.
FCDO Travel Advice & Biometrics for UK Residents
The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Russia (gov.uk). Despite this, the Russian eVisa remains technically available to UK nationals via. UK residents aged 12 and above must submit fingerprints in person at the Edinburgh visa application centre. British passports issued after January 2017 must be signed before travel.
FAQ: Russian eVisa Age Requirements for Children in 2026
What is the minimum age for a child to get a Russian eVisa in 2026?
Russian eVisa rules set no minimum age. Even newborns require a separate, individual application.
Do children under 6 pay the Russian eVisa fee?
Russian eVisa applicants under 6 are exempt from the consular fee and pay only an approx. $2 transaction charge. The age is determined at the date of application submission.
Does my child need a separate passport for a Russian eVisa?
Russian eVisa rules require every minor to hold an individual machine-readable passport valid for at least 6 months from the submission date.
Can I apply for a Russian eVisa for my child from the UK?
Russian eVisa applications for minors can be submitted from the UK via or the MFA mobile app. A separate application is required for each child.
What if my surname is different from my child’s passport?
Russian eVisa border officials may request bridging documents when the parent’s surname differs from the child’s. Carry a marriage certificate, full birth certificate, or deed poll with a Russian-certified translation.
Is there a reduced visa fee for teenagers aged 12 to 17?
Russian eVisa fees do not include a reduced rate for teenagers. Applicants aged 6 to 17 pay the same $52 consular fee as adults.
Can my child travel to Russia unaccompanied on an eVisa?
Russian eVisa holders who are minors travelling without parents require notarised travel permission. Under Russian Federal Law No. 114-FZ, notarised consent from at least one parent is required for exit; the practical border standard for entry is consent from both parents, translated into Russian.
How long does processing take for a child’s Russian eVisa?
Russian eVisa processing for minors takes no more than 4 calendar days from the date of submission. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel to allow a buffer.
Does my child need separate travel insurance for Russia?
Russian eVisa requirements mandate medical insurance valid in the territory of the Russian Federation for the entire duration of stay. A minor must be covered by their own policy or a family policy explicitly covering the child.
What if my child turns 6 between submitting the application and arriving in Russia?
Russian eVisa fee exemption is determined by the child’s age at the date of application submission, not the travel date. Submit before the 6th birthday to benefit from the consular fee exemption.
Last updated 15 September 2026. Visa regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at and consult FCDO travel advice at gov.uk before planning your trip.
