Last reviewed: 15 September 2026. Next review: March 2027. Sources:,, gov.uk.
Dual citizens can apply for a Russian e-visa if they hold a valid passport from one of the 64 eligible countries. The unified e-visa costs approximately 52 USD, processes within 4 calendar days, and grants a maximum 30-day single-entry stay (validity 120 days from issue, increased from 60 days effective 23 August 2025). Russian dual citizens are excluded and must use a regular visa.
The e-visa is electronically linked to one specific passport, so the applicant must use the passport issued by an eligible country for both the application and border crossing. Citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not on the 64-country list and cannot apply using those passports alone. However, dual citizens who also hold a passport from an eligible country such as Brazil, Mexico, India, Turkey, or Zimbabwe may submit an application using that eligible passport. The full eligible-country list is available on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal.
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months of validity from the application date and at least 1 blank page is required, along with an ICAO-compliant digital photograph no more than 6 months old.
- No invitation letter required
- No hotel confirmation needed
- No travel purpose document needed
- Consular fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome
- E-visa cannot be extended except in cases of force majeure
- Linked to one specific passport only
Eligibility and Passport Choice for Dual Citizens
Dual citizens qualify for a Russian e-visa if they hold a machine-readable passport from one of the 64 eligible countries approved under Government Order No. 2571-r (as amended by Order No. 2040-r dated 29 July 2023 and Order No. 3583-r dated 5 December 2024). The United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded; Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Zimbabwe, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China (including Taiwan), and all 27 EU member states are included. South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are not on the list.
The applicant must submit the application using the eligible passport only. All citizenship fields on the form must be filled truthfully; omission of a second nationality is grounds for refusal. Name transliteration must match the eligible passport exactly. Applications are submitted via the MFA website, with processing taking up to 4 calendar days.
- Use the eligible-country passport for the entire application and border entry.
- Declare every held citizenship in the designated form fields.
- Resolve any transliteration mismatch in favour of the eligible passport.
Required Documents, Fees, and Country-Specific Rules
Dual citizens need only a scan of the biographical data page of a machine-readable passport and an ICAO-compliant digital photograph. Passport validity must be at least 6 months from the application date, with a minimum of 1 blank page. The digital photograph must be no more than 6 months old. British passports issued after January 2017 must be signed before travel; an unsigned passport risks denial of entry.
The consular fee is approximately 52 USD; children under 6 pay approximately 2 USD (transaction costs only). Do not use Gmail: the official portal reports delayed e-visa notifications.
| Region / Country | E-Visa Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia | Yes | Name transliteration must match the eligible passport exactly. |
| Zimbabwe, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan | Yes | Confirmed on the 64-country list. |
| South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya | No | Must apply for a regular consulate visa. |
Border Entry, Passport Consistency, and Russian Citizenship Warning
Exit and entry must be with the passport linked to the e-visa. At departure, show the eligible passport at airline check-in and the British passport at UK exit border control; at Russian entry, present the eligible passport with the e-visa notification. Presenting a different travel document risks denial of exit.
Individuals holding Russian citizenship are excluded from the e-visa route; concealing Russian nationality at the border carries potential criminal liability under Article 322 of the RF Criminal Code. British-Russian dual nationals face compulsory military service obligations and severely limited UK consular support; Russian passport renewal takes up to 4 months. All foreign nationals must complete an immigration card at entry and register with local authorities within 7 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Russia e-visa for dual citizens
Which passport should I use for a Russian e-visa if I have dual citizenship?
Always use the eligible-country passport; the e-visa is linked to that number, so entry and exit must be with the same document.
Can I apply if one of my citizenships is from a non-eligible country like the UK?
Yes. Submit the application using the eligible passport. Eligibility is determined by the passport used, not the total number of citizenships held.
Do I need to declare my second citizenship on the e-visa application form?
All nationality fields must be completed truthfully. Omission of citizenship information can serve as grounds for refusal by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can I enter Russia with one passport and leave with another?
No. The e-visa is tied to one specific passport; presenting a different passport at exit may result in denial of departure.
Are Brazilian, Mexican, and Indian citizens eligible for the Russian e-visa?
Yes. Brazil, Mexico, and India are all on the 64-country eligible list under Order No. 2571-r as amended. Citizens holding a valid machine-readable passport may apply through the MFA website.
Are South African and Nigerian citizens eligible for the unified e-visa?
No. South Africa and Nigeria are not on the 64-country eligible list. Citizens of these countries must apply for a regular visa through a Russian diplomatic mission or consular post.
How long does it take to process a Russian e-visa for dual citizens?
Processing takes no more than 4 calendar days from submission, including weekends and bank holidays. The application website operates 24/7.
What happens if I hold Russian citizenship but apply using a foreign passport?
Russian law treats individuals with Russian citizenship exclusively as Russian citizens. The e-visa is legally unavailable. Concealing Russian citizenship at the border may result in administrative fines, detention, and criminal liability under Article 322 of the RF Criminal Code.
