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The Russia e-visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue and permits a maximum stay of 30 calendar days per single entry. The validity window starts when the visa is issued, not on your intended entry date. UK passport holders are not eligible for the Russia e-visa.
This rule replaced the previous 60-day validity and 16-day stay limits on August 23, 2025, following a presidential decree signed on July 23, 2025. Travellers must enter Russia within the validity window; the permitted stay cannot exceed the remaining validity days.
How Long Is the Russian e-Visa Valid?
The Russia e-visa – formally the unified electronic visa (UEV) – is valid for 120 days from the date of issue, permits a single entry, and requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the application date. The 120-day rule replaced the previous 60-day limit on August 23, 2025 (presidential decree of July 23, 2025).
- Application window: no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 calendar days before intended entry.
- Processing time: 4 calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays. See our detailed Russian eVisa processing time guide.
- Fee: approximately $52 USD (consular fee + bank commission + payment system transaction costs), non-refundable regardless of outcome. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how much a Russia eVisa costs.
- Eligibility: 64 nationalities qualify; UK passport holders are excluded. The Russia e-visa is issued through the MFA consular portal as an external source. Check the complete list of Russia eVisa requirements and eligible nationalities.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. Visa rules can change rapidly; always verify the latest requirements on the official MFA portal before applying.
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30-Day Maximum Stay: How Days Are Counted
The Russia e-Visa permits a maximum stay of 30 calendar days from the date of entry (up from 16 days on August 23, 2025). Both the arrival day and departure day count as separate days toward this total, with the cutoff governed by Moscow Time (UTC+3) at midnight. The permitted period of stay is capped at the lesser of 30 days or the remaining validity days.
Example: entering on 1 November 2026 (validity day ~10) gives the full 30 days, with the last permitted day on 30 November 2026. Entering on day 119 of the validity window leaves only ~1-2 days, not the full 30.
| Entry Date | Validity Day | Last Permitted Day in Russia | Days Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | ~Day 10 | 30 November 2026 | 30 days |
| Day 119 of validity | 119 | Day 120 (visa expires) | ~1-2 days |
*All dates assume a visa issued on 22 October 2026. Adjust accordingly for other issue dates.
Extensions, Overstaying, and UK Eligibility
The Russia e-visa cannot be extended under normal circumstances. A force majeure exception (serious illness, natural disaster) may be processed through the local Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) office, resulting in an ordinary (not electronic) visa. Overstaying the 30-day limit triggers an administrative fine, deportation at the traveller’s expense, and a re-entry ban of up to 5 years. For transport delays, report to border control immediately with documentary evidence (no formal grace period).
UK passport holders are not among the 64 eligible nationalities for the Russia e-visa. Alternatives:
- Apply for a traditional consular visa at a Russian diplomatic mission in the UK. See our eVisa vs regular visa comparison.
- Use a passport from an eligible country if holding dual citizenship. Read our guide on Russia e-Visa for dual citizens.
Migration registration is mandatory for stays exceeding 7 working days; hotels register automatically, while self-arranged accommodation requires a visit to the local MIA office.
FAQ: Russia e-Visa Validity and Stay Limits
How long is a Russia e-visa valid in 2026?
The Russia e-visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. You must enter within this window. The limit was extended from 60 days on August 23, 2025 (presidential decree of July 23, 2025).
How many days can I stay in Russia with an e-visa?
You may stay up to 30 calendar days from entry. Arrival and departure count as two separate days, with the midnight cutoff governed by Moscow Time (UTC+3).
Can I enter Russia more than once with the same e-visa?
No. The Russia e-visa is a single-entry visa. Once you leave, you need a new e-visa to re-enter. Frequent back-to-back re-entries may trigger additional border scrutiny.
Can I extend my 30-day stay in Russia?
Extensions are not normally permitted. Only in force majeure (serious illness, natural disaster) can you apply through the local Ministry of Internal Affairs office; the extension is issued as an ordinary (not electronic) visa.
What are the penalties for overstaying my Russia e-visa?
Overstaying can result in an administrative fine, deportation at your expense, and a re-entry ban of typically up to 5 years. You must leave before the 30-day stay limit or the validity expires, whichever comes first.
Are UK citizens eligible for the Russia e-visa?
No, UK passport holders are not among the 64 eligible nationalities. UK citizens must apply for a traditional visa through a Russian consulate, or use a passport from an eligible country if holding dual citizenship.
When does the 120-day validity window start?
The 120-day validity window starts from the date of issue, not your intended entry date. You can apply no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 calendar days before your expected entry. Processing takes 4 calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays.
What happens if my flight is cancelled on day 30 of my stay?
There is no formal grace period. If your flight is cancelled on your last permitted day, report to border control immediately with documentary evidence such as an airline cancellation notice.
