Russia Enhances Electronic Visa System to Boost Tourism Industry

As part of its efforts to increase its popularity as a tourist destination, Russia has taken steps to simplify entry mechanisms and expand the validity period of electronic visas. The measure, which was adopted by the State Duma, has already shown impressive results, with over 940 thousand foreign tourists using the electronic visa mechanism during its period of operation. The new law increases the validity period of electronic visas from 60 to 120 days, while also extending the permitted period of stay for foreign citizens from 16 to 30 days. This move is expected to make Russia even more accessible to international travelers and strengthen its position in the global tourism market.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia has seen a significant increase in popularity among foreign tourists, with over 5 million visitors in 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year.
• The electronic visa mechanism has been widely used, with over 940 thousand people taking advantage of it during its period of operation.
• The new law increases the validity period of electronic visas from 60 to 120 days and extends the permitted period of stay from 16 to 30 days.
• The State Duma has also adopted measures to make the electronic visa mechanism more user-friendly, including adding new services and improving the platform's interface.
• The Ministry of Economic Development is considering the possibility of allowing multiple use of electronic visas, which could further simplify the entry process for tourists.
• According to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Russia's popularity as a tourist destination is expected to continue to grow, with the country aiming to attract over 10 million foreign tourists by 2028.

Statistics:

• Over 5 million foreign tourists visited Russia in 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year.
• More than 940 thousand foreign tourists used the electronic visa mechanism during its period of operation.
• Over 230 thousand foreign tourists entered Russia using the electronic visa mechanism during the first five months of 2025.
• The electronic visa platform has been used by citizens of 64 countries since its launch on August 1, 2023.
• Russia aims to attract over 10 million foreign tourists by 2028.

Sources:

• "Russia continues to demonstrate growth in popularity among foreign tourists, which is due to the creation of tourism infrastructure and the introduction of simplified entry mechanisms," said Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko, commenting on the bill adopted by the State Duma, expanding the possibilities of a single electronic visa for entry into Russia. [1]
• Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia, added: "The Ministry of Economic Development is systematically working to increase the attractiveness of Russia for foreign tourists. An electronic visa is one of the important mechanisms for simplified entry for tourists." [1]
• The platform for issuing unified electronic visas was launched on August 1, 2023 for citizens of 64 countries. [1]