Entry into the country – general information about Russian Visas

Passport & Visa requirements for entering Russia

The outlook of a russian business visa

All this information refers only to holders of adult normal passports. Requirements for children may be different. If you own any other type of passport or travel document the requirements for entering Russia should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate. 

Passports required by all the visitors. Passports must be valid 6 months after the date of return from Russia.

The following country citizens DO NOT require a visa for visiting Russia for tourist purposes: Nationals of Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.

Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Embassy of Russia.

All visas must be obtained prior to arrival

Types of Russian visas:

  • Tourist visa (Good for scouting or just visiting the country. Also works for crew members not involved in the filming process)
  • Business visas (Main choice for all film crews. Allows you to realize any filming except life broadcasts or visiting official events)
  • Journalist visa (Mandatory for life broadcasts and filmings at places like railroads, military zones, etc.)
  • Humanitarian Visas. Same as a Business visa, but with another invitation-issuing procedure. 

Information about Russian Visas required for filming purposes can be found on this page

We made a quiz to define which visa type you need. Please answer a few questions for finding out the type of visa that is required for your production. 

Contact us for getting an invitation for a business visa or some further information about visa types.

And it’s very important when you enter Russia you will be given a small paper at the immigration control. Keep it. You will need to show it every time you check-in into a new hotel. Also, the immigration control will ask you to show this paper when you will be leaving the country. Loosing it or not stamping at the hotel may lead to a fine. 

Russian immigration card. Don't loose it!