Russia is preparing to modify its legislative framework for electronic visa. “In the near future”, its validity will be increased from 60 to 120 days, while the authorized length of stay will be extended from 16 to 30 days, according to Maria Zakharova. In addition, Vladimir Putin intends to introduce electronic authorization, replacing paper migration cards, in order to secure the entry of foreigners into the country.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a forthcoming change in legislation concerning the electronic visa (e-Visa), aimed at extending its validity and authorized length of stay.
Maria Zakharova, the Ministry’s spokeswoman, declared on March 13, 2025 that the validity period of the e-Visa would be extended “in the near future” from 60 to 120 days, while the authorized length of stay for foreigners holding this type of visa would be extended from 16 to 30 days.
This measure, already mooted in 2024, is designed to facilitate international travelers’ access to Russia, particularly for tourism, business and family visits. It is part of Moscow’s wider strategy to boost its tourism sector and strengthen economic exchanges with foreign countries.
While the diplomat confirmed these imminent changes, the exact date of their implementation has not yet been specified.
A welcome relaxation for travellers
Currently, travelers using an e-Visa have to organize their stay within a limited timeframe, which can restrict their travel options within Russia. With a validity period extended to 120 days, visitors will have greater flexibility in planning their trips, while enjoying an extended stay in the country.
The announcement comes as Russia seeks to attract more international tourists and strengthen ties with partner countries. The simplification and easing of entry requirements are seen as strategic levers in a geopolitical context where Russia is trying to diversify its foreign relations.
Maria Zakharova pointed out that, at present, the electronic visa allows foreign citizens from 64 countries, including European states, to stay in the territory of the Russian Federation for 16 days for tourism, business or private purposes. They can also take part in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sporting events.
A strong signal for the Russian tourism industry
The extension of e-visa validity should directly benefit the tourism sector, which has been hard hit by the health crisis and restrictions imposed in recent years due to the conflict in Ukraine. By easing entry requirements, Russia hopes to attract more travelers from countries where obtaining a traditional visa can be time-consuming and restrictive.
The decision to extend the validity and length of stay of the e-Visa also reflects a desire to open up and modernize Russian migration policy. The aim is to make the country more accessible, while boosting its economy by increasing the number of international visitors.
According to the Border Service of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the number of international tourist arrivals in 2024 was 1,572,000, a far cry from 2019, when the country welcomed over 5 million tourists.
Towards the introduction of electronic authorization for foreigners entering Russia
Alongside the extension of e-Visa, Vladimir Putin recently suggested replacing paper migration cards with electronic authorization for foreign nationals.
At an expanded annual meeting of the Interior Ministry in early March, the Russian president stressed the importance of strengthening public security and preserving the country’s cultural identity. He also stressed the need to modernize migration control tools by adopting contemporary technologies.
“As we have agreed, the Ministry of the Interior, together with other relevant departments, should study the possibility of abandoning the paper migration card and switching to electronic authorization for people coming from abroad,” Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency TASS.
The Russian president explained that “these and other innovations should be reflected in the updated concept of state migration policy, which should be adopted as early as this year, as quickly as possible”.
“The priority here is the security of society and citizens, and the preservation of our cultural identity. It is necessary to eliminate illegal immigration channels, to make more active use of modern migration control tools,” said Vladimir Putin.
