Traveling between Turkey and Russia has historically been significant for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. With the introduction and recent updates to the Unified Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system, visiting the Russian Federation has never been easier for Turkish passport holders. Gone are the days of tedious consulate visits and complex paperwork.
If you are a Turkish citizen planning a trip to Moscow, St. Petersburg, or any other region in Russia, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—Russia e-Visa for Turkish Citizens, document requirements and processing times to fees and expert tips for a seamless application.
Does a Turkish passport need a visa for Russia?
Yes, Turkey is on the list of eligible countries whose citizens can apply for a Unified e-Visa to visit the Russian Federation. This digital travel authorization allows you to enter Russia for various purposes without needing a traditional sticker visa in your passport. It simplifies the process significantly, allowing you to complete the entire application from the comfort of your home in Turkey.
Do Holders of Green and Gray Passports Need a Visa?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Turkish citizens holding Green (Special/Hususi) or Gray (Service/Hizmet) passports typically enjoy a visa exemption for short visits.
Green/Gray Passports: You may enter Russia visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. You do not need to apply for an e-Visa if your trip is within this limit.
Bordo (Ordinary) Passports: You MUST obtain a visa (such as the e-Visa) before traveling.
Note: Always verify the latest bilateral agreements before travel, as diplomatic rules can change.
How long is a Russian e-visa valid and what's the allowed stay?
As of the latest updates in late 2025, the Russia e-Visa offers generous terms for travelers.
Validity Period: The e-Visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. This means you have a four-month window to enter Russia after receiving your visa.
Maximum Stay: Once you enter Russia, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
Number of Entries: It is typically a Single Entry visa.
Note: Always ensure your exit date does not exceed the 30-day limit or the overall visa validity expiry date.
How many types of visas are there in Russia?
The Unified e-Visa is versatile and covers most non-employment travel needs, you can select the specific category that matches your intent:
Tourist e-Visa: For sightseeing, visiting landmarks, and general vacations.
Business e-Visa: For attending meetings, negotiations, or conferences.
Guest Visit e-Visa: For visiting friends or relatives residing in Russia.
Scientific, Cultural, and Sport Events e-Visa: For participants attending specific events in these fields.
Economic Events e-Visa: For trade shows and economic forums.
Regardless of the type, the validity (120 days) and max stay (30 days) generally remain consistent under the unified system.
What documents are needed for a Russian eVisa application?
To ensure a successful application, you must have the following documents required for Russian eVisa. The system is paperless, so you will need digital scans:
Valid Turkish Passport:
Must be machine-readable.
Must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of application.
Must have sufficient blank space for border stamps.
Digital Photograph:
A recent passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months).
White background, neutral expression, face clearly visible.
Email Address: To receive your approved e-Visa PDF.
Payment Method: A valid credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or PayPal to pay the fees.
Do children need an e-visa?
Yes. Every individual traveler, regardless of age, must have their own separate e-Visa.
Minors: Parents or legal guardians must complete the application on behalf of their children.
Passport: The child must have their own valid passport.
Fees: While government fees may sometimes vary for young children, service fees for processing typically apply to all applications to ensure the documentation is correct.
How much is a visa from Turkey to Russia?
The total Russia e-Visa cost is transparent and consists of three main components:
Government Fee: This is the mandatory consular fee set by the Russian authorities. It varies slightly based on exchange rates and nationality but is a fixed cost for processing.
Service Fee: Charged by the processing agency (like russian-e-visa.com) for reviewing your application, correcting errors, and managing the submission to ensure approval.
Additional Rush Fee (Optional): If you need your visa faster than the standard time, an extra fee applies.
Standard Service: Includes Government + Service Fee.
Rush/Super Rush: Includes Government + Service + Urgent Processing Fee.
What are the options for expedited processing of a Russian eVisa?
One of the biggest advantages of applying online is the flexibility in processing speed. Depending on how urgent your travel plans are, you can choose from three tiers:
Normal Processing:
Timeframe: 6 - 9 Days.
Best for: Travelers planning ahead who want the most economical option.
Rush Processing:
Timeframe: 4 - 7 Days.
Best for: Travelers who have finalized trips about a week out.
Super Rush Processing:
Timeframe: 3 - 5 Days.
Best for: Last-minute trips or urgent business meetings.
Do I Need a Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter?
Unlike traditional sticker visas, the Russia e-Visa does NOT strictly require a formal invitation letter (voucher) or confirmed hotel booking at the time of application. However, you will be asked to provide accommodation details (name and address of hotel/host) in the application form. It is highly advisable to have a hotel booking confirmation ready to show border control officers upon arrival in Russia to prove your accommodation arrangements.
What passport photo requirements are needed for the Russian eVisa?
Photo rejection is a common reason for delays. Ensure your digital upload meets these strict criteria:
Format: JPEG.
Size: Maximum 35x45 mm ratio (if scanning).
Background: Plain white or very light plain background.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open.
No Accessories: No hats or tinted glasses. Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted if the face is fully visible.
Do Turkish Citizens Need Travel Insurance for Russia?
Yes. It is a mandatory requirement for all foreign citizens entering Russia on an e-Visa to have valid medical travel insurance that covers the entire territory of the Russian Federation for the full period of stay. Border officials frequently ask to see a printed copy of your insurance policy upon arrival.
Can I travel anywhere in Russia with an e-visa?
You cannot enter Russia through just any border crossing. You must use designated checkpoints equipped to scan e-Visas. Fortunately, this includes major international hubs relevant to Turkish travelers:
Airports: Sheremetyevo (Moscow), Domodedovo (Moscow), Vnukovo (Moscow), Pulkovo (St. Petersburg), Sochi, Kazan, and many others.
Seaports: Major ports in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.
Land Borders: Designated railway and automobile checkpoints.
How do you register your visa in Russia?
Yes, if you stay in Russia for more than 7 working days, you must register your visa.
Hotels: If you are staying at a hotel or hostel, the administration will automatically handle this registration for you upon check-in.
Private Homes: If you are staying with friends or family, the host (owner of the property) must register you at the local post office or police station within 7 working days of your arrival.
Penalty: Failure to register can lead to fines or delays when trying to exit the country.
How to Apply for the Russia e-Visa Online?
Applying is a simple 3-step process when using a streamlined service:
Fill Out the Form: Enter your personal details, passport info, and travel dates.
Upload Documents: Upload your digital photo and passport scan.
Pay and Submit: Choose your processing speed (Normal, Rush, Super Rush) and pay the fee securely via Credit Card or PayPal.
Once approved, the e-Visa is sent directly to your email as a PDF.
Does my eVisa need to be printed in color?
While border control scanners read the data from the QR code and system, it is highly recommended to print your e-Visa in color. A clear, color print ensures that your photo and personal details are easily readable by border officers, reducing the chance of delays. Always keep a digital backup on your phone as well.
Why Choose russian-e-visa.com for Your Application?
While you can apply directly via the government portal, many Turkish travelers choose russian-e-visa.com to avoid the complex government interface, language barriers, and strict photo rejection policies. Here is why:
Expert Support & Error-Free Applications: Visa experts review every single field of your application and your documents before submission to the government. This significantly boosts approval chances and prevents rejection due to typos or bad photos.
Fast, Secure, and User-Friendly: The interface is designed for ease of use. Your data is encrypted, and the process is much faster than the standard portal.
24/7 Assistance: If you have questions about the form or your status, support is available anytime via live chat or WhatsApp.
Peace of Mind: They handle the compliance checks, ensuring your travel reason matches the visa type selected.
Flexible Payment: Easy payment options including PayPal and major cards, which can sometimes be difficult on foreign government sites.
What Should I Do if My e-Visa is Rejected?
Visa rejections are rare for Turkish citizens if the paperwork is correct. Common reasons include:
Poor quality passport scan or photo.
Inconsistent information (e.g., birth date doesn't match passport).
Past immigration violations.
If a rejection occurs due to a government decision, specific refund policies may apply to the service portion, but government fees are standardly non-refundable.
