Russia Considers Major Changes to Electronic Visa Validity and Entry Rules

A draft law proposes significant changes to Russia's unified electronic visa system, amending Federal Law No. 114-FZ governing entry and exit. The primary change would reduce the e-Visa's validity from 120 days to 45 days from issuance. However, the proposed rules would permit travellers to remain in Russia for the entire 45-day validity period. This differs from the current system, which allows a maximum 30-day stay within a 120-day validity window.

The crucial distinction for travellers is how the length of stay aligns with the visa's shorter validity. Under existing rules, entry must occur within 120 days of issuance, with a fixed 30-day stay limit. The proposed system ties the permitted stay directly to the remaining validity after entry. For example, entering 30 days after issuance would leave only approximately 15 days for a stay. Conversely, immediate entry could allow nearly the full 45-day period in Russia. This offers more flexibility for longer trips if the application is timed appropriately, but it shortens the overall travel window.

The reform also aims to remove restrictions on border crossing points for e-Visa holders. Currently, entry and exit are limited to a government-approved list of specific checkpoints. Removing this legal provision could allow e-Visas at a wider array of international passenger checkpoints. Furthermore, transit would be added as a permitted purpose for e-Visa use. Currently, e-Visas are primarily for tourism, private visits, business, and specific cultural or sporting events.

These changes remain proposals in a draft law and have not yet come into effect. Electronic visas issued before any new law takes effect would remain subject to previous rules. This means they would retain 120-day validity and the 30-day maximum stay limit. The draft law states it would enter into force 90 days after its official publication. No specific implementation date has been confirmed, and further clarification is anticipated.