Your Ultimate Guide to Getting a Russian E-Visa in 2024!
Planning a trip to Russia? Let me walk you through the latest e-visa application process! It's easier than you think.
What You Need Before You Start:
- Passport Photo: Size 3.5x4.5 cm.
- Passport Scan: Pro tip: Get this professionally scanned! The phone app scans didn't work for me – the system kept flagging errors. Save the file as a JPG.
- Hotel Booking: They only need the address and phone number of where you'll be staying in Russia. The booking number is optional. I used Zenhotels and chose a hotel with free cancellation and pay-later options.
- Travel Insurance: Not required.
- Proof of Funds: Not required either!
Important Tips for Filling Out the Application:
I've attached screenshots with some pointers. When choosing your passport type, they provide sample images for the 2023 (chip-embedded), 2022 (no place of birth), and 2005 versions. Just pick the one that matches your passport!
The section asking about countries visited in the last 3 years is optional. If you do fill it out, they only ask for the country name; they won't delve into your travel history.
The Nitty-Gritty:
The fee is around 1.3 million VND (approximately $55 USD) and you can pay online with any international credit card. My visa arrived within a few days!
Here's the official e-visa application link (English version):
https://evisa.kdmid.ru/Good to Know for Your Trip:
Recently, immigration in Russia has been incredibly fast. Unlike older reviews, us Vietnamese don't have to go to a separate line!
Tourist spots are mostly filled with Chinese tourists and locals, so it's not overly crowded.
Russia's past its fall foliage season and is heading into winter, but I decided to take my family anyway. Russia is still affordable and beautiful, with delicious food. I could go back countless times!
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