Russia’s E-Visa Boom in 2025: Over 821,000 Issued to Foreign Travelers

6/17/2026

Infographic showing Russia e-visa statistics for 2025 with Saint Basil's Cathedral and a Russian passport.

Russia significantly expanded its use of electronic visas (e-visas) in 2025, issuing more than 821,000 permits to foreign travelers, according to data from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This figure reflects the growing role of the e-visa system in simplifying entry procedures for eligible nationalities and strengthening Russia’s accessibility for tourism, business, and other short-term visits. The system, which has been in operation in a broader form since 2023, continues to gain traction as an alternative to traditional visa processes.

The data shows that the e-visa program has experienced strong growth year over year. In 2024, Russia issued around 671,000 e-visas, meaning the 2025 total represents an increase of roughly 22%. Compared to 2023, when only about 170,000 were issued, the program has expanded several times over, highlighting its rapid adoption and increasing administrative efficiency. Authorities also reported that these visas resulted in more than 730,000 actual entries into Russian territory in 2025, showing that most issued visas were actively used for travel.

A key feature of the 2025 figures is the dominance of certain nationalities among recipients. Chinese citizens accounted for nearly 40% of all e-visas issued, with more than 325,000 approvals. They were followed by travelers from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, and India, which together formed the top five source countries. This distribution reflects a mix of tourism, business travel, and regional mobility trends, with China standing out as the most significant contributor by a wide margin.

The report also highlights notable growth in several markets. India, for example, saw a major increase in e-visas issued, rising by more than 70% compared to the previous year. Turkey also recorded substantial growth, while some countries, such as Iran, experienced a slight decline. Overall, the top ten countries accounted for about 84% of all e-visas issued, indicating a relatively concentrated but expanding user base for the program.

Looking ahead, Russia’s e-visa system continues to evolve as part of broader efforts to modernize its immigration framework. The system is currently available to citizens of 64 countries and allows simplified online applications without the need for invitations or hotel bookings. Recent adjustments have extended visa validity to 120 days and permitted stays of up to 30 days, making the program more flexible for travelers. With continued growth and policy adjustments, the e-visa is becoming a central tool in Russia’s strategy to attract international visitors.

Source: Visa News