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Visitor & short-stay visas

Russian Visa-free Entry (CIS and bilateral agreements)

Short-stay entry without a visa for citizens of many CIS states and certain countries with bilateral visa-waiver agreements.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The specific visa-free country lists and stay limits vary by bilateral agreement and change over time; the 90-in-180-days figure and country lists were not confirmed on an official page during research — verify with the MFA.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Russia government website before you apply.
On this page
Route type
Visa-free short-stay entry
Who qualifies
Citizens of many CIS states and countries with bilateral visa-waiver agreements
Permitted stay
Defined short-stay period (commonly up to 90 days within 180 days)
Migration registration
Still required after arrival
Who it applies to
Nationals of CIS and other countries with a visa-waiver agreement with Russia
Maximum stay
Commonly up to 90 days; the exact cap and reference period depend on the specific agreement
Recent (2025) changes to the 90-day rule not verified against an official source in this pass
Travel document
Foreign passport; some nationalities may enter on an internal ID
Country list not verified against an official source in this pass
Cost
No visa fee
Registration
Migration registration required after arrival

Who it is for

  • Citizens of CIS member states (e.g. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) within the permitted period.
  • Citizens of other countries that have signed visa-waiver agreements with Russia.
  • Belarusian citizens under the Union State arrangements.

What you can do

  • Enter and stay for the permitted visa-free period.
  • Complete migration registration at your place of stay.
  • You generally cannot work without the appropriate permit or patent.

Requirements

  • Visa-free entry applies to nationals of countries that have a CIS or bilateral visa-waiver agreement with Russia.
  • You must present the travel document your agreement specifies at the border — a valid foreign passport, or for certain nationalities an accepted internal ID.
  • Even without a visa your stay is capped by the agreement — commonly 90 days — and overstaying can lead to fines and entry bans.
  • A migration card is issued on entry and must be kept and surrendered when you leave.

How to apply

There is no visa to apply for, but you must meet the entry and registration rules at and after the border.

  • Confirm your nationality qualifies under the current bilateral or CIS visa-waiver agreement.
  • Carry the travel document your agreement accepts (foreign passport or, where allowed, an internal ID).
  • Complete the migration card at the border and keep your copy.
  • Complete migration registration with the local authorities within the required window after arrival.
  • Track your days in Russia — the visa-free allowance is limited and overstaying triggers penalties.

Documents you may need

  • Valid passport, or an accepted internal ID for eligible nationalities
  • Migration card (issued at entry)
  • Details of your host or accommodation for migration registration

Frequently asked questions

  • It depends on the agreement covering your nationality, but the common cap is around 90 days. Some agreements count this per 180-day period and others per calendar year, so check the rule for your specific country before travelling.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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