Russia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Russia for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Canadian passport holders, so you must apply through the Russian Embassy or Consulate. Start your application well in advance, as processing involves an invitation and can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Russian visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival in Russia; plan to apply well in advance. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Canadian citizens must obtain a Russian visa before travel. Canada is not eligible for Russia's eVisa program, so you must apply through the Russian embassy or consulate in Canada. The visa must be issued before your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Russia. Check the expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa is usually placed on a full page, so a clean blank page is essential. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the Russian visa and entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Visa invitation (supporting document)Your visa application will be rejected without a valid invitation. Required for visa application | To apply for a Russian visa, you typically need a visa invitation (visa support) from a Russian tour company, hotel, or business partner. This is part of the embassy application process. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Russia. This is checked at visa application and may be checked at border control. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate financial means if asked. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Russia. The amount is not fixed, but you should have access to enough money to cover accommodation, food, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering Russia. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly apply through the Russian embassy or consulate. Not available for Canadian citizens | Canada is not eligible for Russia's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply for an eVisa; you must use the standard embassy/consulate visa process. | Not required |
No eVisa for Canadians
Despite Russia's eVisa system for many nationalities, Canadian citizens are not eligible. Do not waste time looking for an online visa portal — you must go through the embassy or consulate.
Visa registration is mandatory
Within 7 business days of arrival, your accommodation must register your visa. If you're staying in a private apartment, the host must do it. Failing to register can lead to fines and exit problems.
Overstaying is serious
Even a one-day overstay can result in a fine and a multi-year entry ban. Keep your visa exit date clearly marked and plan to leave a day early to avoid transport delays.
What happens at the border
1
Obtain your invitation
Contact a Russian travel agency or hotel to get a tourist voucher and visa support letter. This is the first step because you can't fill the application without the invitation details. Many agencies issue it within 1–3 business days for a fee.
2
Complete the online application
Go to visa.kdmid.ru, fill out the form, and print it. Double-check every field against your passport. After submission, you'll get a confirmation page with a barcode — keep it.
3
Book an appointment at the Russian Embassy or Consulate
In Canada, the Russian Embassy is in Ottawa, with consulates in Toronto and Montreal. Appointments are mandatory and slots fill up — book 2–3 weeks ahead. Bring all documents to your appointment.
4
Submit documents and pay the fee
At the appointment, hand over your passport, application form, invitation, photo, and insurance (if you have it). Pay the fee. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days for standard service, or 3–4 days for express (extra fee).
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Return to the consulate on the pickup date (or track via courier if you opted for mail). Check the visa sticker: name spelling, dates, and entry/exit validity. Report any errors immediately.
6
Register your visa upon arrival
Within 7 business days of arriving in Russia, your hotel or host must register your visa with the local migration office. If you're staying in multiple places, each accommodation must register you. Keep the registration slip — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (single/double/multiple entry)
Cost$160–$320
Requires invitation from Russian company; multiple-entry available for frequent travelers.
Humanitarian visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$160
For cultural, scientific, or sports events; requires invitation from host organization.
Private visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost$160
For visits to family/friends; requires invitation from Russian citizen.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$400 USD (equivalent in CAD) plus employer fees
For highly qualified specialists with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires a work permit and quota. Offers a path to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Visa)
Duration of study program, renewable annually
~$200 USD (equivalent in CAD) plus university fees
For full-time students enrolled at a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in CAD) plus investment amount
For individuals investing in a Russian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (standard processing)Consular fee for Canadian citizens; service fees may apply. | $160 |
| Double-entry visa (standard processing)Consular fee for Canadian citizens. | $160 |
| Multiple-entry visa (standard processing)Consular fee for Canadian citizens. | $160 |
| Expedited processing (3 business days)Additional fee on top of consular fee. | $80 |
| Visa support letter (invitation)Required for tourist visa; obtain from hotel or authorized agency. | $20–$50 |
| Visa extension (up to 10 days)Possible for emergencies; apply before current visa expires. | $50–$100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Russia
Transit visa required
Canadian citizens transiting through Russia require a transit visa unless they qualify for the 72-hour visa-free transit at certain airports (see exceptions).
Exceptions & conditions
- 72-hour visa-free transit for passengers with confirmed onward tickets at Moscow Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports, provided they stay in the transit zone and have valid visas for the next destination.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) · Domodedovo International Airport (DME) · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially in rural areas. Seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Poklonnaya, 5, Moscow, 121170
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, Saint Petersburg, 196084
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Processes extensions and registrations. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 77.76 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing at the consulate takes 7–10 business days. Express service (3–4 days) is available for an extra fee, but you still need the invitation first. Plan at least 3–4 weeks total from invitation to visa in hand.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian citizens at any Russian airport or border crossing. You must have a visa issued by a Russian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Russian eVisa program does not include Canadian citizens. You must apply through the embassy or consulate in person or via a visa service.
It's an official invitation from a Russian travel agency or hotel, confirming your accommodation and itinerary. You can get it from any Russian tour operator or hotel that is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Expect to pay $20–$50, and it's usually sent by email within a few days.
Yes. Your hotel or host must register your visa with the local migration office within 7 business days of arrival. If you move to a new city, the new accommodation must register you again. Keep the registration slip — you may be asked for it when leaving the country.
You'll face fines, possible detention, and a ban on re-entering Russia for up to 5 years. Overstaying is taken very seriously. Set a reminder to leave a few days before your visa's exit date.
No. Tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a different visa type (like a business visa) before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.