Russia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Russia in 2026. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays of up to 16 days. You must apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Russian eVisa at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. Print the eVisa confirmation and carry it with your passport — border officers scan the QR code at arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Russian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within the eVisa validity period. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a Russian-host invitation letter. Border officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. The eVisa application itself requires you to list your accommodation address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Russian law allows officers to request proof of at least 500 EUR per person for the trip. A bank statement or credit card showing available funds works. In practice, this is almost never checked at major airports like SVO or DME. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Russia. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Border officers are strict about this.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and booking confirmations as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copies, you'll still have access.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Russian eVisa website (evisa.kdmid.ru) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Processing usually takes 4–20 calendar days.
2
Wait for Approval
Check your email and the eVisa portal for the decision. Once approved, download and print the eVisa. Also save a PDF on your phone.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Put them in an easily accessible folder.
4
Arrive at the Airport in Russia
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask about your return ticket and where you're staying. Answer clearly and calmly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 16 days.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (€90)
Requires invitation letter from Russian tour operator or hotel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (€180)
Suitable for frequent travelers; same invitation requirements.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (€270)
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (€270) + employer fees
For highly skilled professionals with a Russian employer. Requires work permit and invitation. Offers path to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (€180) + university fees
For full-time students enrolled at a Russian educational institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (€450) + investment minimum
For investors making a significant financial contribution to the Russian economy. Minimum investment varies by region.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa entry feeStandard fee for Irish passport holders applying for Russian eVisa. | ~$50 USD (€45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or multiple entries, apply at Russian consulate. | ~$100 USD (€90) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$200 USD (€180) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ~$10 USD (€9) per day, max $500 USD (€450) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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
Irish passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours in certain airports (e.g., Moscow Sheremetyevo).
Transit hubsMoscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) · Moscow Domodedovo (DME) · Moscow Vnukovo (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites; avoid contact with stray animals.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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
ul. Petrovka, 38, Moscow, 127051
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for foreign nationals.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Sadovaya, 58, Saint Petersburg, 191023
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues in the region.
Practical information for IE 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 = 72.54 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
Processing usually takes 4 to 20 calendar days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get the decision by email.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Russia by the end of the 16-day period. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
Your hotel will handle registration for you. If you're staying in a private apartment, the host must register you within 7 days. Ask them to confirm this is done.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incomplete forms, passport validity issues, or past visa violations. You can reapply, but address the issue first. There's no appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa allows entry at all international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. But check the official list — some remote crossings may not be covered.
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit zone or change airports, you'll need the eVisa.
It's not a formal requirement, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Russia can be very high, and some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.