Russia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan 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 before travel | Apply for a Russian eVisa at the official eVisa portal. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. Print the eVisa confirmation and carry it with your passport — border officers scan the QR code on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Russian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a Russian invitation letter (voucher) for your entire stay. Officers at passport control may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough funds for your stay — at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card with available limit. Russian immigration can ask for proof of financial means on arrival. | Recommended |
eVisa is single-entry only
Once you leave Russia, the eVisa is used up. If you plan to re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new one.
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 paper copies, you can still show them digitally.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Russian eVisa website (evisa.kdmid.ru). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 4–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at a Russian airport
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and calmly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 16 days.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 8,000 RUB)
Standard tourist visa for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 15,000 RUB)
For multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 20,000 RUB)
Requires invitation from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 20,000 RUB)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires work permit and invitation.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 10,000 RUB)
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 50,000 RUB)
For investors making significant capital contributions to the Russian economy. Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa entry feeStandard fee for single-entry eVisa for Kenya passport holders. | ~$50 USD (approx. 5,000 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | ~$80 USD (approx. 8,000 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 15,000 RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$500 USD (approx. 50,000 RUB). | ~$10 USD (approx. 1,000 RUB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Kenya passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or other specified visas may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours under certain conditions.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) · Domodedovo International Airport (DME) · Vnukovo International Airport (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, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during spring and summer.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air pollution may affect those with respiratory conditions.
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. Bolshaya Lubyanka, 16, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for foreigners.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Saltykova-Shchedrina, 4, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues in the region.
Practical information for KE 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 = 71.12 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 4–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $50 USD, but it can vary slightly. Check the eVisa portal for the current amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Russia before the 16 days are up. If you need a longer stay, you'll need a different visa type.
Your hotel will handle registration for you. If you're staying in a private home, your host must register you within 7 days. Failure to register can cause problems when leaving.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports in Russia. Land border crossings are not allowed with this eVisa.
If you're staying in the airport transit zone and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Russia (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you need the eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.