Russia entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian 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 Russia eVisa | Apply for your Russia eVisa at the official eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa allows a single entry for up to 16 days and must be used within 30 days of issue. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days — do not book non-refundable travel until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Latvian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia. Airlines and border officers enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at Russian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Russian immigration may request proof of where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a formal invitation letter from your host ready. A simple Airbnb confirmation usually works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Officers may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least the equivalent of 500 EUR in cash or a credit card with a recent bank statement. ATMs are widely available in major cities but less so in rural areas. | Recommended |
eVisa is single-entry only
You can only enter Russia once with your eVisa. If you leave and try to re-enter, you'll need a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Keep your documents digital and physical
Save copies of your eVisa, passport, and tickets on your phone and also carry printed backups. Phone batteries die, and not all immigration officers accept digital copies.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Russian eVisa website (evisa.kdmid.ru). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. Processing usually takes up to 4 calendar days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Download and print it, or save a PDF on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them all in one folder or on your phone for easy access.
4
Arrive at a Russian airport
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation. Answer any questions clearly. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date. This stamp shows how long you can stay (up to 16 days). Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 3,500 RUB)
Requires invitation letter and travel insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days within 180 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 7,000 RUB)
For frequent travelers; same documentation as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business/private)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 10,500 RUB)
Requires invitation from Russian organization or individual.
work visa
Work Visa (Rabochaya Viza)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 14,000 RUB) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires work permit and medical tests. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Uchebnaya Viza)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 7,000 RUB) plus university fees
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Allows part-time work. Requires acceptance letter from university.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Investitsionnaya Viza)
3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 35,000 RUB) plus investment minimum
For investors meeting minimum investment threshold (e.g., 10 million RUB). Provides residency and business opportunities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa entry feeeVisa for Latvia holders is free of charge. | Free (no cost for eVisa application) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than eVisa allows or multiple entries. | ~$50 USD (approx. 3,500 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 7,000 RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayPaid at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD (approx. 700 RUB) per day, max cap ~$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Latvia holders transiting through Russia to a third country generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours at certain airports (e.g., Moscow Sheremetyevo).
- Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsMoscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) · Moscow Domodedovo (DME) · Moscow Vnukovo (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
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 (GUVM)
ul. Bolshaya Pirogovskaya, 17, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and migration card.
Saint Petersburg
Migration Department of Saint Petersburg
ul. Saltykova-Shchedrina, 4, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For extensions and registration; expect queues.
Practical information for LV 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 = 71.3 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 up to 4 calendar days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality. For Latvian passport holders, it's typically around $50 USD. Check the official website for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Russia within 16 days of entry. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date, so if your passport expires sooner, your application will be rejected.
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 terminals or stay overnight), you need the eVisa.
You'll receive a notification explaining the reason. Common reasons include incorrect passport details or insufficient validity. You can reapply after fixing the issue, but the fee is non-refundable.
No, the eVisa is only valid for entry through specific airports and border crossings. Check the official list on the eVisa website. Major airports like Moscow Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg Pulkovo are included.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.