Russia entry requirements for Mozambique 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

Mozambican passport holders need a visa to enter Russia. You must apply through a Russian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Mozambican citizens. Start the process well ahead of your trip, as it involves paperwork and processing time.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Russian visaYou must get this visa before you fly — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your passport.
Apply at an embassy or consulate
Mozambican passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Russia. Apply at the nearest Russian embassy or consulate; eVisa is not available for Mozambican citizens.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa.
At least 6 months beyond departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean page for the border officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa and entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see your outbound travel plans.
Proof of departure
Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Russia before your visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof can speed up entry and avoid questions.
Sufficient for your stay
Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or sponsor letter) to cover your expenses during your stay in Russia.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form — just your passport and visa.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Mozambique passport holders entering Russia.Not required
eVisa applicationDon't waste time looking for an online visa — it's not an option for your nationality.
Not available
Mozambican citizens are not eligible for Russia's eVisa program. You must apply through a Russian embassy or consulate.Not required
No Russian embassy in Mozambique
You'll need to travel to a neighboring country (like South Africa or Tanzania) to submit your application. Plan for extra time and travel costs.
Invitation is mandatory
Russia requires an official invitation for all visa types. Don't book flights or hotels until you have this document — it's the most common reason for visa denials.

What happens at the border

1
Obtain an invitation
Contact a Russian travel agency or your business partner in Russia to get a formal invitation. This is the first step — without it, you can't proceed. The invitation must be an official document with a reference number.
2
Complete the online application
Go to visa.kdmid.ru, fill out the application form, and print it. Double-check all details against your passport and invitation. Sign the form where required.
3
Gather supporting documents
Collect your passport, photo, invitation, hotel booking, insurance, and any other required documents. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy may keep copies and return originals.
4
Submit at the Russian embassy or consulate
Mozambique doesn't have a Russian embassy in Maputo — you'll need to apply through the Russian Embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., South Africa or Tanzania) or via a visa center. Check the nearest Russian consulate's website for appointment procedures and submission hours.
5
Wait for processing and collect your visa
Processing can take 7-20 working days, depending on the type and urgency. You may need to return to the embassy to collect your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the visa dates and entry/exit validity before you leave.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$400-$600

Requires invitation from Russian company and may allow multiple entries

Work visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500-$800

Requires work permit and employer sponsorship

Student visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$300-$500

Requires acceptance from Russian educational institution

work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (employer pays)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Russian company. Requires employer sponsorship and higher salary threshold.
student visa
Student Visa (Study)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD
For enrollment in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For significant investors in Russian economy. Minimum investment amount varies; consult embassy.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Single-entry visa (up to 30 days)Standard consular fee for Mozambican citizens$160
Double-entry visa (up to 30 days)For two entries within validity$240
Multiple-entry visa (up to 90 days)For multiple entries within validity$320
Visa processing fee (expedited)Additional fee for 3-business-day processing$80
Visa support letter (invitation)Required for tourist visa; obtain from hotel or tour operator$20-$50
Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at local migration office before current visa expires$100
Exit visa (if overstay)May be required for overstays; fines apply$50

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

Mozambican citizens require a transit visa even for airside transit through Russian airports.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Crew members on duty
  • Holders of diplomatic or service passports
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 yellow fever risk (Mozambique is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended for rural travel.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Air pollutionLow risk

Urban air quality can be poor in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

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 Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
ul. Poklonnaya, 12, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

For visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.

Saint Petersburg
Migration Department of Saint Petersburg
ul. Sadovaya, 58, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles extensions and registration; expect queues.

Practical information for MZ 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police102
Medical103
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Mozambican citizens must have a visa issued by a Russian embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Mozambique passport holders.
No. Russia's eVisa system does not include Mozambican citizens. You must apply through a Russian embassy or consulate in person or via a visa center.
The nearest Russian embassies are in South Africa (Pretoria) and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam). You can apply at either, but you'll need to check their specific appointment systems and whether they accept applications from non-residents. Some travelers use visa agencies to handle this.
Standard processing is usually 7-10 working days, but it can take up to 20 working days during peak seasons. If you need it faster, some embassies offer expedited processing for an extra fee — ask directly.
Fees vary by visa type (tourist, business, etc.) and processing speed. Expect to pay roughly $50–$150 USD equivalent, but confirm with the specific embassy or visa center. The fee is non-refundable.
Your visa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying. Russian immigration also enforces the 6-month rule at entry, so even if you get a visa, you'll be turned away if your passport expires too soon.
Yes. If you stay more than 7 working days, your hotel or host must register your visa with the local migration office. Hotels usually do this automatically, but if you're in private accommodation, make sure your host does it. Keep the registration slip — you'll need it when leaving.

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.