Russia entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nepalese passport holders need a visa to enter Russia in 2026. You must apply for a visa before traveling — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-free options for Nepali citizens. The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Russian visa at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel. You need a valid invitation letter (voucher) from a Russian tour operator or hotel, plus a completed visa application form. Processing takes 7–10 business days for standard applications.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Russia. Immigration officers at Moscow Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg Pulkovo routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed copy is safer than a phone screen. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Nepali citizens cannot enter Russia without a visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver. Apply well in advance — processing can take up to 10 working days.
Keep your immigration card
When you enter Russia, you'll receive a small immigration card (migration card). The officer will keep one half and give you the other. Do not lose it — you must hand it back when you leave. Hotels may also ask to see it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to evisa.kdmid.ru and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. After submission, you'll get a confirmation and instructions to submit your passport to the nearest Russian embassy or visa center.
2
Submit your passport
Take your printed application, passport, and supporting documents (like hotel booking and flight itinerary) to the Russian embassy in Kathmandu or the visa center. Pay the visa fee. Processing takes 5–10 working days.
3
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once approved, your passport will have a visa sticker. Check the dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Arrive in Russia and go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an immigration card — keep the tear-off slip with your passport for your entire stay.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 4,000 RUB)
Standard option for tourism; must apply at Russian embassy in Kathmandu.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 8,000 RUB)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Private visa (guest visit)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 6,400 RUB)
Requires invitation from a Russian individual; allows longer stay.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 16,000 RUB) + employer fees
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Russian company. Requires employer sponsorship and higher salary threshold. Allows family reunion.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 8,000 RUB) + tuition
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
permanent residence
Temporary Residence Permit (RVP)
3 years, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 12,000 RUB) + processing
For those with family ties or investment in Russia. Requires Russian language test and medical exam. Path to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Nepalese passport holders; varies by processing speed. | ~$50 USD (approx. 4,000 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; requires additional justification. | ~$100 USD (approx. 8,000 RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$500 USD (approx. 40,000 RUB). | ~$10 USD (approx. 800 RUB) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Nepalese passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Apply at a Russian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Russian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow · Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Moscow · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), Moscow
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in Siberia and the Urals; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher incidence in Russia; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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. Novoslobodskaya, 45, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and migration card.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa-related issues; appointment recommended.
Practical information for NP 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
Standard processing takes 5–10 working days after you submit your passport to the embassy or visa center. You can pay for expedited service (2–3 days) at a higher fee. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The visa fee varies by type and processing speed. A standard tourist visa costs around USD 50–80 (approx NPR 6,500–10,500). Expedited processing costs more. Check the Russian embassy in Kathmandu for current fees.
No, standard tourist visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Russia.
Your hotel or host is responsible for registering you with the local migration office within 7 days of arrival. If you're staying in a private apartment, the host must do it. Keep the registration slip — you may need it when leaving.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Nepali embassy in Moscow (or the honorary consulate in St. Petersburg) to apply for an emergency travel document. This can take 2–5 days.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport first.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Nepali passport holders. You must have a visa sticker in your passport before you travel. The only exception is for certain official or diplomatic passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.