Russia entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter Russia in 2026. You must apply at a Russian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Pakistani citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Russian embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Russia. Apply at the nearest Russian embassy or consulate — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles visa processing. Start your application at the official MFA portal.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Russia | Immigration officers may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm you will leave Russia within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You may be asked to show a hotel reservation or a visa invitation letter confirming your accommodation in Russia. Keep a copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Border officers can request proof you have enough funds for your trip — around $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. Carry cash, a bank statement, or a credit card. | Recommended |
No e-visa for Pakistani passport holders
Russia’s e-visa system is not available to Pakistani citizens. You must go through the full embassy application process.
Keep your migration card
When you enter Russia, immigration will give you a small paper migration card. Keep it with your passport — you’ll need to hand it back when you leave. Losing it can cause delays at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa online
Go to evisa.kdmid.ru and fill out the visa application form. You’ll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. After submitting, you’ll get a confirmation and an appointment date at the embassy.
2
Attend embassy appointment
Visit the Russian embassy in Islamabad or the consulate in Karachi with your printed application, passport, passport photos, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee (around $50–$100 depending on type and processing speed). Processing takes 5–10 working days.
3
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy or consulate to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, passport number) are correct before leaving.
4
Arrive in Russia and go through immigration
At the airport, join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport with visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport — keep the migration card they give you (you’ll need it when you leave).
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan 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, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB)
Standard tourist visa for single entry. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in RUB)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Each stay up to 30 days.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Longer stay option.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (plus university acceptance)
For enrolled students at Russian educational institutions.
work visa
Work Visa (Rabochaya Viza)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (plus employer fees)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Uchebnaya Viza)
Duration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$100 USD (plus university fees)
For international students enrolled in Russian educational institutions. Allows stay for the duration of the course, renewable annually.
business visa
Business Visa (Delovaya Viza)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (plus invitation letter costs)
For business travelers with an invitation from a Russian company. Allows multiple entries and longer stays for business purposes.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, varies by processing time and nationality. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB at official rate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, higher fee applies. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated per day, with a cap. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (max ~$200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Pakistan passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Apply at a Russian embassy or consulate before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Russia 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water. Practice safe eating and drinking.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air pollution can be high in major cities, especially 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 Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Bolshaya Lubyanka, 16, Moscow, 101000
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, migration card, and proof of funds.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Saltykova-Shchedrina, 4, Saint Petersburg, 191124
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for the region.
Practical information for PK 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Pakistani citizens. You must get a visa from a Russian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days after your appointment. Standard processing is about a week; express service (if available) can be 2–3 days but costs more. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
The visa fee ranges from roughly $50 to $100 depending on the type (tourist, business) and processing speed. Check the Russian embassy in Islamabad’s website for current fees.
You apply at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad (Sector G-5, Diplomatic Enclave) or the Russian Consulate in Karachi (Plot 1, Street 7, Khayaban-e-Shamsheer, Phase V, DHA). Both require an appointment.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 2,000–5,000 RUB), deportation, and a ban from re-entering Russia for up to 5 years. Leave before your visa expires.
Extensions are possible in limited cases (e.g., medical emergency) but are not guaranteed. You must apply at the local migration office before your visa expires. It’s not a simple process — plan your trip within your visa’s validity.
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.