Russia Raises E-Visa Fees Again – An Increase of Nearly 27% Since October

Travelers planning to enter Russia with an electronic visa will once again have to dig deeper into their pockets. After the fee for the e-visa had already been raised by nearly 18% in mid-October 2026, another price increase was announced on November 12, 2026. The amount charged through the official payment portal was still 238 AED (about 65 U.S. dollars) on November 10 and rose to 256 AED (about 70 U.S. dollars) within a few days —an increase of 7.6% in a very short time.

This brings the total increase in e-visa fees since mid-October to approximately 26.7%. To put this into perspective, here is an overview of the trend: Through October 13, 2026, the fee was 202 AED (about 55 U.S. dollars); from October 14 through November 10, it was already 238 AED; and since November 12, the fee has been 256 AED. In total, the fee has increased by 54 AED—or about 15 U.S. dollars—since mid-October. The new amounts have also been confirmed by the United Arab Emirates-based payment service provider that handles payment processing for Russian e-visa applications. The provider currently lists 256 AED for adults and 201 AED for children as a “processing and review fee.”

No official statement has yet been issued explaining whether the recent increase is due to higher consular fees or to adjusted processing and payment charges. However, the price increase is part of a broader trend: Since October 14, expedited processing fees for tourist and business visas have also doubled, and significant increases have been recorded for work visas as well.

Despite the increased costs, the basic rules for applying for and using the Russian e-visa remain unchanged. It is available to nationals of 64 countries at this time, although entry is still only permitted through specific designated border crossings. For travelers planning a short-term tourist or business trip, the Russian e-visa therefore remains a viable option in principle, even though the costs are now noticeably higher than they were a month ago.

If you’re unsure which type of visa is right for your planned stay, we provide an overview of the various options, such as the standard tourist visa for Russia or, for business purposes, the business visa for Russia. Since the fee structure is currently subject to repeated and short-notice changes, it is advisable to submit your application early to avoid delays or additional costs resulting from further price adjustments.

Given the multiple price hikes within just a few weeks, it’s safe to assume that Russian visa fees may continue to change in the coming months. Applicants should therefore always verify the most current cost information before submitting their application, especially if multiple family members or a group are traveling together. We assist with the accurate calculation of all applicable fees and handle the entire application process so that travelers can rely on smooth travel preparations.