Russia Raises e-Visa Fees by Nearly 18% – Express Visa Fees Double

As of October 14, 2026, applicants for the Russian e-visa will have to pay significantly more. The fee has been increased by nearly 18 percent, and the costs for consular visas have also been revised—with particularly steep surcharges for expedited processing. This change was observed during the processing of pending applications through the official e-visa payment system and affects all travelers eligible for this visa.

Specifically, the fee for Russia’s uniform electronic visa was the equivalent of about 55 U.S. dollars (approx. 49 euros) as of October 13. Since October 14, the same type of visa has been charged at approximately 65 U.S. dollars (about 58 euros)—an increase of just under 18%. Payment is processed through a system that handles transactions in foreign currency, a technical necessity given the international financial sanctions that complicate banking transactions with Russia.

No official explanation for the e-visa price increase has been released yet. However, the adjustment coincides with a broader revision of Russian consular fees, in which express processing fees in particular have risen sharply—reports indicate that these fees have doubled. For travelers who need their visas issued quickly, this means significantly higher costs compared to the standard processing time.

The Russian e-visa program remains open to nationals of 64 countries and can be used for tourism, business travel, private visits, and other purposes of stay. The fee increase does not affect the program’s basic availability or eligibility criteria, but it does make the application process more expensive overall for eligible travelers. Anyone planning a trip to Russia should factor the current costs into their budget planning.

This price adjustment comes amid political discussions at the European level regarding possible further visa restrictions for Russian nationals. While additional restrictions are being discussed there, Russia itself is adjusting its own visa fees—a sign that the conditions for travelers in both directions may continue to evolve.

For anyone who needs a visa for Russia, it is advisable to submit your application early and carefully to avoid unexpected additional costs or delays. We’ll help you choose the right visa category and submit your documents correctly—whether you’re applying for an e-visa for Russia, a tourist visa for Russia, or a business visa for Russia. This way, despite the increased fees, you’ll retain full control over the process and costs of your visa application.