How to Get a Russian E-Visa for Philippine Passport Holders

Dreaming of Russia? Good news — Filipinos can now explore the country with a simple e-visa! Since 2021, Philippine passport holders have been eligible to apply online, making it easier than ever to experience Moscow, St. Petersburg, and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

It’s time to make our Russian dreams come true! Did you know Filipinos can apply for a Russian e-Visa that’s valid for 120 days and lets you stay for up to 30 days in the country? This upgrade doubles the previous limit and makes it easier than ever to explore Moscow, St. Petersburg, and beyond.

Russian e-visa for Philippine passport holders

The Russian e-Visa now covers the entire country, not just select regions like St. Petersburg. Philippine passport holders are among the 64 nationalities eligible, making it possible to explore all of Russia with just one online application.

Russian e-Visas are issued online with a consular fee of about USD 50 (₱2,800). Kids under six years old are exempt from paying this fee. Meaning, you can not only use it for tourism, but also for business, cultural, educational, and personal trips.

At present, Philippine passport holders can apply for a Russian e-visa that covers the entire country, with the same process as before. Interested in applying? Keep reading. Trust us, it’s easy as pie!

Also read: Russia Introduces E-Visas to 53 Countries, Including Singapore

How to apply for a Russian e-visa

1. Visit the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. There, you will be asked for your nationality and visit area. Choose the relevant options, then proceed to tick the three boxes at the bottom.

2. Fill out the application form on the next page. You will be asked for your email address and password. Register so that you can save your application and access it whenever you need to. Take note of your application ID, which you will find at the top part of the website. You can also print your application ID as you proceed to the next part.

3. Fill out the required details. Then, you will be asked for your personal details (i.e. name, birthday), visit details (i.e. purpose of visit, visit area, intended places of stay), document details (i.e. passport number), contacts and occupation (i.e. residential address, employer details), and relative details (i.e. name of relatives residing in Russia).

4. Upload your photo. As per the website, the applicant photo must be “no more than six months old as of the date of the application and reflect your current appearance.” It must be of JPEG file type with a 20 to 35 kilobyte size. An aspect ratio of 35×45 is required, and your face must take up 70 to 80 percent of the photo. If you find that you still lack some required information, you can always save your application and come back to it once you’re ready.

5. Confirm your details and click “Save and submit.” Congratulations! In no more than four days, you will receive an email of your Russian e-visa. Print this notice and present it at the airport and checkpoint.

When to apply

Apply between 4 and 86 days before your trip. Processing still takes no more than four calendar days, holidays and weekends included, so you can plan with confidence.

All Russian e-Visas are still single-entry, but they’re now valid for 120 days. Travellers can stay for up to 30 days—almost double the previous limit.

Where you can go

Image credit: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland

Since 1 July 2019, Philippine passport holders have already been allowed to apply for a Russian e-visa to Kaliningrad Oblast. However, this region isn’t directly connected to the rest of Russia.

Today, the e-visa grant already lets Philippine passport holders travel anywhere in Russia, from Moscow to St. Petersburg and beyond.

Other requirements

Aside from your Russian e-visa, you must get medical insurance to cover your stay in Russia. All foreign citizens are required to have a coverage of at least €35,000. Be prepared to present the original copy of your medical insurance at the airport.

Also read: How I Learned To Be a More Responsible Traveller the Hard Way in Russia

We’re all so excited for more Filipino travellers to see the beauty of Russia! Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Flight Deals – Philippines. Who knows? You might just score a super cheap deal to the largest country in the world. Let’s go