A visa is an essential document for travelling to Russia. To facilitate certain formalities, the country has introduced the e-visa, which simplifies procedures for travellers wishing to visit Moscow and other Russian cities. However, one question remains: Is it possible to request a unified e-visa directly from the Russian embassy or consulate? In this article, we'll look at the answer to this question and some important information about e-visas.
What is a unified e-visa?
A unified e-visa is a simplified formula the traditional visa, which allows foreign travellers to stay temporarily in Russia without having to visit an embassy or consulate. This type of visa is issued electronically and there is no need to affix a stamp in your passport.
The advantages of the unified e-visa
- Time saving : The procedures for obtaining this type of visa are generally quicker than those for a traditional visa.
- Flexibility : The unified e-visa offers greater flexibility in terms of the length of stay and the reasons for travel. It can be used for tourist, business or short-term trips.
- Simplicity : The application process is entirely online, so there's no need to travel or send your passport by post or Chronopost.
Can I apply for a unified e-visa at a Russian embassy or consulate?
The answer to this question is simple: no. The unified e-visa can only be applied for online, via the Official website of the Russian government or via an agency. Russian embassies and consulates are not authorised to process this type of request.
How to obtain a unified e-visa
- Go to the official Russian government website and fill in the online form, providing the required information (identity, reason for travel, dates of stay, etc.).
- Pay visa fees online.
- Receive confirmation of your e-visa by e-mail, usually within a few days.
- Print out the e-visa you have received and present it to the Russian authorities when you enter the country.
Unified e-visa vs traditional visa: how do you choose?
The choice between the unified e-visa and the traditional visa depends mainly on the reason for the trip and the length of the planned stay in Russia. Here are some criteria to consider when making your choice:
Unified e-visa
- Short stay (up to 16 days)
- Tourist, business or private visits
- Entry and exit via certain authorised points (airports, seaports, land border crossings)
- Available to nationals of certain countries only
Classic visa
- Long-term stay (up to 90 days)
- Tourist, business, private visit, study or work trip
- Entry and exit via all authorised crossing points on Russian territory
- Available to nationals of all countries
- Requires a trip to the Russian embassy or consulate to submit the application
If you want to stay in Russia for a short time and benefit from a simplified procedure, the unified e-visa is the ideal solution. However, it can only be applied for online and is not available from Russian embassies and consulates. If your trip requires a traditional visa, you will need to go to the Russian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before your departure.
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