Russia Visa RequirementsFor Afghanistan passport holders
Afghan citizens require a visa to visit Russia, with costs starting from around $160. Russia has maintained diplomatic relations with the Taliban government and the Russian Embassy in Kabul has remained one of the few operational embassies in Afghanistan since August 2021. This makes Russia one of the more accessible visa destinations that can be applied for within Afghanistan itself.
Afghanistan passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
Apply at the Russian Embassy in Kabul (which has remained operational) or at Russian embassies in Islamabad, Dubai, or Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Russian tourist visas require an invitation letter (voucher) from a registered Russian travel agency, which arranges your accommodation and tour itinerary in Russia. Complete the online visa form at evisa.kdmid.ru, attach the voucher, pay the fee, and schedule an appointment. Single and double-entry tourist visas are available. Processing takes 4 to 10 business days at standard speed.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Afghanistan to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia has maintained its diplomatic presence in Kabul following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, unlike most Western and some other countries. The Russian Embassy in Kabul has continued to operate and issue tourist visas for Afghan nationals. This is significant as most other countries require Afghans to travel to Islamabad or Dubai for visa applications. Russia requires a formal invitation letter from a Russian travel organization or hotel as part of the tourist visa application. Russian tourist visas typically start from $160 for single-entry. Russia and Afghanistan share historical connections through the Soviet-Afghan War of 1979 to 1989.
How to Get There
Ariana Afghan Airlines and other carriers operate routes from Kabul (KBL) to Moscow, though this routing has changed significantly since 2022. Routing via Dubai (DXB) or Tashkent (TAS) then connecting to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) is practical. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Moscow is another option. Direct routing from Kabul may be available via Ariana or charter services.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Since March 2022, all Visa and Mastercard transactions in Russia ceased working for international cardholders. UnionPay has some acceptance but is inconsistent. Foreign travelers must bring sufficient USD or EUR cash to exchange into rubles upon arrival. The ruble has fluctuated significantly. Russia is generally affordable once inside the country: budget accommodation from 2,000 to 4,000 RUB ($22 to $44) per night, local meals from 300 to 600 RUB ($3 to $7). Metro tickets in Moscow cost around 65 RUB ($0.70).
Practical Tips
Moscow's Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the GUM department store are iconic. The Moscow Metro has ornately decorated stations built in the Stalin era and is itself an attraction. St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural capital with the Hermitage Museum (world's third-largest art collection), the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Neva River embankment. The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world's great train journeys (6 nights, Moscow to Vladivostok). Russia has Central Asian and Caucasian cultural connections familiar to Afghan travelers. Check your government's current travel advisory before booking.