Russia Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can apply for a Russian e-Visa online for up to 16 days at a cost of $40. However, the Belgian government strongly advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Belgium passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Russia.
Apply for the Russian e-Visa at evisa.kdmid.ru at least 4 days before travel. The fee is $40 USD payable online. Processing typically takes up to 4 calendar days. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry, a stay of up to 16 days, and must be used within 60 days of issue. It is linked to specific entry points: verify which border crossings accept the e-Visa. Carry a printed copy.
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
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Belgian passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Required for the e-Visa application.
Digital passport photograph
Clear frontal photograph meeting Russian e-Visa photo specifications. Upload during online application.
Credit or debit card
Required to pay the $40 USD e-Visa fee online.
Travel itinerary
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in Russia. Entered during the e-Visa application.
Required at Entry
Russian e-Visa approval (printed)
Print the e-Visa approval document and carry it with your passport. Present at the border crossing.
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to Russia: What You Need to Know
Belgium and Russia have had deeply strained relations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Belgium, as an EU and NATO member and host of both institutions' headquarters, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on Russia. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Russia. Direct flights between Belgium and Russia were suspended. For travelers who nonetheless need to travel, Russia offers an e-Visa system for Belgian passport holders enabling stays up to 16 days.
How to Get There
No direct flights between Belgium and Russia due to airspace closures and sanctions. Connections are possible via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines, Dubai (DXB) with FlyDubai, Yerevan (EVN) with Armenian carriers, or Almaty (ALA). Travel is significantly more complex and expensive than before 2022.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). Western payment cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not accepted in Russia following sanctions imposed in 2022. Cash (Rubles) is essential for all transactions. Exchange Euros or USD to Rubles upon arrival. Russian banking and payment systems are largely isolated from the Western financial system. ATMs typically only work with Russian bank cards.
Practical Tips
Given the current geopolitical situation, travel to Russia is strongly discouraged by the Belgian government. If traveling for essential purposes (family, business), ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, though many insurers exclude Russia coverage due to the conflict advisory. Register your travel with the Belgian Embassy. Avoid discussing politics. Direct flights between Belgium and Russia are suspended: travel requires connections via third countries (Turkey, UAE, Central Asia).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Belgian citizens require a visa for Russia. An e-Visa is available for stays up to 16 days, costing $40 USD. However, the Belgian government strongly advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
What is the Belgian government's official travel advice for Russia?
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomatie.belgium.be) advises against all travel to Russia due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the resulting security situation. This advice has been in place since February 2022. Belgians in Russia face potential difficulties including arbitrary detention.
How does the Russian e-Visa work?
The Russian e-Visa is applied for at evisa.kdmid.ru. The fee is $40 USD. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. It is valid for a single entry, a stay of up to 16 days, and must be used within 60 days of issue. It is linked to specific authorized entry points.
Can Belgian bank cards be used in Russia?
No. Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 following sanctions. Belgian bank cards do not work in Russia. Cash (Rubles) is essential for all transactions. Russia's financial system is largely isolated from Western banking.
Are there direct flights from Belgium to Russia?
No. Direct flights between Belgium and Russia were suspended in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine and reciprocal airspace closures. Travel requires multiple connections via third countries (Turkey, UAE, Central Asia).
What should Belgian citizens know if they must travel to Russia?
Register with the Belgian Embassy before travel. Carry emergency contact information. Be aware that Western mobile messaging apps may be restricted. Do not discuss the war in Ukraine or political topics. Ensure comprehensive travel insurance, though many insurers exclude Russia under current advisories.