Russia Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine, the risk of arbitrary detention, and the limited ability of Canadian consular officials to provide assistance. While Russia has an eVisa system, the security environment makes travel extremely inadvisable.
Canada passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Russia.
If you are currently in Russia and require consular assistance, contact the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (+7-495-925-6000) or the Government of Canada's 24-hour Emergency Watch and Response Centre (+1-613-996-8885). For those who still intend to travel despite the advisory: the Russian eVisa is available through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (evisa.kdmid.ru), costs approximately $40 USD, and allows a single-entry stay of up to 16 days. Applications must be submitted at least 4 days in advance. Entry is permitted only through designated checkpoints.
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
Canada to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia maintains an eVisa system for Canadian citizens, but the Government of Canada has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia since February 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Canadian citizens in Russia face risks including arbitrary detention, limited consular assistance (the Canadian Embassy in Moscow has reduced operations), and the possibility of being denied exit. There have been documented cases of foreign nationals, including those with dual citizenship, being detained without clear justification. Russian authorities have invoked laws against "discrediting the military" to detain foreign nationals for social media posts or public statements.
Practical Tips
Do not travel to Russia at this time. If you are a dual citizen with Russian citizenship, be aware that Russia may not recognize your Canadian citizenship, severely limiting consular access. Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or transport infrastructure. Avoid any public expression of views on the war in Ukraine. Keep your passport with you at all times. Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service if you must travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for Canadians to travel to Russia?
No. The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine, the risk of arbitrary arrest under broadly defined laws, limited consular assistance, and the possibility of being denied exit. This advisory has been in place since February 2022 and is not expected to change in the near term.
Can Canadians be detained arbitrarily in Russia?
Yes. Canadian citizens, including dual nationals, are at risk of arbitrary detention in Russia. Authorities have detained foreigners for activities that would not be criminal in Canada, including social media posts, attending protests, or being suspected of espionage. Consular access for detained Canadians is not guaranteed.
Does Russia offer an eVisa for Canadians?
Russia has an eVisa system for short stays of up to 16 days (single entry, approximately $40 USD), but the Government of Canada strongly advises against using it to travel to Russia given the current security environment. Air connections between Canada and Russia are also severely limited due to airspace restrictions.
What should Canadians do if they are currently in Russia?
Contact the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (+7-495-925-6000) immediately or the Government of Canada Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa (+1-613-996-8885). Exercise extreme caution, avoid demonstrations or any politically sensitive activities, and do not post anything about the conflict in Ukraine on social media.