Russia Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens require a visa to visit Russia, with costs starting from around $160. The situation for Kenyan travelers is complex due to Russia's diplomatic position following 2022, and direct flights from Nairobi to Russia are no longer operating. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi processes applications.
Kenya passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
Apply at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi. Russian tourist visas require a formal invitation letter from a registered Russian tourist organization or hotel, which is typically arranged through a Russian travel agency. Required documents include the visa application form completed online (evisa.kdmid.ru or consular portal), a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages, the invitation letter (voucher), passport photos, and the visa fee. Tourist visas may be issued for single or double entry. Contact the Russian Embassy in Nairobi to confirm current fees and requirements, which have changed post-2022.
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
Kenya to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia requires a visa for Kenyan passport holders, processed at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many aspects of Russian tourism infrastructure have changed: most major Western airlines and Kenya Airways suspended Russia routes, Visa and Mastercard are not operational in Russia, and several countries have imposed travel restrictions that complicate transit through third countries. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi continues to operate and issue tourist visas for Kenyans, but the application process and practical travel logistics are more complex than before 2022.
How to Get There
No direct flights connect Nairobi to Moscow or other Russian cities since 2022. Routes connecting through Turkey (Istanbul with Aeroflot or S7 from IST), UAE (Dubai with Aeroflot), or other hubs with Russian carriers may be available depending on carrier route availability. Most Western carriers do not fly to Russia. Turkish Airlines operates IST-SVO. Kenya Airways flies NBO-IST, making the Istanbul connection viable. Total journey time is at least 14 to 18 hours.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). All international Visa and Mastercard cards stopped working in Russia after March 2022. UnionPay has some acceptance but is not universal. Russian bank cards (Mir) are not accepted internationally. Travelers need to bring sufficient cash (USD or EUR) to exchange into rubles in Russia. ATMs dispensing rubles from Russian bank accounts are available, but foreign cards will not work. Budget carefully for your entire stay as cash management is critical.
Practical Tips
Moscow's Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Bolshoi Theatre are world-famous landmarks. The Moscow Metro is itself an attraction with ornately decorated stations built in the Soviet era. St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural capital with the Hermitage Museum (one of the world's largest art collections), the Peterhof Palace fountains, and the Neva River waterfront. The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world's great train journeys. Lake Baikal in Siberia is the world's deepest and oldest lake. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, as the situation remains fluid.