Russia Visa RequirementsFor Pakistan passport holders
Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit Russia. A Russian tourist visa costs approximately $160 USD (including service fees) and allows up to a 30-day stay.
Pakistan passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
Apply for a Russian tourist visa through the Russian Embassy in Islamabad or Karachi. Alternatively, use a Russian visa facilitation center if available. A tourist visa requires an invitation letter (voucher) from a Russian licensed travel agency or hotel , you cannot apply without this. The process: (1) book a Russian tour package or accommodation from a licensed Russian agency, (2) receive the invitation/voucher, (3) submit visa application at the Russian Embassy with the invitation, passport, photos, and fee. The standard single-entry tourist visa fee is approximately USD 160 including service fees. Processing takes 5-20 business days. The visa is typically issued for 30 days.
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
Valid Pakistani Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Russia
Russian Tourist Visa
Apply at Russian Embassy in Islamabad or Karachi; requires invitation/voucher from Russian licensed travel agency
Invitation/Voucher from Russian Travel Agency
Tourist voucher from a licensed Russian agency or hotel — required for visa application
Passport Photos
Two recent color passport photos to Russian specifications
Visa Application Form
Completed Russian visa application form
Proof of Travel Insurance
Medical insurance valid in Russia, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
Visa Fee
Approximately $160 USD total including embassy and service fees
Current Travel Situation
Pakistan to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia requires visas from Pakistani passport holders, reflecting standard bilateral visa requirements between the two countries. Russia and Pakistan have developing diplomatic and economic ties, particularly around energy and trade. Russia is the largest country in the world by area, spanning 11 time zones from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean. For Pakistani travelers, the primary destinations are Moscow (the Kremlin, Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre) and St. Petersburg (the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, the White Nights). Russian tourism has become more complex since the 2022 Ukraine war , sanctions and flight suspensions have made access harder, though Russia-Pakistan relations have been less directly affected than Russia-Western relations.
How to Get There
Central Asian countries offer culturally similar and more accessible alternatives for Pakistani travelers: Kazakhstan (visa-on-arrival or e-Visa available), Kyrgyzstan (visa-free for Pakistani citizens for 30 days), Uzbekistan (visa-free for Pakistanis), and Tajikistan. These countries share the Soviet heritage and are more accessible geographically. Turkey (Istanbul) is a popular transit point between Pakistan and Russia, with direct flights from Islamabad/Karachi to Moscow via Istanbul.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Western sanctions mean Visa and Mastercard are not functional in Russia. Pakistani travelers can carry US dollars for exchange or use UnionPay (Chinese card network, which still operates in Russia). Currency exchange offices are available in major Russian cities. Cash in rubles is essential for most transactions. ATMs dispensing rubles are available but may not accept international cards.
Practical Tips
Pakistan and Russia do not have major direct flight connections; most travelers route via Istanbul, Dubai, or Central Asian cities. Moscow is approximately 4-5 hours from Central Asian transit points. Visas must be registered with the police within 7 days of arrival in Russia (hotels do this automatically; private accommodation hosts must do it manually). The weather in Moscow and St. Petersburg is extremely cold in winter (December-February, often -15 to -25°C); summer (June-August) is mild and pleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders require a tourist visa for Russia. Apply at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad or Karachi. You need an invitation letter from a Russian travel agency before applying.
Do Pakistani passport holders need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Pakistani nationals require a visa for Russia. The fee is approximately $160 and applications are processed at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad.
How do I get an invitation letter for a Russian visa from Pakistan?
Book a tour package or hotel through any Russian licensed travel agency. They will issue a tourist voucher (invitation letter) that you include with your visa application. Many Russian agencies accept online bookings from Pakistan.
What is a visa support document and why is it needed for Russia?
Russia requires a visa support document (tourist voucher or official invitation) from a registered Russian host, hotel, or travel agency before you can apply for a visa. This is separate from hotel bookings.
Do Pakistani bank cards work in Russia?
Pakistani-issued Visa and Mastercard do not work in Russia due to Western sanctions. However, Pakistani travelers can bring US dollars for exchange or inquire about UnionPay card options. Carrying sufficient cash is essential.
How do Pakistanis obtain a Russian tourist voucher?
Book through a licensed Russian travel agency, which will issue an official tourist voucher. Many Russian tour operators offer this service online specifically for visa support purposes.
Is there a Russian e-visa available for Pakistani passport holders?
Russia has offered e-visas for some nationalities. Check evisa.kdmid.ru or the Russian Embassy website for current eligibility, as the list of eligible nationalities changes periodically.