Russia Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
Russia requires a pre-obtained eVisa for Emirati passport holders. The Russian eVisa is valid for a single entry of up to 16 days and costs $40 USD. It is applied online through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal.
United Arab Emirates passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Russia.
Apply for the Russia eVisa at the official portal (evisa.kdmid.ru). Complete the online form, upload a passport photo and bio-page scan, and pay $40 USD by credit card. Processing typically takes 4 calendar days. The eVisa specifies designated entry checkpoints; ensure your port of entry is on the approved list (major international airports and border crossings are included).
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
Russia eVisa Application
Apply at evisa.kdmid.ru at least 7 days before travel. Cost: $40 USD. Processing: 4 calendar days.
UAE Passport Scan
Clear scan of UAE passport bio-page for the eVisa application.
Passport Photo
Recent digital photo as per Russian eVisa specifications: light background, front-facing, recent.
Credit Card for eVisa Fee
International card to pay the $40 USD fee at the eVisa portal.
Required at Entry
UAE Passport (original)
Present original UAE passport alongside eVisa at Russian immigration at a designated checkpoint.
Russia eVisa Printout
Print the approved eVisa to present to Russian immigration officers.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward ticket from Russia within the 16-day limit.
Cash (USD or EUR)
Carry USD or EUR cash for exchange in Russia. Western card networks are suspended; ATM access is limited for UAE-issued cards.
Hotel Registration Confirmation
Russian law requires foreign nationals to register at their accommodation. Most hotels handle this automatically; ensure your hotel is registered to host foreign nationals.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to Russia: What You Need to Know
The UAE has maintained a pragmatic, neutral diplomatic stance since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and bilateral UAE-Russia ties have actually intensified in trade, tourism, and finance in the post-2022 period. The Russian eVisa for UAE nationals reflects this arrangement. Russia's major cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) remain accessible to Emiratis, though international payment card usage is limited and some UAE banks may flag Russia transactions.
How to Get There
The 16-day eVisa limit is strict; plan your itinerary carefully. St. Petersburg alone warrants 5-7 days. Moscow requires 3-5 days. The Trans-Siberian Railway requires longer visas (tourist visa applied through a visa centre, not available as eVisa).
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). USD and EUR are exchangeable at licensed exchange offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. ATMs accept international cards only at certain banks (Sberbank and Tinkoff may work in some cases). Carry cash.
Practical Tips
Note that Western payment networks (Visa, Mastercard) are suspended in Russia; bring USD or EUR cash for exchange in Russia, or use UnionPay if your UAE bank supports it. Some UAE banks (especially those with US correspondent relationships) may block Russia transactions. Carry sufficient cash. Russia's Mir card system operates domestically. Book accommodation at hotels registered to accept foreign nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for Russia?
Yes. UAE nationals require a Russian eVisa for stays up to 16 days. The eVisa costs $40 USD and is applied for online at the official Russian MFA portal.
How do I apply for a Russia eVisa?
Apply at evisa.kdmid.ru. Complete the online form, upload a passport photo and bio-page scan, and pay $40 USD. Processing takes approximately 4 calendar days. The eVisa specifies permitted entry checkpoints; use major international airports.
Can I use my UAE bank card in Russia?
Most Western card networks (Visa, Mastercard) are suspended in Russia following 2022 sanctions. Carry USD or EUR cash for exchange in Russia. Some UAE banks may flag Russia transactions; check with your bank. The Russian Mir card system operates domestically. UnionPay may work at some Russian ATMs.
What are the top attractions in Russia for UAE visitors?
Moscow (Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre, GUM department store), St. Petersburg (Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, Mariinsky Theatre), and the Trans-Siberian Railway journey are world-class experiences.
How long can UAE nationals stay in Russia?
The eVisa allows a maximum of 16 days per entry. For longer stays, a standard Russian tourist visa (applied through the Russian Consulate in Dubai with an invitation letter) is required. These are typically valid for up to 30 days and take 4-20 working days.
Are there direct flights from UAE to Russia?
Flydubai operates direct Dubai-Moscow flights. Aeroflot also serves the UAE-Russia corridor. Note that some UAE banks or employers may have internal policies regarding Russia travel; check any relevant restrictions.