Which major countries require visas for Russian citizens?

Russian citizens require visas for all European Union countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.), the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Switzerland. Following geopolitical tensions since 2022, many Western nations have suspended visa facilitation agreements and limited visa issuance to Russian nationals.

Can Russian passport holders travel to Europe in 2025?

Russian citizens cannot travel visa-free to any EU Schengen countries. All EU member states require visas, and many have severely restricted visa processing since 2022. Some EU countries have closed consulates in Russia or only process visas for humanitarian, family, or essential travel cases. Transit visas are also required for airport connections in most EU countries.

What are the easiest countries for Russians to visit without a visa?

Russians enjoy visa-free access to Turkey (up to 60 days), Thailand (up to 30 days), United Arab Emirates (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Argentina (90 days), Serbia (30 days), and several former Soviet states including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Popular visa-on-arrival destinations include Egypt, Maldives, and Indonesia.

Is military service mandatory for Russian passport holders?

Yes, military service is mandatory for male Russian citizens aged 18-30. As of 2024, the service period is 12 months. Conscription occurs twice yearly (spring and fall). Men of conscription age may face travel restrictions and can be barred from leaving Russia if they haven't fulfilled military obligations. Partial mobilization measures since 2022 have increased exit restrictions for certain categories.

Can Russian citizens work abroad with their passport?

Russian passport holders can work in countries where they have visa-free access only if local laws permit it, which is rare without separate work authorization. Most countries require work visas or permits regardless of visa-free tourist access. Within the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), Russians have the right to work freely without additional permits.

How long does it take to renew a Russian passport in 2025?

Standard Russian passport renewal takes 30 days when applied for at your registered residence address, or up to 3 months if applying from a different region. Expedited processing (3-7 days) is available for urgent cases with supporting documentation. Applicants must submit through local migration offices (MVD). Russians abroad can renew passports at Russian consulates, though processing times vary significantly by location.

Are there any countries that ban Russian passport holders from entry?

Ukraine has banned entry to Russian citizens since 2022. Iceland suspended visa-free access for Russians. While no other countries have outright bans, many Western nations have severely limited visa issuance. Some airlines have restricted flights from Russia, making physical travel difficult even to visa-free destinations. Always verify current entry policies before booking travel.

Can Russians transit through European airports without a visa?

No, Russian citizens generally need airport transit visas (Type A) for layovers in most EU Schengen airports, even without leaving the international zone. This includes major hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and Helsinki. Direct flights or routes through non-EU countries (Turkey, UAE, Qatar) are recommended. Some EU countries maintain specific transit visa requirements for Russian nationals.

What documents do Russian citizens need for visa-free travel?

For visa-free travel, Russian citizens need: (1) a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates, (2) proof of sufficient funds, (3) return/onward tickets, (4) hotel reservations or invitation letters, and (5) travel insurance (required by some countries). Some destinations like Mexico, South Korea, and Sri Lanka now require electronic travel authorization (eTA) to be obtained online before departure, even for visa-free access.

Russia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 114 Countries

📖About Russia

In 2025, Russia ranks 50th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 114 destinations. This travel document has shown fluctuating mobility over the past two decades, peaking at rank 38 in 2014 with access to 100 countries, before experiencing shifts due to geopolitical factors. While Russian passport holders enjoy moderate travel freedom compared to top-ranking passports, the document provides access to key destinations across Asia, South America, and select European nations. The passport's mobility level places it in the mid-tier range globally, offering reasonable international travel advantages for business, tourism, and personal purposes.

Mobility

Region

EUROPE

Destination	Maximum Stay
Turkey	up to 90 days
Thailand	up to 60 days
United Arab Emirates	up to 90 days
Maldives	up to 90 days
Serbia	up to 30 days

Destination

Maximum Stay

up to 90 days

up to 60 days

up to 90 days

up to 90 days

up to 30 days

📈Historical Ranking Trend

Russia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 12 positions from 2006 to 2025

❓Frequently asked questions

As of 2025, Russian passport holders can access 114 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 96 visa-free countries, 27 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 7 countries offering electronic travel authorization. The Russian passport ranks 50th globally on the Henley Passport Index, down from 119 accessible destinations in 2024.

Russia Passport

Visa requirements

📖About Russia

Free One-Page Travel Guide

✈️Top Visa-Free Destinations for Russia Citizens

📈Historical Ranking Trend

Russia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Official Russia Resources

❓Frequently asked questions

How many countries can Russian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Which major countries require visas for Russian citizens?

Can Russian passport holders travel to Europe in 2025?

What are the easiest countries for Russians to visit without a visa?

Is military service mandatory for Russian passport holders?

Can Russian citizens work abroad with their passport?

How long does it take to renew a Russian passport in 2025?

Are there any countries that ban Russian passport holders from entry?

Can Russians transit through European airports without a visa?

What documents do Russian citizens need for visa-free travel?

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