Russia increases e-Visa fees by almost 18% as expedited consular costs double.
Starting this month, those intending a trip to Russia are seeing a significantly higher cost. Russia e-Visa 18% increase, as of October 14, 2026 and the nation has at the same time revised its consular visa pricing, with expedited processing costs double, and in certain cases quadrupled, for both regular and work visa candidates.
Explained: The e-Visa Price Jump
Russia’s single electronic visa cost 202 United Arab Emirates dirhams, around $55 or EUR 49, until October 13, 2026. That same visa costs 238 AED, about $65 or EUR58, starting October 14. The rise,which amounts to 36 AED, or almost 18%, was verified using Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official e-Visa portal applications handled in UAE dirhams as the payment currency.
This foreign-currency billing system shows how difficult it is still for Russia to handle overseas banking transactions under present financial restrictions. Though the timing lines up closely with a larger revamp of consular charges generally, Russian authorities have not so far offered any formal justification for the price increase.
The e-Visa is still available to citizens of 64 nations, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, India, and Mexico, for uses including travel, business travel, personal visits, and attendance at authorized events. American citizens, especially, are completely exempt from this campaign and have to instead apply by way of a conventional embassy or consulate.
For those still qualified, the visa’s fundamental conditions haven’t changed: it is still valid for 120 days after issuance, enables one entry, permits stays of up to 30 days, and is usually processed in four calendar days. Despite the price rise, it remains a quicker, easier substitute for the usual consular procedure as applicants never have to provide their passport to a Russian mission.
For Fast Applications, Consular Fees Rise Still Further.
The modifications go beyond just the e-Visa. An updated cost table from Russia’s Consulate General in Strasbourg reveals new costs for European candidates as well starting October 14. Though regular processing costs for basic tourist and business visas haven’t changed, anyone choosing faster turnaround is now paying double.
Originally costing €160, a single-entry visa handled on an accelerated basis now costs €320. Double-entry speedier visas have soared from €256 to €512 while several-entry rapid requests have surged from €480 all the way to €960. Standard processing still takes between four and twenty working days; accelerated service promises a decision within three.
Work visas have suffered much more. Standard work visa application fees have more than doubled; a single-entry work visa currently costs €160 instead of the previous overall rate; accelerated processing for the same type has quadrupled to €640. Double-entry and multiple-entry work visas cost similarly, with accelerated costs of €1,024 and €1,920 respectively.
Standard rates of €80, €128, and €240 depending on entrance type and quick fees of €160, €256, and €480 seem to have spared student visas the worst increases.
A Portion of a Larger Design
This is not the first tariff change Russia has done recently. Moscow increased visa prices for European visitors in January 2024 when the EU stopped its visa facilitation arrangement with Russia, thereby removing discounted rates and driving the customary single-entry visa fee from €35 up to €80.
A government order signed on October 2, 2026 modifying consular costs across several visa classes marks the start of the most recent round of rises. A statement published October 13, a day ahead of implementation, Russia’s consulate in Toronto confirmed the revised pricing schedule. Not every diplomatic mission, meanwhile, has updated its public information at the same rate; the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. still had to publish the amended European charge schedule at the time this was noted. Before turning in paperwork, travelers should personally contact the particular embassy or consulate processing their application.
The Consequences of the New US Travel Policy
We should also mention that US citizens do not face these same changes. Due to the visa facilitation agreement between Washington and Moscow, these price changes do not apply to the citizens of the USA. So, you need to consult the nearest Russian consulate for up-to-date information about the costs instead of basing on the information for European travelers.
The Bottom Line
However, for most travelers that are eligible to obtain Russia’s e-Visa even at new, higher price, it will be the cheapest and most convenient entry option for short visits. However, for travelers who need consular visa, especially under pressure, the cost of speed has increased significantly. Therefore, travelers who plan last-minute trips to Russia should include this information into their budget and verify information regarding prices directly with the Russian consulate.