Visa-free countries for Russians in 2025

Although an unprecedented number of sanctions have been imposed on Russia, there are still countries that its citizens can visit without a visa. Many popular destinations, including the Schengen countries, the USA, Canada, China, Japan and Australia, require a visa, a process that can take time and requires the collection of documents.

But some countries do not even require a foreign passport, and some can be entered by issuing only an electronic document. In the article, we will also consider the countries in which you can get a visa directly at the border.

Visa policy updates

In 2025, the visa rules for Russians remained largely the same, but a number of countries made minor changes to the requirements at the border. For example, some countries now ask for additional documents such as a return ticket, proof of accommodation reservation, financial viability and travel insurance. These requirements, although not always mandatory, can affect the journey.

The situation with visa-free entry for Russians continues to change periodically. Some countries have tightened the rules, while others, on the contrary, have expanded the possibilities for visa-free visits. Thus, Albania abolished the previous visa-free regime that was in effect during the summer months. There is no more visa-free transit in the UK.

However, there are also positive changes: Vietnam has increased the period of visa–free stay to 45 days (and up to 90 days with an electronic visa), and Thailand – up to 60 days with the possibility of extension for another month.

Thanks to Croatia’s entry into the Schengen area, foreigners must now obtain a Schengen visa for tourism. South Korea has reopened visa-free entry for tourists. Before planning a trip, it is necessary to clarify the current visa requirements on the official websites of embassies and consulates.

Countries that have changed their visa policy towards Russians:

• Croatia, due to joining the Schengen area, now requires an appropriate visa.
• Albania and the United Kingdom have banned Russians from visiting countries without a visa;
• South Korea allows visa-free travel only for tourists.
• Thailand allowed you to stay on its territory without a visa for up to 60 days with a potential extension for another 30 days before the expiration of the initial period.
• Vietnam has extended the period of stay under the visa–free regime by 3 times (1.5 months for traditional visas and up to 3 months for electronic ones).

Which countries do Russians need to apply for a visa to visit

There are several countries where it is necessary to obtain a traditional paper visa when visiting. Some of them allow you to travel to the countries of the Schengen agreement, others are designed to visit specific countries. Their complete register is presented in the table.

Different countries introduce a visa regime primarily to ensure their security and control immigration. Obtaining a visa requires a certain amount of time, but if necessary, there is no other choice left in these countries.

Countries with a simplified visa regime

Below we will consider the countries where the visa regime for Russians is facilitated, that is, it allows you to stay without a visa for a certain number of days.

Countries requiring only a foreign passport

Europe and the CIS

* When visiting Georgia, the document must not contain stamps from Abkhazia and South Ossetia recognized by Russia as independent

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro require a passport valid for 3 months after the intended departure from the country.

If you stay in Azerbaijan for less than 15 days, registration in the country is not required, in other cases it is mandatory. There are 9 natural zones in Azerbaijan, so every tourist will find something to see in any calendar season.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need to check in on arrival in the first 2 days if you plan to stay in the country for more than 3 days.

You can travel to Georgia by your own car with a Russian license. This is practically the only country that allows Russians to stay in it 365 days a year.

In Montenegro, you need to register within 1 day after entering the state. When checking into hotels, you need to clarify the issue of registration with the administration (it often takes care of these issues), in other cases, registration can be carried out at travel agencies at the place of stay.

In Kazakhstan, you need to register with the migration service within 30 days of staying in the country.

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it should be borne in mind that the passport must remain valid for the entire time that the person will be in the country.

Asia and Oceania

The main visa-free tourist trips of Russians are in Asia. Turkey, Thailand and the UAE are in the highest demand. In Vietnam, Thailand, a foreign passport is required, valid for six months after leaving its borders. You can stay in Thailand and Turkey continuously for up to 60 days, and during your stay you can extend it again for 30 days.

Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for visa-free beach holidays for Russians, despite the long flight. The islands of Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket, as well as the cities of Bangkok and Pattaya, invariably attract tourists with their beauty, distinctive culture and rich history.

Thai resorts offer a variety of recreational opportunities, from relaxing on the beach to active entertainment, while even family resorts such as Koh Samui provide entertainment for every taste. Thailand offers tourists a wide range of accommodation – from hotels to villas and apartments suitable for long-term stays.

In Turkey, a foreign passport is required with a validity period of 4 months after entry into the country. In Thailand, the time spent without a visa is limited to the period May 1-October 31. During these months, the country is experiencing intense heat, interspersed with heavy rains.

Tourists visiting the Maldives must have a passport valid for at least 1 month after entry. A foreign identity card valid for at least 6 months is required in South Korea, and an electronic entry permit is issued by link before the trip.

South America

People come to Venezuela with a foreign identity card valid for six months after entering the country. Here, summer lasts for a whole year, but the dry season runs from December to April.

West Indies

In the Dominican Republic, a passport valid for six months after departure is required. In relation to Cuba, this period should expire no earlier than 1 month after departure. The flight to the Dominican Republic from Moscow takes only 13 hours.

Africa

When planning a visit to Tunisia, it should be borne in mind that the passport must be valid throughout the trip. There are no direct flights to it from Russia, but they are expected to potentially appear. Beach lovers will appreciate the resorts of Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, while fans of history will be able to explore ancient Carthage and the charming Sidi bou Said.

Tunisia is also known for its thalassotherapy wellness treatments using the healing properties of the sea. Excursions to the Sahara are offered for adventurers. Russians can enjoy a visa-free stay in Tunisia for up to 14 days.

You can come to Morocco with a passport valid for at least six months after leaving the country. To travel to the Seychelles, you will need to issue a special permit 10 days before the planned trip. A trip to South Africa takes place with a passport valid for the full period of stay here.

Countries with a visa at the border

In Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Tanzania, a passport valid for six months after crossing the border is required. If you arrive at Sharm el-Sheikh airport, you will receive a “Sinai stamp” instead of a visa. It allows you to stay exclusively on the territory of the Sinai Peninsula for up to 15 days.

In the UAE, separate documents are required for minors. If they are not issued, and the children are only entered in the parents’ passports, they will not be allowed into the country. It is best to visit the UAE between October and April. In the following months, the weather is very hot, to which most Russians are not adapted.

For a long trip to Ethiopia, a visa can be issued in Moscow for up to 6 months. When planning a trip to Morocco, you must have a passport valid for the entire duration of the trip. The country offers a variety of holidays: Agadir is ideal for beach holidays and surfing, Casablanca is for exploring the architecture, and Marrakech will immerse you in the atmosphere of a real Arab city. Russians can enjoy holidays in Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days.

States where only an electronic visa is required

In India, a passport valid for at least six months after submitting the documents is required. It must have at least 2 blank pages. The visa is issued online via the link. It can be valid not only for 30 days, but also for 1 year or 5 years. The longer the stay, the more expensive it is. When obtaining the shortest–term visa in the country, you can stay all days without leaving, when applying for longer visas, the maximum period of stay is 180 days. To apply for long-term visas, you need to take a test for the presence of antibodies to HIV.

To visit Cyprus, you need a passport valid for 3 months after leaving the country. Today, due to the lack of direct flights, a visa is issued at a consulate located in Samara, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Moscow or Yekaterinburg.

When traveling to Mexico, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after leaving the state. Before the trip (25 days in advance), you need to issue an entry permit. You can enter this country without an electronic visa if you have a traditional visa from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the countries that have concluded the Schengen agreement.

Countries where you can only travel with a national passport

When planning a trip to Abkhazia, it should be borne in mind that there is no air service between Russia and this country. The easiest way is to get to Sochi, and from there take a taxi to the checkpoint. You can only get to Armenia with a Russian passport by air. If the check-in is carried out by land, you must present a passport valid for at least 3 months after leaving the country.

Popular visa-free countries for Russians

Turkey remains one of the most popular destinations for Russians. You do not need to apply for a visa, but visa-free stay is limited to 60 consecutive days with the possibility of extending up to 90 days during a 180-day period. Turkey attracts tourists with its mild climate, rich cultural heritage and opportunities for beach holidays.

Belarus remains accessible to Russians without a visa, with the possibility of entry using an internal passport. The maximum stay is 90 days. This is a convenient destination for business trips and short-term vacations.

Serbia – Serbia remains visa-free for Russians for up to 30 days. This destination is popular due to the lack of strict requirements and the opportunity for a relaxing holiday in Europe. It only requires a passport.

Kazakhstan – Russians can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 90 days. This is a convenient destination for those who want to combine leisure with cultural and business goals.

Georgia is one of the most attractive countries for Russians, thanks to the possibility of visa–free entry for a whole year (up to 365 days). Georgia is known for its mountain resorts and rich history.

To travel to some visa–free countries, Russians need an internal passport, and children under 14 years old need a birth certificate. In such cases, border control is carried out without stamping in the passport, but it is required to fill out a migration card indicating the purpose of the visit, the duration of stay and the route. This information is necessary for migration registration. Please clarify the requirements of a particular country before traveling, as the rules may vary slightly.

Requirements at the border

Although a visa is not required to enter these countries, it is recommended to take into account additional requirements that may arise at the border.

For example, in most countries you will need:

• A passport with a sufficient validity period (at least 3-6 months from the date of entry).
• A return ticket or a ticket to a third country.
• Confirmation of the reservation of accommodation (hotel or rental).
• Evidence of financial viability (for example, a bank statement).
• In some countries, travel insurance is also required.

What to pay attention to when traveling without a visa

Even when traveling to visa-free countries, do not forget about some important nuances. Although many countries are loyal to Russian tourists, the availability of a return ticket, confirmation of booking accommodation and a sufficient amount of money is often checked. In some States, these requirements are treated more strictly than in others. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare all the necessary documents in advance.

Finally, do not forget about the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: in some countries, rules may apply related to registration on special portals and the provision of information about vaccination or test results. Always check the current requirements on the official websites before traveling.

Many countries that remain loyal to Russians and do not require them to obtain this mark in their passport, nevertheless, impose a number of requirements.

Basic requirements for availability:

• Booking a hotel or other accommodation;
• Tickets in the opposite direction;
• Financial support;
• Medical insurance.

When traveling with a foreign passport, it is necessary to focus on the requirements of a particular state – all countries have different requirements for the validity period after entry (usually 3-6 months).

The situation with visa-free entry for Russians remains dynamic. Although a completely visa-free regime has not yet been established, active negotiations are underway with a number of countries, including Malaysia, Kenya, Chad, Zimbabwe, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia. In addition, work continues to simplify the visa regime with the BRICS countries, many of which have already canceled visas for Russians.

Significant changes are also expected in relations with China: it is planned to increase the visa-free stay period to 21 days and reduce the minimum size of tourist groups. These changes are likely to come into force in 2025, but you should already keep up-to-date information on visa rules.