The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the number of foreigners who received electronic visas a year after the introduction of the system. According to the ministry's data, from August 2023 to July 2024, 540,900 foreigners obtained electronic visas. Reporting on these figures, RBC newspaper states that the most applications for these visas came from citizens of China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, and Estonia.
China was the country that received the most electronic visas, with 254,200 applications. It was followed by Saudi Arabia with 43,400 applications and Germany with 42,600 applications. Turkey and Estonia also ranked among the top five. The top ten countries in electronic visa applications included India, Latvia, Iran, Kuwait, and Lithuania. According to Artur Muradyan, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, most of these visas are obtained for short-term tourist or business trips.
Russia began its electronic visa program on August 1, 2023. Citizens of 55 countries can obtain this visa for tourist, business, humanitarian, and visitor purposes, as well as for participating in social, economic, and sports events. The visa is single-entry, valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and allows a stay in Russia for up to 16 days. The application fee is $52.