For citizens of Iceland, the vast landscapes of Russia—from the historic streets of St. Petersburg to the bustling energy of Moscow—have never been more accessible. With the launch of the Unified Russian e-Visa, the days of complex paperwork and consulate visits are over.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Russia e-Visa for Icelanders, including the different types, document requirements, and how to ensure a successful application.
Which Types of Russian e-Visas Can Icelanders Apply For?
The unified system covers a wide range of travel purposes. Whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or a specific event, there is an e-Visa category for you:
Tourist eVisa: The most common type for sightseeing and exploring Russian culture.
Tourist eVisa for children under 6: Specialized processing for the youngest travelers.
Business eVisa: For those attending meetings, negotiations, or looking for trade opportunities.
Sports Events eVisa: Perfect for athletes or fans attending international competitions.
Scientific, Cultural, and Economic Events eVisas: Designed for experts and participants in specialized forums.
Social and Political Events eVisa: For guests attending official gatherings.
Guest visit eVisa: If you are visiting friends or relatives residing in Russia.
How Long is the Russia e-Visa Valid for Icelanders?
The Russia e-Visa is a single-entry permit. Once issued, it is valid for 60 days, but the maximum permitted stay within the country is 16 days from the date of entry. This includes the day you arrive and the day you depart.
What are the Document Requirements for Russia e-Visa?
Valid Passport: Your Icelandic passport must be machine-readable and have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Digital Photo: A high-quality, passport-style color photo taken against a plain white background (no glasses allowed).
Passport Scan: A clear JPEG scan of your passport’s bio-data page.
Medical Insurance: Valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Russia.
How Long Does the Russia e-Visa Processing Take?
Depending on how quickly you need your travel documents, russian-e-visa.com offers three tiers of processing speeds:
Normal Processing Time: 6 – 9 business days.
Rush Processing Time: 4 – 7 business days.
Super Rush Processing Time: 3 – 5 business days.
Is the Russia e-Visa Fee Refundable if My Application is Cancelled?
It is important to note the Refund Policy: The Russia e-Visa fee is non-refundable. Because the Russian government begins processing the application immediately upon payment, we strongly advise you to thoroughly review all the information in your eVisa application before submitting it.
Which Payment Methods Can I Use for My Russian eVisa?
When applying through russian-e-visa.com, you have access to multiple secure payment options. This is especially helpful as international card acceptance on government sites can sometimes be restricted. We accept major credit/debit cards and other secure digital payment methods to ensure a smooth transaction.
What are the Key Immigration Rules I Must Follow?
Upon arrival, you must present your printed e-Visa and the passport used for the application. Within seven working days of arrival, you must be registered with the migration authorities (usually handled by your hotel or host). Always keep your migration card—provided at the border—safe until you depart.
Can I Work in Russia with an e-Visa?
No. The Russia e-Visa is strictly for tourism, business, and humanitarian visits. If you intend to take up official employment in Russia, you must apply for a traditional Work Visa through a Russian consulate, as the e-Visa does not grant the right to work.
Do I Need a Transit Visa if I am Just Passing Through?
If you are transiting through a Russian airport without leaving the international transit zone, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or if your connection involves moving between terminals that require passing through border control, you will need a valid visa. The e-Visa can be used for transit if your stay is under 16 days.
Is it Safe for Icelandic Tourists to Visit Russia?
Generally, Russia is safe for tourists who stay in major cities and follow local laws. However, it is always recommended to stay updated with the latest travel advisories from the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Stick to well-traveled areas and use registered taxi apps for transportation.
What is Internet Availability Like in Russia?
Internet connectivity is excellent in Russia. High-speed Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public parks in major cities. 4G/5G coverage is also very strong, ensuring you can stay connected and use navigation apps throughout your journey.
What Power Plug Type is Used in Russia?
Russia uses Type C and Type F plugs (the same “Europlug” used in most of Europe). The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. Since Iceland also uses these plug types, you likely won’t need an adapter for your devices.
How Much Cash Should I Carry to Russia?
Due to international banking restrictions, some foreign cards may not work at Russian ATMs or shops. It is highly recommended to carry enough cash in USD or Euros to exchange for Russian Rubles (RUB) upon arrival. Large cities have many exchange offices where you can easily swap currency.
Why Do Agents Charge a Service Fee for the eVisa?
The service fee at russian-e-visa.com covers more than just the application. It includes a comprehensive manual review of your documents to prevent rejection, 24/7 priority support via WhatsApp/Live Chat, and the ability to recover documents easily. We take the stress out of the process so you can focus on your trip.
How Can I Get a SIM Card in Russia?
Getting a local SIM card is very easy and affordable. You can find kiosks for major providers like MTC, Megafon, or Beeline at airports and throughout city centers. You will need your passport to register the SIM card, and data plans are generally much cheaper than roaming rates.
When is the Best Time to Visit Russia?
The best time depends on your preference:
Summer (June – August): Best for warm weather and “White Nights” in St. Petersburg.
Autumn (September – October): Beautiful golden landscapes and fewer crowds.
Winter (December – February): For a true Russian experience with snow, festive markets, and winter sports.
FAQs
Do I need an invitation letter for a Russian e-Visa?
No. One of the biggest advantages of the e-Visa for Icelanders is that you do not need a tourist voucher or an invitation letter from a host in Russia.
Can I enter Russia by train from Finland using an e-Visa?
Yes, as long as the border crossing point is on the approved list (like the Buslovskaya railway checkpoint). Always check the latest list of 92 approved checkpoints before booking your tickets.
Is it safe to pay for my Russia e-Visa online?
Yes. When using russian-e-visa.com, your payment and personal data are protected by high-level encryption.
Ready to Get Your Russia e-Visa Today?
Don’t let bureaucracy stand between you and the wonders of Russia. Start your application now and get ready to experience the culture and history of the world’s largest country.
Contact Us for 24/7 Support: Need help? Reach out via Live Chat, WhatsApp, or Phone at any time. We are here to make your Russian journey begin smoothly.
