Russian passport holders can travel to many different countries all over the world. Over 90 of them are visa-free or visa-on-arrival, but these destinations can change periodically due to agreements and policies between countries. This guide will delve into the latest visa-free countries for Russian passport holders in 2025 and provide travel tips to help you better prepare for your trip.
Russian Passport Ranking 2025
According to the Henley Passport Index, in 2025, the Russian passport ranks 34th in the world, reaching 63% of countries and territories throughout all continents, including some of the biggest countries worldwide, such as the US, China, Australia, etc. Its mobility score has dropped to 126 compared to the score in 2024, but it is still the second-highest score in a decade.
2025 Visa-Free Countries by Region for Russian Passport Holders
With access to 198 countries worldwide, 77 countries and territories allow Russian passport holders to enter without a visa and their permitted time to stay varies. Here are some tables demonstrating these visa-free countries by region:
Europe
Only 5 visa-free countries are located in Europe.
| European Countries | Duration of Stay |
| Belarus | |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30 days |
| Moldova | 90 days |
| Montenegro | 30 days |
| Serbia | 30 days |
Asia
22 Asian countries allow Russian citizens to enter visa-free.
| Asian Countries | Duration of Stay |
| Armenia | 180 days |
| Azerbaijan | 90 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
| Georgia | 360 days |
| Hong Kong | 14 days |
| Kazakhstan | 90 days |
| Kyrgyzstan | |
| Laos | 30 days |
| Macau | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Maldives | 90 days |
| Mongolia | 30 days |
| Myanmar | 30 days |
| Palestine | |
| Philippines | 30 days |
| South Korea | 90 days |
| Tajikistan | |
| Thailand | 60 days |
| Türkiye | 60 days |
| United Arab Emirates | 90 days |
| Uzbekistan | |
| Vietnam | 45 days |
Latin America
Up to 31 visa-free countries are in Latin America.
| Latin America Countries | Duration of Stay |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 90 days |
| Bahamas | 90 days |
| Barbados | 90 days |
| Costa Rica | 30 days |
| Cuba | 90 days |
| Dominica | 21 days |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days |
| El Salvador | 180 days |
| Grenada | 90 days |
| Guatemala | 90 days |
| Haiti | 90 days |
| Honduras | 90 days |
| Jamaica | 90 days |
| Nicaragua | 90 days |
| Panama | 90 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 90 days |
| Saint Lucia | 42 days |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 90 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 days |
| Argentina | 90 days |
| Bolivia | 90 days |
| Brazil | 90 days |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Colombia | 90 days |
| Ecuador | 90 days |
| Guyana | 90 days |
| Paraguay | 90 days |
| Peru | 180 days |
| Suriname | 90 days |
| Uruguay | 90 days |
| Venezuela | 90 days |
Africa
There are 13 visa-free countries in Africa.
| African Countries | Duration of Stay |
| Angola | 30 days |
| Botswana | 90 days |
| Cabo Verde | 60 days |
| Gambia | 90 days |
| Malawi | 90 days |
| Mauritius | 90 days |
| Morocco | 90 days |
| Mozambique | 30 days |
| Namibia | 90 days |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 15 days |
| South Africa | 90 days |
| Tunisia | 90 days |
| Eswatini | 30 days |
Oceania
6 countries in Oceania are visa-free to Russian passport holders.
| Oceania Countries | Duration of Stay |
| Fiji | 120 days |
| Kiribati | 90 days |
| Micronesia | 30 days |
| Palau | 30 days |
| Samoa | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | 120 days |
A Quick Comparison of Different Visa Policies for Russian Citizens
As a Russian citizen, it is necessary to understand different visa policies when you are planning your trip abroad. Some countries allow you to enter without a visa, whereas some require you to present a proper visa at the border. Under certain circumstances, your application for a visa may be rejected. See the detailed comparison table below of different visa policies:
| Visa Policy | Definition | Application | When to apply | Fee (USD) | Validity | Interview | Extension | Rejection Risk | Political Sensitivity |
| Visa-Free | Visa-free countries do not require Russian citizens a visa to enter and allow short stays. | No application required. | No application required. | Free | 14 – 90 days | No | No | Low | High |
| eVisa | eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied online before travel. | The application process is done online, including uploading documents and making payments. | 3 to 7 days before travel. | $20 – $100 | 30 – 90 days | No | Possible | Medium | Medium |
| eTA | eTA means electronic travel authorization. It is a digital travel document obtained online before a visa-free entry. | It is an online application with quick approval. | 72 hours before travel. | $7 – $15 | 5 years or until the passport expires | No | No | Low | Medium |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Visa on Arrival is obtained at the airport or border of the destination country. | Completed forms, relevant documents and payments are required for a VoA application. | Upon arrival. | $25 – $100 | 15 – 90 days | No | Possible | Medium | High |
| Visa Required | A regular visa must be applied at an Embassy or Consulate of the destination country before travel. | The application involves booking an appointment, filling out forms and providing relevant documents. | 2 to 8 weeks before travel. | $50 – $200 | Varies (single/multi-entry) | Yes | Possible but rare | High | Very high |
Note: Political sensitivity means how much political events will impact the visa policies. For example, the visa-free policy in the country for Russian citizens may change suddenly due to sanctions.
What Countries Issue eVisas to Russian Passport Holders?
Russian passport holders can travel to 12 countries with an eVisa, such as Australia, Singapore and some African countries. We have listed all the countries that issue eVisas to Russian citizens below:
- Albania
- Australia
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Congo (Dem. Rep.)
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Montserrat
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Singapore
- South Sudan
- St. Helena
- Syria
- Togo
- Uganda
What Countries Issue eTA to Russian Passport Holders?
Only 7 countries issue an eTA to Russian passport holders. Most of them allow you to stay within 90 days, whereas South Korea will only allow 60 days. Here are the countries that issue eTA to Russian citizens:
- Kenya
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- South Korea
What Countries Issue Visas on Arrival to Russian Passport Holders?
42 countries allow Russian citizens to enter with a visa on arrival. They are located in Oceania, Asia and Africa, including Indonesia, India and Tanzania. See the following list of countries that issue visas on arrival to Russian citizens:
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Madagascar
- Marshall Islands
- Nepal
- Niue
- Oman
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Countries Issue Regular Visas to Russian Passport Holders?
There are up to 60 countries that require a regular visa for Russian passport holders. You can find these countries in Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania and Africa. Check out these countries in the following list:
- Albania
- Australia
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Congo (Dem. Rep.)
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Montserrat
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Singapore
- South Sudan
- St. Helena
- Syria
- Togo
- Uganda
Which Countries Ban Entry to Russian Citizens?
Due to the international political situation nowadays, some countries are involved in a war with Russia or have a hostile relationship with Russia. These countries may ban entry to Russian citizens. It is important to know which countries they are and consider the risk when deciding on your travel destination. Here is a list of countries that ban entry to Russian tourists or have extremely limited entry:
- Poland
- Poland does not issue tourist visas to Russian citizens except for Diplomats, family reunification, and truck drivers.
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Estonia
- Finland
- Czech Republic
- Ukraine
Travel Tips for Russians in 2025
The powerful Russian passport gives many travel alternatives for Russian citizens. Here are some travel tips that you should consider when you make your plan:
- Pick a visa-free destination.
Although you can go to countries that require a visa, choosing a visa-free country to travel to will save you some trouble, and you don’t have to worry about visa rejection at all.
- Avoid countries that do not have a good relationship with Russia.
Avoid traveling to countries that ban Russian tourists or have extra restrictions for Russian citizens, such as the USA, Ukraine, Finland, etc. It is not worth the risk and trouble.
- Exchange local currency.
Having enough money is important when you travel. You should exchange some local currency in advance.
- Use a translator.
Communication is important when you arrive at your destination. Always have a translator in your pocket for any situation you may need to talk to local people.
- Do weather research.
You must research the weather before you pack your belongings. The temperature can be lower than you think, even if you are going to an African country. Pack lightly and wisely.
- Purchase insurance.
Staying safe and healthy is the number one rule when traveling. Purchase the necessary travel insurance in case you need to cover some fees for medical treatments.
FAQ
How many countries can a Russian passport enter without a visa?
77 countries and territories allow Russian passport holders to enter without a visa.
Can I get a visa exemption if my passport is valid for less than 6 months?
No. Generally, visa-free countries for Russian passport holders require a Russian passport valid for at least 6 months before their departure.
Do Russians need a visa for Hong Kong?
No. Hong Kong allows Russian citizens to enter visa-free.
Do Russians need a visa for Singapore?
Yes. Singapore requires an eVisa for Russians.
Can Russian citizens travel to the USA now?
Yes. Russian citizens can travel to the USA, but there is no direct flight, and it may be difficult to secure a B1/B2 visa.
Can Russians travel to the UK?
Yes. Although direct flights are not available, Russians can travel to the UK with a proper visa.
What are the benefits of having a Russian passport?
A Russian passport holder enjoys access to 77 visa-free countries all around the world, and Russia allows dual citizenship. If you are living abroad, you can seek help or protection from a Russian Consulate.
Conclusion
Russian passport holders have access to 198 countries and territories worldwide with distinct visa requirements. In this article, we have shown all of these countries and classified them by visa requirements. Although Russia does not necessarily have a good relationship with all the countries in the world, there are still many beautiful destinations that allow Russian tourists to travel and explore hassle-free.