United Kingdom visa for Russian citizens

Travel from the United Kingdom to Russia requires a visa for all purposes, a reflection of the current complexities in international movement between the two nations. While there are five distinct visa types available, including tourist, business, work, and student options, applicants should be prepared for varied processing times and an application fee that can typically be around £150 for a standard tourist visa allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The primary practical consideration for British travelers is the ongoing suspension of direct flights, which has been in place since early 2022, meaning journeys now necessitate indirect routes often transiting through hubs like Istanbul or Dubai. This significantly impacts overall travel time and planning for reaching Russia.

Visa required· verified 2026-05-29

Entry requirements

Passport validity
6+ months
Onward ticket
Required
Funds proof
Required
Health insurance
Not required
Biometrics
Required

Visa options

TouristStandard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 2 years)
180d$710multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 5 years)
180d$1267multiple-entryvalid 5y
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 10 years)
180d$1583multiple-entryvalid 10y
Apply
OtherVisiting academic – Standard Visitor (more than 6 months up to 12 months)
365d$328multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyMarriage Visitor visa
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
MedicalVisit visa for private medical treatment (more than 6 months up to 11 months)
335d$328multiple-entryvalid 11mo
Apply
TouristVisit visa – in a Chinese tour group (Approved Destination Status)
30d$189valid 6mo
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 2 years)
180d$710multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 5 years)
180d$1267multiple-entryvalid 5y
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 10 years)
180d$1583multiple-entryvalid 10y
Apply
TransitDirect Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
1d$58valid 6mo
Apply
TransitVisitor in Transit visa
2d$105valid 6mo
Apply
TransitVisit visa – joining a ship or aircraft as crew
7d$105valid 6mo
Apply
FamilyParent of a Child Student visa
365d$1019multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
StudentShort-term Student (English language, 6–11 months)
335d$320multiple-entryvalid 11mo
Apply
OtherElectronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
180d$25multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply

Sources