Which countries does Russia have a visa-free regime with?

In order to fulfill the dream and go to the desired country, some people have to deal with the problem of applying for a visa. However, before applying for it, you should familiarize yourself with the list of countries with a visa-free regime for Russia and its citizens, and then you might want to discover these states for yourself, without plunging into excessive bureaucratic red tape. There is definitely something to choose from. What kind of countries can this be with a visa-free regime for Russians? What are their tourist advantages? What additional conditions of stay can be? We will talk about this in the article.

What is a visa-free regime?

A visa is an official document that allows you to cross the borders of the country and temporarily stay in it. However, when you enter the country and if you have a permit, you can talk at the border control post about the purpose of the visit, look at the departure ticket, and if any threats are detected, the border control has the right not to let you into the state even if you have a visa. But such measures are very rarely taken.

If a country introduces a visa-free regime for the entry of citizens of another state, this indicates a special positive relationship between these countries. You could even say that the visa canceling party is always waiting for the citizens of that country for which the visa regime is canceled.

The introduction of a visa-free regime is both a mutual measure of the two countries, and one-sided. Most countries for which tourism is an important economic sector, to attract even more tourists, establish a "visa-free" for a certain amount of time, usually from thirty to ninety days. In some places, a visa can be purchased at the airport according to a simplified scheme.

Interesting ratings in 2014 were compiled by some publications on countries whose citizens would be glad to see most countries of the world without a visa. In the first place were citizens of the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom - they have access to visa-free travel to 173 countries. They are afraid of accepting citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan without a visa - they were in the penultimate and last places among 94 countries. Only 28 states are ready to let in the citizens of Afghanistan without hindrance.

Not even a passport needed

Despite the fact that the Soviet Union has not existed for almost 30 years, many of its member countries still maintain cultural, political, economic threads of interaction with Russia and are glad to see Russians with only the main passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. By the way, these are very worthy countries in considering them from the tourist side.

In 2018, a visa-free regime for Russians to neighboring countries is only available through an internal passport in four CIS countries and in two so-called “unrecognized” world public figures - Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Is it necessary to explain the tourist advantages of these countries? From former times, there are many tourist centers, resorts and hospitals, in addition, the countries are very close to Russia. The mountain air of South Ossetia and nature inspiring with its uniqueness will surprise tourists who are active, who love mountain hiking and new experiences. Abkhazia is also known for its nature, the icy waters of about. Ritsa, botanical gardens, sea coast. Recently, the authorities of both countries have been cooperating with the Russian Federation in terms of improving tourism infrastructure and services.

Fraternal countries

Four more countries are on the list of countries with a visa-free regime, for entry into which only a Russian passport is required: Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Of course, in these states there is no access to the seas and oceans, but they can easily be replaced by the local flavor, hospitable hosts, affordable prices and very tasty and satisfying local cuisine.

An increasing number of tourists go to the ancient and very first Christian country in the world - Armenia. You can stay here for up to ninety days. A unique country with an oriental flavor and Christian religion will open up stunning natural views of green mountains and clean rivers, the world of ancient monasteries and temples, treat you with wine and cognac, and feed you delicious kebab. The right time to visit this country is almost year-round - in summer the beach on Lake Sevan, in winter - ski slopes, and in early autumn - an abundance of fruits and gentle, but not scorching sun.

There is a place for discoveries for tourists in Kyrgyzstan. Only the high-altitude lake Issyk-Kul, amazing with its cleanliness, what it costs, and also the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains. The color of the nomads is represented by wide steppes and yurts, a real Central Asian pilaf and koumiss, competitions of horse riders and ancient legends. If you are not a fan of the scorching sun of Central Asia, then it is better to visit Kyrgyzstan from the end of April to May inclusive or in September - October. Tourist visa-free regime for Russians in Kyrgyzstan - 90 days.

Belarus is our closest and friendliest partner in many matters. Introducing a visa-free regime with Russia, Belarus opened the door for many Russian tourists. Among the advantages of nature, nature reserves and pristine forests, worthy medical sanatoriums, cultural and historical sites, medieval castles of European princes, temples and cathedrals, products of excellent quality and attractive prices can be noted.

Kazakhstan, being in the list of countries with a visa-free regime (entry is allowed on only one passport of the Russian Federation), will provide a lot of impressions to vacationers. There are several destinations for recreation: hunting, mountaineering or fishing, educational tours, ethno-ecotourism and rest with treatment. The capital of the country will surprise with its progressive architecture, Baikonur will open the doors to the world of space, and Lake Balkhash will immerse in clear waters. Due to the vastness of this state, one should carefully choose the region of rest; the temperature difference between northern and southern Kazakhstan is quite high.

Without a visa, but with a passport. Nearest neighbors

Many times more (more than a hundred) countries are presented in the list of visa-free regime for Russians, where a passport is required for entry (do not forget to grab a Russian passport). These are mainly tourist countries, and their stay in them is limited to a few dozen days, which are enough for a vacation. Consider with which countries Russia has a visa-free regime providing for the presence of a passport. There are quite a lot of vacation options.

Our closest neighbors, the CIS countries, receive visa-free guests from Russia on a foreign passport. The list is presented, in addition to the aforementioned Belarus, by the following countries:

1. The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are our neighbors, geographically located in Europe. Recently, Ukraine can be visited with a passport twice a year up to ninety days in each half year. For the same period, a visa-free stay regime is also provided for in Moldova.
2. Azerbaijan and Georgia. You can enjoy the beauties of Azerbaijan unhindered for no more than ninety days, but in Georgia this period can last a whole year, the main thing is not to cross the Georgian border through Abkhazia.
3. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. You can also feel the Central Asian flavor of these countries in a visa-free regime for 90 days. At the same time, the presence of a passport valid throughout the rest of the vacation is important.

Europe

In the European direction, the list of countries with a visa-free regime in 2018 is not large for Russians. It is represented by six states:

1. Turkey (we rank it among Europe, although this is only partially true). The country beloved by our tourists in 2017 went to meet and increased the stay of our citizens at home up to 90 days in one half a year. Be sure to see when your passport expires, as it must be valid for at least another four months during your stay in this country.
2. Albania is another country fighting for a Russian tourist. To this end, she introduced a visa-free regime with Russia for the popular season from spring to autumn (May 31–15). The rest of the time, a Schengen visa is required to stay in this country. You can relax in Albania with a passport for up to three months.
3. Macedonia and Serbia. Serbian brothers Slavs receive Russian tourists in a visa-free regime for up to thirty days. Upon arrival, you only need to register with the local police (usually this is done by hotel workers or owners of rental housing). You can relax longer in beautiful Macedonia. You can stay here for up to three months every six months, the main thing is the valid passport valid prior to departure.
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro. Tourists in these countries can stay thirty days in a two-month period (60 days), that is, at least every month. A valid passport is required within three months before departure, a return ticket or confirmation of transit.

Near East

Hot Middle Eastern countries with a visa-free regime with Russia, which provides for tourist trips, are in demand among our tourists. These are the following countries:

1. Israel. In a visa-free regime, citizens of the Russian Federation can come here for ninety days twice a year. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the country. Also, be prepared for what a hotel reservation, an invitation from relatives, and how much money you have can ask.
2. Jordan. Entrance to this country is issued by a paid visa directly at the airport, valid for thirty days. Your passport should not end six months before leaving the country, so be prepared to provide departure tickets.
3. Bahrain. For tourist purposes, you can visit this country only up to fourteen days; a paid visa will be issued upon arrival at the border. Additional documents will be required with the date of departure and confirmation of the reservation. Recently, a visa can be obtained through the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bahrain.
4. Lebanon and Syria. In light of recent events, it is not recommended that tourists visit these countries, but they are on the list of countries with a visa-free regime. Previously, he acted for thirty days.
5. Qatar. This emirate state with access to the Persian Gulf in 2017 has simplified its visit for many countries. A visa for Russians is issued at the airport for thirty days with the right to renew for the same period.

Southeast direction

Continuing to consider which countries have established a visa-free regime for Russian tourists, we will talk about the southeast direction. Many Asian countries can be visited without a visa or issuing it upon arrival. Among them are:

1. Thailand - invites Russian guests for up to thirty days only according to their passport (by the way, it should not have a rumpled and dirty look, otherwise Thais may not be allowed into the country). The same conditions apply to the Philippines, plus you must confirm the availability of funds.
2. Vietnam, Hong Kong or Laos for those visa-free travelers who spend no more than 15 days in these countries (for Hong Kong - 14). The requirements are standard - a valid passport, proof of residence and return tickets (in Hong Kong they also ask for financial viability).
3. Malaysia - for a stay of up to one month, a visa is not required, while the passport must be in place six months before departure. Long-term pregnant women may be denied entry, asked to confirm the availability of finances and take fingerprints.
4. Myanmar and Nepal. Entrance to Myanmar is issued with a visa at the airport and is valid for 4 weeks (28 days) or electronically on the page of the Ministry of Migration. To do this, you need a passport valid for at least the next six months, hotel reservation and proof of money. In Nepal, you will need to buy a visa at the airport with a choice of term - 90, 60 or 15 days for adults and children over 10 years old.
5. Cambodia, like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, sells tourist visas at the entrance to its borders for up to thirty days (Bangladesh to 90). The rest is standard - a foreign passport and money for staying in the country not expired six months before the end of the visit.
6. Mongolia and South Korea. These are visa-free countries for a period of thirty and sixty days, respectively. The total period of rest in these two countries cannot be more than ninety days in six months.

African continent

Having considered the list of African countries with a visa-free regime for guests from Russia, we can say that this is the most hospitable continent. The most popular countries on the African continent:

1. Egypt. Allows you to see the pyramids, relax by the sea for a month with a visa issued at the airport (cost $ 25/1400 rubles). If you enter the country through Israel, a free Sinai visa is issued.
2. Morocco, Tunisia and Namibia - do not require a visa up to three months stay here. Check the validity of the passport (six months) and provide tickets for the return trip.
3. Uganda, Mali, Burundi, Djibouti, Cape Verde, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. A visa is obtained at the place of arrival in these countries and can be valid for a period of thirty to ninety days. Some of these countries require you to complete migration cards (in English or French) and to confirm that you have finances.
4. Botswana admits tourists without a visa for a period of up to three months upon presentation of an unexpired passport, at least three hundred dollars per person and tickets for the return trip.
5. The Gambia does not require visas for 56 days of stay with the Russians if they have provided a passport, proof of residence, cash and departure tickets.

Latin American direction

Which countries does Russia have a visa-free regime with? Many countries in Central and South America are no less hospitable than the Southeast countries and Africa. They are represented by the following list.

Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, El Salvador, Chile, Guyana, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Argentina can be visited unhindered with only one valid passport for the entire trip for ninety days. Upon arrival, they may be interested in your financial viability and ask to show tickets for the return trip or hotel reservation. In Honduras, a minor under the age of 21 may be asked to provide a power of attorney, which must be translated into Spanish. Uruguay, Argentina and Chile can be visited twice a year for up to 90 days.

As many (90 days) tourists from Russia can be in Venezuela. The remaining requirements are the same: the passport must be in effect for at least six months from the date of departure from the country. At the airport or directly on the plane you will be asked to fill out a migration card.

Cuba for Russian tourists is open for up to thirty days without a visa. It will be necessary to fill out two copies of the entry card, present a valid passport with blank sheets, have 50 dollars / 2800 rubles. per day for each member of the trip (tourists traveling through travel agencies will not check the availability of money).

Tourists can stay in Nicaragua for up to 90 days by paying a five-dollar fee upon entering it, filling out a migration card, showing a valid (at least six months) passport and cash of at least two hundred dollars (11,300 rubles) per person for the entire trip.

Beautiful islands

To attract tourists, island states also cancel their visas and allow travelers on a valid passport. Without exaggeration, many of these islands can be called paradise.

Citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed to stay on the beautiful island of Jamaica for up to thirty days for tourist purposes. Grenada is a visa-free island in the Caribbean, where you can relax for up to ninety days. A passport must be valid for six months from the date of departure from Grenada, you will also need to prove the availability of finances and reservation of accommodation. A certified power of attorney for a child under 18 years of age will require copies of the pages of the internal passport.

Barbados invites guests without a visa for up to 29 days. At the same time, the passport from the date of arrival should be relevant for six months, they will be asked to present a voucher, hotel reservation and prove financial viability. If you have finances and a return ticket, you can stay in the Bahamas for up to ninety days.

Mauritius Island is located next to the African continent. For less than sixty-day vacations, a visa must be purchased at the airport and renewed if necessary. Get ready to check finances and return tickets.

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In conclusion, we draw the attention of readers that all of the listed countries and states do not provide for a visa only for tourist and business visits or visits by invitation. When traveling to one parent or third parties with a child to any of the listed countries, a power of attorney certified by a notary is required. The full list of necessary documents for traveling to these countries must be clarified by travel agencies or on the official websites of the migration services of countries.