Russia has a rich history and huge landscapes and thus it is one of the main destinations of Chinese tourists. By 2026, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have to go through the process, which is greatly simplified with the help of the Unified Electronic Visa. With this digital system, you no longer have to stand in lines to get to the embassy, but you will receive your travel authorization at the comfort of your home.
Whether you are planning a trip to the ice festivals of Harbin’s neighbor, Vladivostok, or a cultural tour of Moscow, here is everything you need to know about the Russia eVisa for Chinese citizens.
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Russia in 2026?
Yes, a Russian visa is necessary for Chinese passport holders. Although certain group visa-free agreements are available on organized tours, the most popular and the most flexible one includes the Russia eVisa among individual travelers. You are even free to travel to every part of Russia on a temporary basis without having to obtain a formal paper visa.
Tourist eVisa (Under 6 Years): Specifically for young children.
Business eVisa: For attending meetings, trade fairs, or commercial negotiations.
Guest Visit eVisa: To visit friends or relatives living in Russia.
Specialized eVisas: For Sports, Cultural, Scientific, Economic, and Social/Political events.
What Are the Specific Photo Requirements for the Russia eVisa?
To avoid application rejection, your digital photo must meet strict criteria. It must be a recent color photograph (taken within the last 6 months) with a plain white background. Your face must be centered, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Ensure there are no shadows, and do not wear tinted glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons. The file should be in JPEG format and clear enough for facial recognition.
How Fast is the Russian eVisa Processing Time?
We understand that travel plans can be last-minute. We offer three speeds to ensure you get your document on time:
Normal Processing: 6 – 9 days
Rush Processing: 4 – 7 days
Super Rush Processing: 3 – 5 days
Which Payment Methods Can I Use for the Application?
We provide a variety of flexible and secure payment options to make the process convenient for Chinese travelers. You can pay the eVisa fees using international credit or debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Our system is encrypted to ensure your financial data remains protected throughout the transaction.
Are ATMs Readily Available for Travelers in Russia?
The ATM network is one of the best in big cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok, it should be mentioned that some cards issued abroad may be nonfunctional because of international sanctions. UnionPay is the most reputable and most likely the most appropriate choice among Chinese citizens, since it has many Russian banks and ATMs. Nevertheless, it is always a good thing to bring some cash in Russian Rubles (RUB) or in Chinese Yuan (CNY) to exchange on arrival.
What documents do I need to apply for a Russian visa?
The digital nature of the visa means you only need digital copies of your Russian Visa Requirements:
Digital Photo: A high-quality color photo (35×45 mm) with a white background.
Medical Insurance: You must have insurance that is valid in the Russian Federation for the duration of your trip.
Passport Bio-page: A clear scan of your passport’s main page.
How Is the Internet Availability and Connectivity in Russia?
Russia has excellent internet infrastructure, especially in urban areas. You will find free Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and public transport. For constant connectivity, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card (like MTS, Megafon, or Beeline) at the airport. It is affordable and provides high-speed 4G/5G data. Keep in mind that some international social media apps may require a VPN to function within Russia.
What Medicines Are Allowed to Be Brought into Russia?
The passengers can carry personal medications, however, they should be used only personally. In case you are carrying prescription drugs (especially, the ones that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances) the valid doctor prescription must be translated into Russian and notarized. It is always advisable to carry medicines in their original containers to prevent the wastage of time when passing through the checks at the customs.
Can My Arrival Date Be Different After eVisa Approval?
Yes, but with limitations. Your eVisa is applicable within a duration of 120 days. You are free to get in Russia at any time during this time. But you need to remember that your day of departure should be inside that 120-day window of validity as well and you should not spend more than the allowed 30 days. You just need not enter the specific date of your application but be within the legitimate time frame.
How Does the Agent Provide Updates on My Visa Status?
When you apply through russian-e-visa.com, you won’t be left wondering about your application. We provide real-time updates through:
Email Notifications: You will receive an alert as soon as your application is received, when it enters processing, and the moment it is approved.
WhatsApp/Live Chat: You can reach out to our support team anytime for a manual status check.
Dashboard Access: Use your reference number to track your progress directly on our website.
Refund Policy: Can I Get My Money Back?
It is vital to know that the Russia eVisa fee is non-refundable. The Russian government charges the fee for processing the application, regardless of the outcome. This is why using an agent is highly recommended—we minimize the risk of rejection so your money isn’t wasted.
