Russia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can visit Russia without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free policy started in 2019 and covers tourism, business meetings, and private visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Russia eVisaeVisa for eligible nationalities. Check current travel advisories.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Russia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Russia | Immigration officers at Russian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Russian border control may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a formal invitation letter from your host ready. If you're staying with friends, a notarized invitation is safest. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for proof you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit — around 500 RUB per day is the informal benchmark. | Recommended |
| Migration card Arrival/departure card issued on entry | You'll receive a paper migration card on the plane or at passport control. Fill it out in Russian or English, keep the departure portion with your passport, and hand it back when you leave. Losing it means a fine and delays at departure. | Required |
Keep your migration card safe
The departure half of your migration card is as important as your passport. Lose it, and you'll face delays and fines when trying to leave Russia. Keep it tucked inside your passport at all times.
Registration requirement for private stays
If you're not staying in a hotel, your host must register you with the local migration office within 7 days. This is their responsibility, but it's your neck on the line if it's not done. Ask your host to confirm they've completed the registration.
What happens at the border
1
Before you fly
Check your passport expiry — needs 6+ months from your arrival date. Book a return or onward ticket. Reserve your first night's accommodation. Download or print your booking confirmations and ticket. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
On the plane or at the border
You'll be given a Russian migration card (a small white form). Fill it out in capital letters — both the arrival and departure sections. Keep the departure half safely in your passport. If you don't get one on the plane, you'll get it at passport control.
3
At passport control
Hand over your passport and the migration card. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. They'll stamp your passport and give back the departure half of the migration card. This usually takes 2-5 minutes.
4
After entry
If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register your visa-free stay automatically. If you're in a private apartment, your host must register you within 7 days. Keep the migration card departure half with your passport at all times — you'll need it to leave.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB)
Requires invitation letter (voucher) from Russian travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, total 180 days validity
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in RUB)
Requires invitation letter and proof of sufficient funds.
Private visa (guest visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB)
Requires invitation from a Russian citizen or organization.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (state fee) + employer costs
For highly qualified specialists with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires a work permit and higher salary threshold. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Visa)
Duration of study program, renewable annually
~$50 USD (state fee) + university fees
For full-time students enrolled at a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work on campus.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (state fee) + investment of at least 10 million RUB (~$110,000 USD)
For foreign investors who invest a minimum amount in the Russian economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport before departure. | 500 RUB per day (~$5.50 USD), max 5,000 RUB (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 6 months, max 90 days per entry. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in RUB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Russia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders can transit through Russia without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international transit zone.
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow · Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Moscow · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), Moscow
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food or water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 16, Moscow, 125009
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, migration card, and proof of funds.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, Saint Petersburg, 190000
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for tourists.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 77.76 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and private visits only. You cannot take paid employment or study without the appropriate visa.
No, it's not extendable. You must leave Russia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering, and problems at the border.
Overstaying even by a day can lead to a fine of 2,000–5,000 RUB (roughly $20–$50 USD) and possible deportation. Longer overstays can result in a ban from Russia for up to 5 years.
If you're staying in a hotel, they handle registration automatically. If you're in a private apartment, your host must register you with the local migration office within 7 days of your arrival. Failure to register can cause problems when you leave.
Yes, you can come and go as you please, but the total time you spend in Russia cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Each entry resets the clock only if you've been out of Russia long enough.
You will be denied entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions to this rule for UAE passport holders.
If you're staying in the international transit zone of the airport and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you'll need a transit visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.