Russia entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Russia. You must apply for a visa before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Malagasy citizens as of 2026.
Apply for Russia eVisaeVisa for eligible nationalities. Check current travel advisories.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Russia. Apply through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal. The standard tourist visa allows up to 30 days single entry. Processing takes 7–20 working days depending on the consulate.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia. It must have at least two blank pages for visa and entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers may ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines check this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | You need a confirmed hotel booking or a visa invitation (voucher) from a Russian tour operator. The invitation is often required for the visa application itself. Keep a copy with you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around 500–1,000 USD equivalent per week. A bank statement or credit card limit letter works. Immigration rarely asks but it's safer to have it. | Recommended |
Apply early — no last-minute options
Russian visa processing takes weeks, and there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Madagascar passport holders. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see them, and having them handy avoids delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ and complete the visa application. You'll need to upload a passport photo and provide travel details. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Receive your visa sticker
Once approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport. You'll need to submit your physical passport to the Russian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi or Addis Ababa). Check the embassy's instructions for mailing or in-person submission.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, make copies or screenshots of your visa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them on your phone and a printed copy in your carry-on.
4
Arrive in Russia and pass immigration
At passport control (e.g., Moscow Sheremetyevo or St. Petersburg Pulkovo), present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Russian tour operator or hotel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total within validity
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Suitable for multiple visits; must have valid invitation.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
Requires a job offer and work permit from Russian employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost~$150 USD
Requires acceptance from a Russian educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Rabochaya Viza)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (plus employer fees)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires work permit and medical tests. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Uchebnaya Viza)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Investitsionnaya Viza)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (plus investment minimum of ~$10 million RUB)
For investors making significant capital contributions to the Russian economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in RUB at current rate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity, up to 90 days total stay. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated daily, with a maximum cap. Avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (up to $500 USD max) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Apply at a Russian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours at certain airports (e.g., Moscow Sheremetyevo).
Transit hubsMoscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) · Moscow Domodedovo (DME) · Moscow Vnukovo (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Madagascar). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals. Avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban air pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Monitor local air quality.
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
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
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
For visa-related issues. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for MG 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Malagasy citizens. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after you submit your application. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$150 USD. Check the Russian embassy in your region for exact fees.
It depends on the embassy. Some require you to mail your passport, others need an in-person visit. Contact the Russian embassy in Nairobi or Addis Ababa (closest to Madagascar) for their specific process.
You must renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date into Russia.
Standard tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Russia can be very high, and insurance protects you from unexpected expenses.
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.