Transit Visa Requirements For Moscow Airports: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip with a stopover in Moscow, you may be wondering if you need a transit visa to leave the airport. The good news is that if you're only transiting through Moscow to catch a connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival, you don't need a transit visa as long as you remain in the transit zone. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your stopover, the requirements depend on your nationality and your destination. It's recommended to check with your airline and review the requirements for your specific situation.

Does Moscow Airport Require a Transit Visa?

Transit visas are not required if you remain in the airport's transit zone

If you are transiting through a Moscow airport to another country, you do not need a transit visa if you remain in the airport's transit zone. This is applicable if you are catching an onward or connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival or if you are facing a forced stop. This rule also applies if your nationality does not require a visa for the country of your final destination. For example, if you are travelling to Japan, and your plane stops at a Moscow airport, you do not need a transit visa as long as you remain in the transit zone.

However, a transit visa is required if your destination is Belarus or Kazakhstan and you are transiting through a Russian airport, as flights between these countries are considered domestic. In this case, you must apply for a transit visa, which can be single or double-entry, depending on your travel plans.

It's important to note that a transit visa is also necessary if you need to leave the international airport area during your stopover. This includes situations where your next flight departs from another airport or if your stopover lasts longer than 24 hours. Additionally, if you plan to leave the airport to visit the city, even for a brief period, you will need to obtain a transit visa.

To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to contact your airline or flight company to confirm the specific requirements for your transit through Moscow. They can advise you on whether a transit visa is necessary based on your specific travel itinerary. Additionally, if you encounter difficulties in acquiring a transit visa, you may consider applying for a tourist visa, which can offer a longer stay and provide more flexibility for your trip.

A visa is needed if you leave the airport to enter the city

If you are transiting in Moscow and want to leave the airport to enter the city, you will need to apply for a transit visa. This is required for connections that involve leaving the international airport area, especially if your next flight leaves from another airport. It is also necessary if your stopover lasts longer than 24 hours, or if you plan to leave the airport to visit the city, even for a few minutes.

A transit visa is not required if you remain in the transit zone of the airport to catch an onward or connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival. This applies to forced stops as well. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you will need to apply for a transit visa. The Russian Consulate issues transit visas upon presentation of your travel documents and a visa to your destination country if it is necessary.

It is important to note that some nationalities may not require a visa to enter Russia. In such cases, a transit visa may not be needed. However, for those who do require a visa to enter Russia, a transit visa will be necessary if they plan to leave the airport during their stopover. It is always recommended to contact your airline or the Russian Consulate to confirm the specific visa requirements for your situation.

The process of obtaining a transit visa typically involves submitting an application form, providing necessary documentation, and paying any associated fees. This may include providing a passport, photographs, and proof of onward travel. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to apply for a tourist visa, especially if there are difficulties in acquiring a transit visa. Consulting with a visa specialist or checking official airport websites can provide more detailed information on the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a transit or tourist visa for your stopover in Moscow.

A visa may be required for certain flight connections

If your flight schedule in Moscow is short, or takes place at night, it is recommended that you remain in the airport. You can stay in the waiting area, business lounge, or an airport hotel. Sheremetyevo Airport allows passengers to stay in a hotel room without the need for a transit visa.

If you are transiting through Moscow to a destination that requires a visa, you must have this visa to hand. For example, if your final destination is China, India, or Japan, you must have this visa, unless your nationality allows entry to that country without one.

It is worth noting that if your nationality does not require a visa for Russia, you will not need a transit visa for a stopover in Moscow. Transit visas are usually valid for a maximum of three days and can be single or double-entry.

A stopover of 24 hours or more may need a transit visa

If you're wondering whether you need a transit visa for a stopover in Moscow, the answer depends on several factors. Firstly, it's important to know that a transit visa is generally not required if you're simply remaining in the transit zone of the airport to catch a connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival. This rule may also apply if your stopover is longer than 24 hours but is due to a forced extension of your stay. However, if your stopover in Moscow is for 24 hours or more, you may need to obtain a transit visa.

The requirement for a transit visa during a stopover in Moscow depends on the specifics of your itinerary. If your stopover involves leaving the international airport area, especially if your next flight departs from another airport, a transit visa may be necessary. This is because you will be exiting the transit zone and technically entering Russian territory. Additionally, if your final destination is a country that considers flights from Russia as domestic, such as Belarus or Kazakhstan, you will likely need a transit visa for your stopover in Moscow.

The length of your stopover also plays a role in determining the need for a transit visa. If your stopover in Moscow exceeds 24 hours, you will likely need to apply for a transit visa. This is because longer stopovers may involve activities beyond the scope of transit, such as visiting the city or exploring the local area. In such cases, a transit visa is required to ensure you have legal permission to temporarily enter and exit Russian territory.

To clarify the need for a transit visa during your stopover in Moscow, it is recommended to consult your flight company or a visa specialist. They can provide specific guidance based on your unique travel plans and keep you informed about any visa requirements or exemptions. Additionally, if you encounter difficulties in obtaining a transit visa, you may want to consider applying for a tourist visa or exploring visa-free entry options, depending on your nationality and the country of your final destination.

Some nationalities are exempt from Russian transit visas

In most cases, passengers travelling through international airports in Russia do not need a visa if their transit time is less than 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area. However, there are several Russian airports that do not have international transit areas, meaning a transit visa is required to connect there.

That said, Russia has agreements with many countries whose citizens are either exempt from visas or can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa). Citizens of countries without such an agreement with Russia must obtain a visa in advance from a Russian diplomatic mission or visa centre.

• From 1 June 2013, passport holders from certain countries with an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) containing the "RUS" code on the reverse may enter Russia without a visa for business trips for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Citizens of Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, DR Congo, Egypt, France, Iran, Iraq, Lithuania, North Korea, Poland, Tunisia, Turkey, and Vietnam may visit Russia without a visa if they are travelling as part of a sea crew.
• Citizens of China, North Korea, and Turkmenistan may visit Russia without a visa if they are travelling as part of a railway crew.
• Special groups of Russian nationals, such as family members of Finnish citizens or foreign nationals with permanent residency in Finland, are exempt from entry restrictions to Finland.
• Estonian authorities allow Belarusian and Russian nationals to transit through Estonia if they are travelling to another Schengen country and meet specific exemption criteria.
• Latvian authorities continue to accept long-term Schengen Visa (D-type) applications from Belarusian nationals.
• Russian nationals who are holders of a residence permit in Latvia, the European Union, European Economic Area states, or Switzerland are exempt from entry restrictions in Latvia.

Please note that visa requirements and exemptions may change, so it is always best to consult official sources and embassies for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions