Russia issued a total of 821,300 electronic visas to foreign nationals in 2025. Türkiye ranked among the leading countries benefiting from the electronic visa program, with approximately 60,000 Turkish citizens entering Russia through the system.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released electronic visa statistics for 2025. According to the data, a total of 821,300 electronic visas were issued to foreign nationals last year, with Turkish citizens ranking among the largest user groups. The figures demonstrate that travel activity between Türkiye and Russia continues to remain strong.
More Than 60,000 Turkish Citizens Received Electronic Visas
According to information shared by Aleksey Klimov, Head of the Consular Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 60,100 Turkish citizens entered Russia with electronic visas in 2025.
India also ranked among the top users of the electronic visa system. Russian authorities issued 55,500 electronic visas to Indian citizens, while 30,400 were granted to Estonian citizens and 22,800 to Latvian citizens.
Electronic Visa System Facilitates Travel
Russia’s electronic visa system has attracted significant interest from foreign visitors due to its faster application process and reduced consular procedures. The system enables more efficient travel planning for tourism, business, and short-term visits.
The electronic visa program is also considered a major convenience for travelers from Türkiye visiting Russia.
Foreign Population in Russia Continues to Decline
Despite the strong demand for electronic visas, the total number of foreign residents living in Russia continues to decrease.
According to data from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of foreign nationals residing in the country stood at 6.1 million as of early April 2026. One year earlier, that figure was reported at 6.8 million.
Foreign Arrivals Declined by 15 Percent
The number of foreign nationals entering Russia also decreased during the first quarter of 2026. According to the published figures, foreign arrivals fell by 15 percent year-on-year to 2.5 million people.
Experts note that global economic conditions, regional developments, and changes in international mobility may have contributed to the decline in foreign arrivals.
Türkiye–Russia Travel Traffic Remains Strong
The electronic visa figures indicate that tourism and business travel between Türkiye and Russia continue to maintain strong momentum. In recent years, the expansion of air transport links and the simplification of visa procedures between the two countries have contributed to the growth of mutual travel.
The fact that the number of Turkish citizens using electronic visas exceeded 60,000 in 2025 demonstrates that Russia remains one of the key destinations for Turkish visitors.
