Foreigners in Russia Can Extend Visas Without Penalty

2020-03-21

Dear Partners,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has decided that given the situation associated with the spread of a new coronavirus infection, from March 19, 2020, foreign citizens can extend the period of temporary stay in the Russian Federation without leaving the country and without facing any penalty.

To do this, they need to contact the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia closest to the place of their actual residence with an application drawn up in any form.

For foreign citizens who arrived in Russia on the basis of a visa, the validity of the visa will be extended, regardless of the purpose of entry into Russia. If the visa has already expired, the temporary stay will also be extended.

For foreign citizens who reside in Russia on the basis of a temporary residence permit or residence permit, the stay will also be extended in case of expiration of the issued document.

Best regards,
Visa Department