Russia stops issuing visas amid coronavirus pandemic

Russia’s consulates and diplomatic missions have suspended the processing of documents as well as the issuance of all visa categories, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced.

Electronic visas will also no longer be issued. From March 18 to May 1, non-Russian citizens will not be permitted to enter Russia. The travel ban includes Belarusian citizens.

There is a small number of exceptions to the ban. For example, diplomatic officials and those attending the funerals of close relatives may still enter Russia, among others.