Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Russia?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Russia
Nationals of countries with bilateral visa-free agreements with Russia may enter without a visa for the duration permitted under their respective agreement.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Russia for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Russia entry requirements →
Moscow
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Russia
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Russia
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Plan a trip of 90 days or fewer. Beyond that, Russia needs a different permission and this page does not cover it.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
Wise
Your bank marks up every ZAR you spend in Russia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Saily eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Russia.
Instant eSIM — from $3.99
Or unlimited data across 121 countries — from $59.99/mo
- eSIM delivered in minutes
- No SIM swapping or roaming fees
- Trusted by Nord Security
4.6 ★ App Store·4.5 ★ Google Play
Do Not Travel
UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. The risks stem from the continuing invasion of Ukraine, including drone attacks and Russian air defence activity, and terrorists are highly likely to attempt attacks, including in major cities. British nationals face a heightened risk of detention by the Russian authorities.
Updated 2026-08-01 11:42:45
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Russia
No. South African citizens can enter Russia without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Russia uses RUB. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →