Visa to Russia
Visa-Free Travel for Nationals of Botswana
In accordance with the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Botswana on the exemption of visa requirements for nationals of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Botswana, dated 6 June 2019, citizens of Botswana may visit Russia without a visa for up to 30 consecutive days for private, tourist, business, or humanitarian purposes. Long stays, as well as work, study, and residence, are not permitted under the visa-free regime.
PLEASE NOTE: On 7 November 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation adopted Resolution No. 1510 “On conducting an experiment on testing the rules and conditions for entry into and exit from the Russian Federation of foreign citizens and stateless persons.” The goal of this experiment is to develop a public digital profile system for foreign citizens. It will be implemented in two stages. Stage One (1 December 2024 to 30 June 2025): Biometric data (facial photograph and fingerprints) will be collected from foreign citizens at air border checkpoints in the Moscow air zone (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo), as well as Zhukovsky Airport (Moscow region) and the Mashtakovo automobile checkpoint (Orenburg region). Stage Two (30 June 2025 to 30 June 2026): In addition to the above, visa-free travelers must register with the Integrated Identification and Authentication System and submit an application for entry and stay in Russia via the RuID mobile app, part of the Unified Portal of Public and Municipal Services.
Therefore, starting 30 June 2025, all visa-free travelers to Russia, including nationals of Botswana, must submit an electronic pre-arrival application via the RuID mobile app at least 72 hours before arrival. The application must include a photo, passport details, and travel information. Once approved, a QR code will be generated via the app and must be presented at the border along with biometric data.
Visa Procedure
The Consular Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Botswana issues visas depending on the purpose and duration of the intended stay in Russia. Applicants must submit the following documents:
1. A valid foreign passport (diplomatic, official, or ordinary), free of any alterations or damage. It must contain at least two blank pages for visas and be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiration date.
2. Visa application form completed online at visa.kdmid.ru and printed from the website.
3. One recent 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photograph with a full-face view, no glasses or headwear.
4. (For foreign citizens) Proof of legal stay in Botswana for more than 90 days.
5. (Only for those staying in Russia for more than 3 months) A negative HIV test result.
6. (For citizens of some third countries) Proof of medical insurance.
7. Receipt of consular fee payment.
Additional documents depending on the type of visa.
Types of Visa
1. Business or Humanitarian Visa (up to 90 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
Original or electronic invitation issued by the General Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
A letter from the inviting organization.
2. Tourist Visa (up to 3 months, or up to 6 months but not exceeding 90 continuous days within 180 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
A tourist voucher and a contract for tourist services issued by an authorized Russian travel agency. (Note: a tourist voucher is not the same as a hotel booking confirmation.)
As per Federal Law No. 145-FZ of 26 May 2021, a reservation confirmation from a classified hotel is accepted. In this case, only a single-entry tourist visa may be issued, valid only for the dates confirmed. The confirmation must be in Russian or English, signed by an authorized hotel employee, and sealed.
3. Private Visa (up to 90 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
Original or electronic invitation issued by the General Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For close relatives of Russian citizens (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and spouses of children), a simplified visa process allows for a one-year multiple-entry visa without day limits. In this case, a visa request letter from the Russian citizen to the Head of the diplomatic mission is also required.
4. Study Visa (up to 90 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
Original or electronic invitation issued by the relevant Russian authorities.
The passport must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the visa’s expiration date.
5. Work Visa (up to 90 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
Original or electronic invitation issued by the Russian authorities.
A letter from the employer.
The passport must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the visa’s expiration date.
6. Transit Visa (up to 3 days):
Submit documents 1–7 plus:
Confirmed travel tickets to/from Russia.
Visa for the neighboring or final destination country, or passport of that country.
Note: A transit visa is not required for air travelers who remain within the international transit zone.
Visas are issued only after submission of the complete and correct documentation. Applications must be submitted in person or via a lawful representative. The Consular Section reserves the right to refuse visa issuance without explanation. Consular fees are non-refundable.
If your passport with a valid Russian visa is cancelled or expired, the visa must be transferred to a new passport before traveling. This procedure is conducted at the Consular Section of the Embassy.
