What to do if you overstay your Russian visa?

Try to extend your visa

If you realize you won’t be able to leave Russia before your visa expires, the best option is to visit the nearest Migration Department (link) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and request an extension (applies to both regular and e-visas).

If you can provide supporting documents, your visa may be extended for up to 10 days (provided you haven’t stayed in Russia for more than 90 days within a 180-day period). In some cases, a foreign citizen may be issued a 10-day transit exit visa, during which they must leave Russia.

If a visa needs to be extended due to an emergency such as hospitalization, a relative’s death or a natural disaster, the extension length will depend on the situation and is decided on a case-by-case basis. As stated on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department website (link), the visa validity period can be extended, depending on the circumstances.

Application & online registration

The easiest way to apply for an extension is via the ‘Gosuslugi’ portal (link), where you’ll need a verified account (find out how to register here: link). Foreigners can also use the ‘ruID’ app, in which they can book an appointment with the MVD. The app is available in multiple languages: link.

In addition to the application, you’ll need to:

-Pay the visa processing fee (1,200 rubles / ~$15) on the website

-Upload a photo and scanned documents

-Wait for an invitation from the MVD, which will appear in your personal account

-Ideally, you should apply for an extension at least 20 working days before your visa expires, but even if you have less time, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

If you’re already at the border

Did you only notice your visa expired at the airport? Or was your flight rescheduled? In this case, contact the border control officers.

Under Russian law, they can extend your visa, but only for up to three days. Alternatively, they may allow you to leave the country with an expired visa (source).
Again, you’ll need documents explaining why your visa has expired (e.g., flight tickets).

Penalties for overstaying a visa in Russia

By law, if you leave Russia with an expired visa, border control or MVD officers must file a report for potential violation of stay regulations (source).

For an overstay of up to a few days, you’ll likely only receive a fine:

-Up to 7,000 rubles (~$90) in Moscow & St. Petersburg

-Up to 5,000 rubles (~$63) in other regions

-You will still have to leave the country

The fine may be waived if migration authorities determine you were not at fault and took timely steps to extend your visa (source).

If the overstay is longer, the case may go to court, leading to:

-A heavier fine

-Forced deportation

-A ban on re-entering Russia for up to five years

You can check whether you have an entry ban using the ruID app: link.