Planning a trip from the historic streets of Skopje to the majestic landmarks of Moscow or Saint Petersburg? For citizens of North Macedonia, entering the Russian Federation has never been easier thanks to the Unified Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system. Gone are the days of tedious consulate visits and complex paperwork.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Russia e-Visa for Macedonian citizens, from application types to processing speeds and professional support through russian-e-visa.com.
Do Citizens of North Macedonia Need a Visa for Russia?
Yes. While North Macedonia and Russia share deep historical ties, Macedonian citizens currently require a visa to enter the Russian Federation for tourism, business, or private visits. The modern e-Visa is the most convenient option, replacing the traditional “paper” visa for most short-term travelers.
What Types of Russia e-Visas Can Macedonian Citizens Apply For?
The Russian government has simplified entry by categorizing e-Visas based on your travel purpose. You can choose from the following options:
Tourist e-Visa: Ideal for sightseeing and leisure.
Tourist e-Visa for Children: Specifically for travelers under 6 years of age.
Business e-Visa: For meetings, trade fairs, and negotiations.
Guest Visit e-Visa: To visit friends or relatives living in Russia.
Specialized Event e-Visas: * Sports Events
Cultural and Scientific Events
Economic, Social, and Political Events
How Long Can I Stay in Russia with an e-Visa?
The Unified e-Visa is a single-entry visa. It is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. However, the actual stay permitted is up to 16 days within that 60-day window. It is important to remember that both the day you land and the day you depart count as full calendar days.
What Are the Russia e-Visa Rules for Children and Minors?
Every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own individual e-Visa. If a child is included in a parent’s passport, a separate application must still be submitted for that child. For children under 6 years of age, the government consular fee is waived, though professional service fees still apply for document verification and processing.
Can We Submit a Group Application for the Russia e-Visa?
While each person receives an individual visa, you can process multiple applications together through russian-e-visa.com. This is ideal for families or tour groups from Macedonia, as it ensures all members’ documents are checked simultaneously by experts, reducing the risk of one person being delayed due to a paperwork error.
Can I Convert My e-Visa to Another Visa Type on Arrival?
No. An e-Visa cannot be converted or changed to a different visa type (such as a work or study visa) once you have arrived in Russia. If your purpose of travel changes, you must exit the country and apply for the appropriate visa from abroad.
What Activities are Permitted on a Russian Tourist e-Visa?
The Russian tourist e-Visa is surprisingly flexible. While its primary use is for sightseeing and visiting landmarks, it also allows you to participate in short-term cultural tours, attend brief business negotiations, or visit friends. However, you cannot engage in paid employment or long-term study.
Can I Enter Russia Any Time After the e-Visa is Approved?
You must enter Russia within the 60-day validity period shown on your approved e-Visa. You do not have to enter on the exact “intended date of entry” listed in your application, as long as your arrival and the subsequent 16-day stay both fall entirely within that 60-day window.
How Many Times Can I Enter Russia Per Year Using an e-Visa?
Since the Unified e-Visa is a single-entry permit, you must apply for a new one every time you wish to visit. There is currently no official limit on how many e-Visas a Macedonian citizen can apply for in a year, provided each stay adheres to the 16-day limit and your previous visits complied with all laws.
Can I Still Travel if I Have an Unused, Valid e-Visa?
Yes. If you applied for an e-Visa but your trip was delayed, you can still use that same visa as long as it has not expired. If the 60-day validity period has passed, the visa is considered “not used” and you must submit a new application and pay the fees again.
Can a Visa Agent Update My Application Status?
Yes. When you apply through russian-e-visa.com, the agent provides real-time updates. Unlike the government portal where you must check manually, an agent will notify you via email or WhatsApp as soon as there is a change in your status, from “Processing” to “Approved.”
Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Russia?
If you plan to rent a car in Moscow or drive across the countryside, you must carry your valid Macedonian driving license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP acts as a legal translation of your license, which is required by Russian traffic authorities and rental agencies.
Can the Arrival Airport be Changed After the Visa is Approved?
Generally, yes. You are not strictly bound to the specific airport you listed in your application, provided that the new airport is on the official list of authorized e-Visa checkpoints. However, it is always safer to stick to your planned route to avoid any questions at border control.
What are the Top Airports for e-Visa Entry?
Most Macedonian travelers enter through major hubs which are fully equipped for e-Visa processing:
Moscow: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO).
Saint Petersburg: Pulkovo (LED).
Other Hubs: Kazan, Sochi, and Vladivostok.
Can I Use GPay or Apple Pay in Russia?
Currently, Western mobile payment systems like Google Pay (GPay) and Apple Pay do not work in Russia, even if linked to a foreign card. It is highly recommended to carry cash (USD or Euro to exchange for Rubles) or use a local Russian “Mir” card if you plan on an extended stay.
How Fast is the Russia e-Visa Processing Time?
Through russian-e-visa.com, you can select a speed that fits your needs:
Processing Speed
Estimated Timeframe
Normal Processing
6 – 9 Business Days
Rush Processing
4 – 7 Business Days
Super Rush Processing
3 – 5 Business Days
Can I Enter Russia via Land Borders with an e-Visa?
Yes, the e-Visa is accepted at several land and railway checkpoints. This is useful if you are traveling via bus or train from neighboring countries. Common land checkpoints include those on the borders with Estonia, Latvia, and Poland (Kaliningrad region).
