Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit RU?

Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Russia for tourism. Canada is NOT on the list of countries eligible for Russia's unified e-visa, so Canadians must obtain a traditional tourist visa (sticker in the passport) from a Russian consulate before travel, supported by a tourist invitation/voucher. A Canadian ordinary passport holder cannot travel to Russia visa-free and is excluded from Russia's unified electronic visa scheme. The e-visa (launched August 2023, expanded to a 30-day stay in August 2025) is available only to citizens of an approved list of about 60+ countries that does not include Canada, the US, the UK, Australia or New Zealand. Canadians must therefore apply for a standard tourist visa at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ottawa or a Consulate General (Montreal, Toronto), or through an authorized Russian visa center. The application requires a passport valid at least 6 months beyond departure, a tourist invitation/confirmation (visa support letter and tourist voucher issued by a Russian-authorized hotel or travel agency), a completed application form, a photo, and medical/travel insurance. Single-entry tourist visas are typically valid for up to 30 days with standard consular processing of roughly 10-20 business days (expedited options exist). Note: Russia is NOT in the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply. The Government of Canada maintains an Avoid all travel advisory for Russia, and consular assistance is severely limited; travelers should also be aware of the mandatory migration card on arrival, registration within 7 days of arrival, and exit-related controls.