Before anything else gets sorted, confirming nationality against the approved list saves a lot of wasted effort. The Eligible Countries for Russia Visa page lists a broad range of qualifying nations, spanning much of Europe alongside several countries across Asia and the Gulf.

Those on the list can apply for a single-entry e-Visa entirely online, valid for 120 days with permitted stays reaching up to 30 days from the date of arrival. A valid passport, a current photograph, and a working email address round out everything the application asks for.

Anyone outside the eligible list would need to pursue a standard visa through the nearest Russian embassy or consulate instead, since the online route only applies to listed nationalities.