If you’re planning a trip to Russia, getting an eVisa is a great option. It’s quick, easy, and done online. But because the Russian eVisa is digital, many travelers worry if their eVisa is real or fake. It’s very important to know how to check this before you travel so you don’t face problems at the border.

In this article, I’ll explain in simple steps how you can make sure your Russian eVisa is genuine.

What Is a Russian eVisa?

A Russian eVisa is an electronic visa. Unlike a traditional visa sticker placed in your passport, the eVisa is a digital document sent to you online. After you apply on the Russian eVisa website and get approved, you will receive a PDF file of the eVisa by email.

This eVisa lets you visit specific regions of Russia, such as St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, or the Russian Far East, for a limited time—usually up to 8 days.

Why Should You Verify Your Russian eVisa?

Because the eVisa is online, it’s easier for scammers to make fake ones. If you use a fake eVisa, you might be stopped at the border, denied entry, or even face legal trouble.

Checking your eVisa carefully before traveling helps you avoid these issues and keeps your trip worry-free.

How to Know If Your Russian eVisa Is Real or Fake

1. Always Apply Through the Russian eVisa Website

First of all, make sure you apply for your Russian eVisa Application Form on the website. This is the safest way to get a genuine visa.

2. Check the Email You Received

After your application is approved, you should get an email with your eVisa as a PDF attachment. This email should come from the official Russian government email address.

Open the PDF and look carefully at the details. The eVisa document should have:

If the email looks suspicious, or the PDF file has errors, misspellings, or missing information, your eVisa might be fake.

3. Verify Your Personal Information

Make sure all the information on the eVisa matches your passport exactly. Even small differences in spelling or numbers could cause problems.

Double-check:

• Name spelling
  
  
• Passport number
  
  
• Dates of the visa
  
  
• Allowed regions in Russia
  
  

4. Scan the QR Code

Your eVisa has a QR code that border officials will scan. You can use your smartphone to scan this QR code and see if it works.

If the QR code does not scan or leads to a strange website, it might mean the eVisa is not valid.

5. Use Official Verification Tools

Some Russian government websites allow you to verify your eVisa status by entering your passport number and visa reference number.

This is a great way to check if your eVisa was really issued by the Russian authorities.

6. Watch Out for Common Signs of Fake eVisas

Fake eVisas often have these issues:

• Blurry or pixelated QR codes
  
  
• Wrong or misspelled names or passport details
  
  
• Missing or unclear official logos or seals
  
  
• Strange email addresses or suspicious websites
  
  
• Offers to buy eVisas instantly at very low prices
  
  

If you notice any of these signs, be careful.

7. Think About How You Applied

Remember how you got your eVisa:

• Did you pay through a secure official payment system?
  
  
• Did you get clear confirmation emails from official sources?
  
  

If you applied through an unknown agency or suspicious website, it’s safer to double-check your visa.

8. What to Do If Your eVisa Looks Fake

If you think your Russian eVisa might be fake:

• Do not try to enter Russia with it.
  
  
• Contact the Russian embassy or consulate in your country.
  
  
• Report the suspicious visa provider.
  
  
• Apply again on the official website to get a genuine eVisa.
  
  

Tips to Avoid Fake Russian eVisas

• Always apply for your eVisa yourself or use trusted agencies.
  
  
• Keep all confirmation emails and the PDF eVisa safely.
  
  
• Do not trust offers for very cheap or super-fast eVisas.
  
  
• Check your visa details as soon as you get your eVisa.
  
  
• Stay updated by checking official Russian government sites.
  
  

Final Words

The Russian eVisa is a convenient way to visit Russia, but only if it’s real. Follow these simple steps to make sure your eVisa is genuine. This will keep your trip safe and enjoyable.

If you want, I can also help you with how to apply for a Russian eVisa or prepare your documents.