Russia vs Schengen Area: tourist visa
Russia or Schengen Area for a tourist visa? $81 vs $120 all-in, 4 to 6 days vs 15 days decision, funds to show, process and which fits your plan.
Verdict
- Russia is cheaper (₹7,808 vs ₹11,568 all-in)
- Russia decides faster (4 to 6 days)
- Russia asks for less money in the bank (₹86,761 vs ₹1.93 lakh)
Russia vs Schengen Area: tourist visa side by side
| Russia | Schengen Area | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | E-visa | Sticker |
| Process | e-visa | sticker visa |
| Biometrics | No | Required |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | ₹5,013 | ₹9,736 |
| vistolane filing fee | ₹2,796 | ₹1,832 |
| All-in per traveller | ₹7,808 | ₹11,568 |
| Decision window | 4 to 6 days | 15 days |
| Validity | 60 days | 90 days |
| Stay | Up to 16 days | 90 days in any 180 |
| Entries | Single | Single / multiple |
| Funds to show (tourist visa) | ₹86,761 | ₹1.93 lakh |
| tourist visa route | Unified e-Visa | Short-stay Type C |
Which is cheaper?
Russia costs ₹7,808 all-in (₹5,013 government fee plus ₹2,796 filing) and Schengen Area costs ₹11,568 (₹9,736 plus ₹1,832). Russia is cheaper by ₹3,760 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
Russia: 4 to 6 days (4 to 6 days). Schengen Area: 15 days (15 calendar days (extendable to 45)). vistolane shows the document deadline and filing date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
Russia asks for about ₹86,761 and Schengen Area about ₹1.93 lakh for a tourist visa. Russia is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
Russia: e-visa. Schengen Area: sticker visa with biometrics. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.
Which should you pick for a tourist visa?
For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: Russia decides in 4 to 6 days, and Schengen Area gives multiple entries. If you are choosing purely on cost, Russia wins.