The Russian Government has approved special visa arrangements for foreign delegates attending the International Festival of Youth, which will take place in Ekaterinburg in September 2026 as part of the Youth and Children national project. The large-scale event will welcome 5,000 international young leaders, as well as hundreds of guests, foreign journalists, and bloggers.

The corresponding decree was signed by Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation. Under the document, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has been instructed to issue visas to IFY – 2026 participants, guests, and media representatives free of charge. The visas will be valid from September 4 to 30, 2026, covering the Festival’s main and regional programs.

Following the main program of the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg, 1,000 international participants will travel across various regions of Russia to gain first-hand experience of the country’s culture, traditions, achievements, and unique local character.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival took place in Sirius on March 1-7, 2024, according to the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the development of international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.

In line with the Russian President’s instructions to preserve and further develop the legacy of the World Youth Festival, festival events are now held annually across the Russian Federation. In 2025, the World Youth Festival Assembly was held in Nizhny Novgorod, bringing together 2,000 young people from 120 countries. In 2026, the International Festival of Youth will welcome 10,000 participants. The next World Youth Festival for 20,000 participants will take place in 2030.

The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and develop a global community of young people committed to shaping a better future.