How do I apply for a Russian visa?
How to Apply Visa for Russia?Get the Invitation (Visa Support). This is the first step you should make to get a visa to Russia. ... Complete the online application form. ... Collect the required documents. ... Apply in Person at a Russian Consulate / Russian Visa Processing Center. ... Get the immigration card. ... Register your visa.
Can I get a Russian visa right now?
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
What is the easiest way to get a Russian tourist visa?
Have a valid passport.Set your itinerary: Cities and Hotels.Get a letter of invitation or visa support. ... Fill out the Visa Application Form.Print the Visa Application Form, sign it, and glue a photo.Take all of your documents to the Russian Visa Center (or consulate) ... Collect your passport with your visa.More items...•
How fast can I get a Russian visa?
If you have a valid passport, recent photographs, and apply through an agency like Travel Visa Pro, it's possible to get your Russian visa in as little as 2-3 business days. If your application is sent back, you delay getting the invitation letter, or you have to apply through the mail, it can potentially take weeks.
Is Russian tourist visa open?
Due to Covid-19 epidemy the visa processing is temporarily suspended since March 18 by the Ministry Of Internal Affairs.
How much does Russian visa cost?
$160.00How much does the Russia Tourist Visa Cost? The Russian tourist visa costs $160.00 which does not include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee.
What documents do I need to apply for Russian visa?
Standard required documents for a Russian Visa application, required documents based on the visa type and based on nationality....Russian Visa RequirementsVisa Application Form. ... Valid Passport. ... A recent passport size photo. ... Proof of residence. ... Visa support. ... Bank Statements for the last three months.
Can US citizens travel to Russia right now?
Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the ...
Can I fly to Moscow now?
Traveling from the United States to Russia. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Russia.
How does a US citizen get a visa for Russia?
How to Apply for a Russia Visa in the US?Get the Invitation (Visa Support). ... Complete the Russian visa online application form. ... Collect the Russia visa required documents for US citizens. ... Apply at a Russian Visa Processing Center in the US. ... Wait for the processing of your visa.
Can I travel to Russia now from Canada?
Can I travel to Russia from Canada? Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Russia.
Where to submit a Russian visa application?
You will need to submit the required documents at the Russian consulate or the visa center representing Russia for visa admission. If you will be submitting your application at the Consular section of the Russian Embassy, you should make a prior appointment. On the other hand, application centers accept walk-in applications. So, an appointment is not compulsory.
Where to pay for Russian visa?
You will need to pay the fee for your visa at the consular sections. Most of the embassies accept only payments by bank cards. However, some others accept cash as well. You should check for this with the Russian embassy in your home country.
What is the sticker on a Russian passport?
The sticker contains information on you, your visa, the period of permitted stay and the inviter.
What is a copy of a letter of invitation to study in Russia?
A copy of a direct inviting letter of your Russian university. This kind of invitation is valid for short-term study only, without prolongation. The Rector of the university or the Head of the International Department should stamp and sign the letter.
Where to send invitation to Russian embassy?
An invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Your Russian host should request this type of invitation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry will then pass the invitation to the embassy in your country.
What is an invitation letter to enter Russia?
An inviting letter of a Russian citizen to enter Russia with their non-Russian family members. If you are traveling to Russia with a Russian family member, then the relative of yours should take care of the letter of invitation. He or she should direct the letter to the Ambassador of Russia in your home country.
How long do you have to register a visa for Russia?
If you will be staying in Russia for 7 days or more, you will need to register your visa. You have 7 working days to register your visa, upon arrival in Russia. There are two ways to register a visa: Through the hotel where you are staying. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel itself will register your visa.
How to get a Russian visa?
To successfully obtain your Russian visa you need to know visa requirements, prepare the required package of documents witn no mistakes, and submit documents to the Consulate. When you get your visa, it's necessary to check if the visa information is correct, as the Consulate will not be responsible for any mistakes in the visas, ...
How long is a Russian passport valid?
Generally documents to be submitted to the Consulate include: Actual passport with at least two blank visa-designated pages and valid for at least six months after planned departure from Russia.
Can a visa be considered in case of all documents?
Remember that your visa application will be considered only in case if all necessary documents are submitted and the information given is correct and clear.
Is a visa fee refundable?
Consular Fees and Rights. Consular fees are paid for consideration of your documents. Visa fees are not refundable and don't guarantee issue of visa. Please note that the Consulate have the right to invite the applicant for a personal interview.
How long do you have to register a visa in Russia?
Travelers who spend more than seven days in Russia must register their visa and migration card through their sponsor (at the local Federal Migration Service (FMS)) or landlord (at the local post office or FMS). Travelers staying in a hotel must register their visa and migration card with their hotel within one day.
Where to contact if denied visa in Russia?
U.S. citizens who are denied visas may seek a clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 32/34 Smolenskaya-Sennaya Pl., Moscow, Russia, 119200, e-mail [email protected]. The U.S. Embassy and the Consulates General, however, cannot advocate on behalf of private U.S. citizens who have been refused visas or denied entry into Russia
How long does it take to get a visa to leave Russia?
A valid visa is necessary to depart Russia. Travelers who overstay their visa’s validity, even for one day , will be prevented from leaving until their sponsor intervenes and requests a visa extension on their behalf. Russian authorities may take up to 20 calendar days to authorize an exit visa, during which time the traveler will be stranded in Russia at his or her own expense. The ability of the Embassy or Consulates General to intervene in these situations is extremely limited.
What is the Russian law?
Under Russian law, every foreign traveler must have a Russian-based sponsor, which could be a hotel, tour company, relative, employer, university, etc. Even if a visa was obtained through a travel agency in the United States, there is always a Russian legal entity whose name is indicated on the visa and who is considered to be the legal sponsor. Russian law requires that the sponsor must apply on the traveler’s behalf for replacement, extension, or changes to a Russian visa. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to ensure that they have contact information for the visa sponsor prior to arrival in Russia, as the sponsor’s assistance will be essential to resolve any visa problems.
Where to go if you are in Moscow but do not know who your visa sponsor is?
If you are in Moscow but you do not know who your visa sponsor is, or if the sponsor is located elsewhere in Russia and you cannot travel to the region, please go to the FMS of Russia, 4 Verkhnyaya Radishchevskaya St., Bldg 1., tel. (495) 698-0078, Metro Taganskaya.
What are the quotas for Russian work visas?
Work Visas: There are quotas on invitations to foreigners to enter Russia in order to work. These quotas are established by territorial agencies in the regions and are approved annually by the Russian Government. According to the law, quotas take into account the demographic situation in the relevant region of Russia and its ability to accommodate foreign nationals. This is theoretically based on the principle that priority should be given to the use of domestic labor. The prospective employer must initiate the application process for this type of visa at the FMS. Prospective employers who hire foreigners must also receive permission from the local branch of the FMS. The FMS office then issues the foreigner a document confirming his legal employment. Please note that Russian authorities may require tests for drugs and infectious diseases for holders of work visas.
How many dates are there in a Russian visa?
A Russian entry/exit visa has two dates written in the European style (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style (month/day/year). The first date indicates the earliest day a traveler may enter Russia; the second date indicates the date by which a traveler must leave Russia. A Russian visa is only valid for those exact dates ...
Where to apply for a Russian visa?
IV. Applicants for Russian visas may apply directly to the Consular Division of the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
How long is a Russian visa valid?
In accordance with the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States of America on the simplification of visa formalities for nationals of the Russian Federation and nationals of the United States of America, the US citizens shall as a rule be issued multiple-entry business, private, humanitarian and tourist visas that are valid for three years (36 months) from the date of issue of the visa.
What to do after receiving a visa?
After receiving the visa, please check all the data indicated in it and, if necessary, return it to the Consular Division for corrections. The Consular Division will not be responsible for any mistakes in the visas, which were not brought to our attention prior to departure from the US.
When does visa processing start?
Visa processing starts only after the Consular Division has collected all necessary documents.
What form do I need to apply for a visa for a non-US citizen?
Non-US citizens should also provide proof of legality of their long-term stay in the USA (US Resident Alien status, form I-94) when applying for a visa.
What is a multiple entry visa?
A multiple-entry visa allows subsequent trips with a purpose other than what was initially indicated in the visa. Thus, the new purpose of each trip and information on the new hosting organization must be indicated in the Migration Card form in order to clear Russian customs and border control.
How long can you travel to Russia with a passport?
bearers of special or official passports, traveling to the Russian Federation for less than 30 days;
Where do US citizens apply for a Russian visa?
US citizens need to submit their Russia visa application at the Russian visa service in the American state they live.
Where to get invitation for visa in Russia?
Get the Invitation (Visa Support). The Invitation is the basement of your application. You should get this document in collaboration with your host in Russia. The host may be a friend, a family member, an employer etc. If you are planning to travel to Russia for tourism purposes, you can get your invitation from a travel agency or a hotel.
How long does it take to get a visa for Russia?
The average processing time for a Russia Visa is 10 days. Yet, the processing can take from seven to 20 working days. Those in a hurry can apply for expedited processing, which takes three working days. A higher fee will be charged to those that want to benefit from the expedited visa application processing.
What is visa support?
Visa support. This is an invitation to travel to Russia. It may be an invitation issued by a hotel, friends, a business etc., depending on the purpose of your trip.
How many Americans visited Russia in 2018?
United States citizens are among the top twenty most frequent visitors to Russia. In 2018, 337,395 Americans traveled to Russia marking an increase of 15% from the previous year. However, traveling to Russia from the US is not an easy thing to do. Due to the political relations between the US and Russia, both countries have introduced many ...
Is it hard to get a visa for Russia?
Applying for a Russia visa in the US is not as hard as it may seem. In fact, the process is almost identical to applying from other countries in the world.
Is there a transit area at the Russian Federation airport?
You are flying with an international airline and changing flights in the Russian Federation. There is one sole condition that this airport has a transit area.
How to apply for a Russian visa?
After you receive your invitation letter via email, you can apply for the Russian visa at one of their embassies. You need to follow these steps: Print your invitation in color. Submit the letter as well as all the other required documents for your visa application at the embassy.
What is a Russian visa letter?
The Russian Visa Invitation Letter (also referred to as the Russian Tourist Invitation Letter) is a document which indicates that you are invited to Russia by a Russian travel company or a hotel that is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
What is a Russian tourist invitation letter?
The Tourist Invitation Letter is a document that must be submitted along with your visa application. It is not an actual visa, but rather a document that the Russian government requires when applying for an actual visa.
What do you need to wear in Russia in the summer?
Other than that, hats, thick scarves, and gloves are a must in the summer. Russia is a traditional country, but not in a sense you would think. Even so, you need to dress decently at times.
How to get from point A to point B in Russia?
Russia is a very large country, and one of the best ways to get from point A to point B is by train. First class tickets are very expensive, which is why you should travel on the third class. It is not as fancy, but you have a place to sleep if you travel at night. However, do not rely on a train’s kitchen for food.
Can I travel to Russia?
Russia used to be a very secluded country. Nowadays, you can easily visit it with an electronic visa or eVisa. You have the chance to explore the famous Red Square or discover more about Russian history. Either way, you must be aware of the different eVisas Russia offers according to the regions you want to visit. Only a few nationalities are eligible to apply for an eVisa to enter Russia, and iVisa.com is the perfect partner to find out which ones. Electronic visas or eVisas are the future for international travel as visitors have a flexible process to obtain travel documentation. Russia is the perfect place to explore an extensive part of humanity's history. Begin your journey now! Lake Baikal in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world. Can you believe 20% of the world's freshwater is on this lake? Russia has impressive reserves all over its territory as it is the largest country in the world. Most of the year, the lake stays frozen due to the low temperatures of Siberia. However, during August, there are possibilities to have short swims in some areas of the lake. As well, the summer season is perfect for kayaking and boat cruises. You can even explore hidden beaches in this massive space. Moscow, Russia’s capital, must be in your preferred spots. Start your visit to Moscow in Red Square, where you can see the famous Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. These colorful landmarks represent most of Russia’s culture. As well, stop by the State Tretyakov Gallery and indulge in Russian art, or make your way to the Bolshoi Theater, where you can enjoy the unique ballet performances. Remember that you can easily visit Moscow in Russia if you obtain an eVisa before arrival. eVisas are simple and only require an online application that you can complete from the iVisa.com webpage. St. Petersburg is another favorite spot for incoming visitors. The city holds unique architecture, and we recommend you walk around to have a more authentic experience. Go to the Moika Palace, where you can see fabulous features of white and gold. This place is known for being the site where Rasputin, a famous Russian character, was killed. Also, don’t miss the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, where you can learn about the Russian Orthodox religion. Still, the most famous site is the Hermitage Museum, which is the second-largest art and culture museum in the world. It holds over three million objects from the prehistoric times to Catherine the Great’s impressive art collection.
How long does it take to get a visa in Russia?
The processing time may take up to 96 hours (4 business days). However, most applications are approved by the Russian authorities within 72 hours (3 business days).
What do you need to get a Russian visa?
Each applicant should have a valid passport, a photograph of their face taken with a phone or a PC camera, and a confirmation of purchased travel insurance for the Russian federation.
How to apply for an e-visa?
All e-Visa applicants need to prepare the necessary documents, choose the purpose of their travel, and click the ' Apply Online ' button located on this website's left-hand side. Next, fill an application form with your data, put in the necessary information, attach the supporting documents, cover the fees, and check your inbox for the PDF version of your online visa.
What is Evisa Express?
Evisa Express is an independent company that offers efficient and professional assistance in obtaining visas online. We are not associated with any governmental agency. See Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
What is Russia e-visa?
Russia e-Visa is an obligatory travel document for all travelers who wish to visit the Russian federation. Check if your country is listed as eligible for an electronic visa to Russia and make an online application within a few minutes from home!
How long is a Russian visa valid?
Russian e-Visa stays valid for 30 days (one month) from the date of issue. All foreign nationals traveling to Russia have to do so within the validity period.
Do Russian authorities double check applications?
Our team of experts always double-checks each application to ensure it's error-free before submitting it to the Russian authorities for approval.
What is a tourist visa in Russia?
Tourist visa or visitor visa . This kind of visa is for visiting Russia for sightseeing and general tourism, but can also be for short business meetings or participating in auctions or exhibitions.
When will the Russian visa end?
Most likely it won’t be lifted until November 2021. However, some exceptions have been made over the last few months.
How long does a Russian passport last?
A valid travel passport of your country with at least two blank pages designated for visas and expiring no sooner than 6 months after the end date of the visa you are applying for. We highly recommend to check the expiration date of your passport before applying for a Russian visa. Also, please make sure that you have signed your passport.
What is required to get a visa for a child under 18?
If you are applying for a visa for a child under the age of 18, a copy of the child’s birth certificate is required along with copies of both parent’s passports and marriage certificate when applicable. For non-U.S. citizen applicants, proof of having medical travel insurance is required.
What age can a non-Russian citizen travel to Russia?
According to the current rules a close relative is a spouse or their children under the age of 18. An invitation for a private visa.
Can an American citizen travel to Russia?
This is only possible for American citizens when the Russian citizen has a valid Russian internal passport and there is a stamp with residence registration in Russia in the internal passport. Both requirements, the internal passport and stamped residence registration, are necessary to obtain a multiple entry visa.
Do you need a copy of your Russian passport for a double entry visa?
There are no requirements about the amount of coverage. You can choose minimum coverage options. A copy of your airline ticket is not required for a Russian visa, unless you are requesting a double entry visa or you need urgent processing of your visa.
Required Documents
- When your decision is made, you need to contact the Russian consulate to receive the latest update on the required documents to apply for your visa. Generally documents to be submitted to the Consulate include: 1. Actual passport with at least two blank visa-designated pages and valid for at least six months after planned departure from Russia 2. T...
Additional Russia Visa Requirements
- When your decision is made, you need to contact the Russian consulate to receive the latest update on the required documents to apply for your visa. Generally documents to be submitted to the Consulate include: To apply for some types of Russian visa, you need to submit some additional documents such as Medical Insurance, Work or Residence Permit, HIV Certificate for …
Submittal
- The documents should be brought to the consulate by the applicant, by the authorized agent, or sent by regular mail. If applying by mail one should use a registered delivery service. All forms must be checked and signed by the applicant in person. Russian visas are issued by the Russian Consulate in the country of your residence. You can also apply for a Russian visa going to the Ru…
Consular Fees and Rights
- Consular fees are paid for consideration of your documents. Visa fees are not refundable and don't guarantee issue of visa. Please note that the Consulate have the right to invite the applicant for a personal interview. Questions on personal and business issues as well as your Russian contacts may be asked.