how can i get russian visa

• Complete the Russian visa online application form. The application form for a Russia visa for US citizens is available at kdmid.ru. ...
• Collect the Russia visa required documents for US citizens. Proceed with collecting the required documents for a Russian visa. ...
• Apply at a Russian Visa Processing Center in the US. You will need to submit all these documents at the Russian visa center in the American state you live.
• Wait for the processing of your visa. After that, you will need to wait for the Russian embassy to process your application. ...

Full Answer

What is the easiest way to get a visa to Russia?

If you want to travel to Russia, you need a Russian visa. In order to get a Russian visa, the first thing you need is an invitation (also known as visa support letter). After that, you can apply for the visa at a Russian consulate either by yourself or through a local travel agent (usually for an extra fee).

What are the requirements for a Russian visa?

• Accommodation bookings. Tourists must provide proof of accommodation for every night of their stay in Russia, whether a hostel or hotel booking or another arrangement.
• Travel itinerary. ...
• Further documentation. ...

Who needs a visa to enter Russia?

Please be advised that the visas may be issued only for the U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, who possess U.S. Green Cards. All U.S. nationals who wish to enter Russia for an excursion, sightseeing, cultural events, or other forms of tourism need a Russian visa.

Can US citizens enter Russia?

Visitors from the United States must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken within 2 days before departing to Russia. Details and exceptions Permitted travelers are required to have a negative Covid-19 result (PCR) taken no earlier than two calendar days prior to arrival in the Russian Federation.

Can I get Russian visa now?

Fortunately, citizens of a number of countries can now obtain a eVisa for Russia for short-term stays by applying online in minutes. The 2021 unified E-visa will grant freedom of movement across all Russian regions to its holder. eVisas for Russia are intended for the following reasons: Tourism.

How much does it cost to get a Russian visa?

$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.

Can I get a Russian visa online?

In order to apply for a unified e-visa, it is necessary to submit an application from your personal account on the specialized website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or through the Russian Foreign Ministry mobile application.

How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?

It takes between 4 working days and 6 weeks to get your Russian visa depending upon the type that you need. The cost also varies according to the visa's type and how quickly you need it. Please see our visa-specific pages for Russian visas (accessible here) for price options.

How difficult is Russian visa?

It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance. U.S. citizens who apply for Russian visas in third countries where they do not have permission to stay more than 90 days may face considerable delays in visa processing.

What documents do I need to visit Russia?

Entry, Exit and Visa RequirementsYou must have a current U.S. passport with the appropriate visa. ... You must obtain a valid visa for your specific purpose of travel before arriving in Russia, unless you are arriving as a cruise ship passenger (see below information for passengers of cruise ships and ferries).More items...

How long is a Russian visa good for?

A tourist Russian visa is single-entry or double-entry only and can be valid for the period up to 30 days. If you are a US citizen, you can get a tourist visa to Russia valid for 3 years, and you can stay every 90 out of every 180 days on that type of visa.

How do I get a 3 year Russian visa?

2. How to apply for a 3-year tourist visa for American citizensHave a valid passport. ... Get a visa support letter (also called voucher or invitation) ... Fill out the Visa Application Form. ... Travel insurance (optional) ... Take all of your documents to the Russian Visa Center (or consulate)

How can I get visa for all country?

For short stays, many countries require certain nationalities to obtain a visa in advance of travel from an embassy or consulate, while others permit select citizens to obtain a visa online through an electronic application system for purposes of transit, business or tourist travel.

Which country is most difficult to get visa?

What are the Hardest Countries to Get a Visa To?Russia.Cuba.Iran.Turkmenistan.Chad.Bhutan.Saudi Arabia.Afghanistan.More items...

How much does it cost to fly to Russia?

The cheapest ticket to Russia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $124 one-way, and $470 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Moscow Domodedovo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $555.

Who needs visa for Russia?

Applicants planning to stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period require a visa if they are going to Russia to conduct commercial or work-related activities. Diplomatic or Official passport holders require a visa for the whole period of their stay.

How much is a visa to Russia from UK?

A Russian visa for tourists will cost anything between £100 to £150 in the UK for a single-entry visa and around £150 to £200 for a double-entry visa.

Do you need a visa to go to Russia from UK?

Do British citizens need a visa to visit Russia? The answer is yes, due to the existence of a visa regime between the UK and the Russian Federation. A requirement for any type of a Russian visa (tourist, business, working and others) for a citizen of the UK is an invitation.

How do I get a visa for Russia from UK?

How to Apply for a Russia Visa in the UK?Get an Invitation to Russia. ... Fill-in the Russia visa application form. ... Gather the requirements for a Russia visa. ... Apply at a Russian Visa Processing Center in UK. ... Pay the Russia visa fees in the UK. ... Wait for an answer on your application.

Do you need a visa to go to Russia from Ireland?

Irish citizens require a visa to enter the Russian Federation. Those who do not comply with Russian visa laws can be subject to arrest, fines, and/or deportation.

What is the Russia E-visa?

A Russian E-visa is an electronic visa which allows eligible citizens to travel to a specific region in Russia for a short stay. At the moment, it...

How do I apply for an electronic visa for Russia?

Eligible citizens are currently able to apply for an electronic visa Russia for a specific region through a simple online application. Applicants a...

Who is eligible for a Russia eVisa?

Citizens of 54 eligible countries are able to apply for the 3 Russia eVisa types. Citizens of an additional 5 countries are also able to apply for...

What ports of entry can I use with the Russia eVisa?

The ports of entry that can be used with a Russian eVisa depends on which region-specific electronic visa the traveler obtains.

What ports of entry can I use with the Russia E-visa to Saint Petersburg and Leningrad?

The following ports of entry can be used with the Saint Petersburg and Leningrad eVisa: By air: Pulkovo airport By land: Ivangorod, Torfyanovka,...

What ports of entry can I use with the Russia E-visa to Kaliningrad?

The following ports of entry can be used with the Kaliningrad eVisa: By air: Kaliningrad (Khrabrovo) By land: Bagrationovsk, Gusev, Mamanovo (Gzh...

What ports of entry can I use with the Russia E-visa to the Far East?

The following ports of entry can be used with the eVisa for the Russian Far East: By Air: Anadyr (Ugolny), Blagoveschensk, Vladivostok (Knevichy),...

What do I need to submit an application for the Russia electronic visa?

In order to submit an application for a Russia electronic visa, it is necessary to have the following: Passport valid for at least 6 months from th...

Do I need a Russia E-visa for all my children? Should I include them on my application?

Yes, all travelers from E-visa- eligible countries, no matter their age, are required to have an individually approved visa for Russia to travel to...

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.

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 get a visa for Russia?

Basil’s Cathedral are some of the more well known landmarks, but there are plenty of other unique attractions you can enjoy. Keep in mind most visitors need a visa to enter Russia. Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter. iVisa can make things easier for you by helping you get your invitation letter quickly. All you need to do is apply online and you can have your invitation letter in as little as 30 minutes.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa??

A Russian visa can be processed in 9 days for standard processing. We also have rush and super rush pricing options available for a higher fee.

How long does it take to apply for a Russia Tourist Invitation Letter?

Applying online with iVisa will take you less than 10 minutes. Then, shortly after we will let you know of the status of your application by email.

How much does the Russia Tourist Visa Cost?

The Russia tourist visa costs $160.00 which does not include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee. Please Note: there may be cheaper Russia Tourist visas available depending on your nationality. Enter your nationality into the visa checker to see all available visa types.

Is it safe to use iVisa to get my Russia Invitation Letter?

Many people think that information online leaks and that it can get into the wrong hands. However, that is not the case with our services. We provide maximum safety for your personal data, confidentiality, and we invest a lot in the security of our database. Your personal information could not be safer. You can check what hundreds of happy customers say about us here.

What are the documents required to apply?

To apply for an Invitation Letter with eVisa, you will need the following:

What is the difference between a Tourist Invitation Letter and a Russian Visa?

The Tourist Invitation Letter is a document that must be presented along with your visa application. It is not an actual visa, but a document that the Russian government requires for you to apply for an actual visa.

When will Russia get an E visa?

An approved E-visa for Russia allows the holder entry to the designated territory at select air and seaports, and certain land border checkpoints, in the relevant region. It is expected that a Russia-wide E-visa will also be introduced in 2021 by the Russian Government.

Why is Russia using electronic visas?

The Russian government has implemented the electronic visa system in order to expedite the process of applying for a visa to travel to select regions in the country.

How long is an E visa valid in Russia?

E-visas for Russia are valid for 30 days to enter the territory from the date of approval.

Where is Kaliningrad E visa?

The online Kaliningrad visa allows travelers to visit the Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave located between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea.

When will Russia introduce E visas?

It is expected that a Russia-wide E-visa will also be introduced in 2021 by the Russian Government. Information about this electronic visa type will be published on this site once available.

Do you need a visa to travel to Russia?

The visa policy of Russia states that it is not necessary to provide any additional supporting documents, such as hotel booking confirmations or a tourist invitation, for an E-visa for Russia to be approved.

How to get a Russian visa?

Complete the online Russian Tourist Visa application form. The form is available online, and you can complete it for free. It contains questions on your identity and your intended trip to Russia.

Where to submit Russian visa application?

Submit your completed application. Submit the documents you have collected at a Russian Consulate or Russian Visa Processing Center. You should submit these documents in person. Depending on your home country, you may have to make an appointment prior to that.

Who Needs a Russia Tourist Visa?

According to the Russian visa policy, most citizens of most countries will need a tourist visa for Russia. However, there are several countries the nationals of which are excluded from this requirement. In addition, several categories are exempt or can enter with an e-visa. These categories are:

What is the most important part of a Russian tourist visa application?

Collecting the required documents is the most important part of a Russian tourist visa application. Based on the documents that you submit to apply for a Russian tourist visa, the Russian authorities take a decision on your application.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

The processing time for a Russian tourist visa application is as follows: For citizens of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland – 7 to 20 working days. For citizens of Angola, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, North Macedonia and Vietnam – seven calendar days.

How long do you have to register your visa in Russia?

The border police keep one part of the card, and the other one is for you. Register your visa. If you will be staying more than seven days in Russia, you will need to register your visa. If you are planning to stay at a hotel, the hotel is responsible to register your visa.

What to do after arriving in Russia?

However, there are additional things you need to do after you arrive in Russia. Get the immigration card. When you arrive at the Russian port of entry, the border police will give you an immigration card. The card consists of two identical parts, which you should fill in with your information.

What is a business visa in Russia?

Business visa suits the foreign applicants who are concerned in exploring business opportunities of Russia.

When will Russia be available for e-visa?

According to the Government of the Russian Federation, e-visa processing for the citizens of USA shall become available starting January 1st, 2021. We recommend citizens of USA obtaining a common tourist visa for a stay up to 30 days. Get Russian Visa Invitation.

What is an invitation for a private visa?

An Invitation for a Private Visa will be issued only on a special form from the FMS with an individual number. It should have all passport details of an American applicant. Information on the inviting party, terms of visa and number of entries. The issuing of this Invitation takes a certain amount of time during which all necessary investigations take place as to whether there are any previous convictions, expulsions or administrative violations of the applicant. If any such violations are found the applicant will be denied in an Invitation.

How long does an American work visa last in Russia?

An Invitation for a Work Visa is issued on a special form of the FMS for a period of 90 days. Within this period an American citizen should enter Russia and fulfill the migration registration. After this his/her Work Visa may be extended for a period of the contract but no longer than a year.

What is required to get a tourist visa at a consulate?

When issuing a tourist visa at a consulate, a foreigner may be required to demonstrate the purchase of air tickets and to confirm a booking at a hotel for the period specified in the invitation, as well as an insurance policy.

What is an e-visa?

An electronic visa (hereinafter referred to as "e-visa") is a new type of a visa document. A visa invitation to Russia is not required for obtaining an e-visa. To obtain an e-visa to Russia use our “E-visa to Russia” service. An e-visa can be only single-entry.

How long is a private visa valid?

Private visa can be single or double-entry. It is issued for a maximum period of 3 months (90 days).

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.

ON RESUMING VISA ISSUANCE

Start June 28, 2021 Russian consulate in the U.S.A. resumes the issuance of visa of all categories (including tourist visas). Please be advised that the visas may be issued only for the U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, who possess U.S. Green Cards.

Russian Business Visa Application Requirements

All travelers to Russia on official or private business visits require a business visa.

Russian Private Visa Application Requirements

A Russian private visa is one of the various visas issued by the Russian Federation for foreigners who wish to enter Russia for personal reasons like visiting friends and family. According to Russian legislation, foreigners who wish to apply for a private Russian visa must have an invitation.

FAQ – Visa For Russia

One of the favorite destinations of travelers and tourists around the world is Russia. Russia is a beautiful country located on a vast expanse of land with many attractions for people all over the world. While Russia welcomes some nationalities into its soil without a visa, one needs to have an invitation to apply.