To apply for your visa, fill out a visa application form either online or at the Russian embassy. An English version of the form is available here. You must also submit the following:
Full Answer
Is it hard for an American to get a Russian visa?
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. If you are an American, or applying for a Russia visa in USA, follow the steps listed below: Get the Invitation (Visa Support).
How far in advance can you apply for Russian visa?
Russians are bad, but not that bad (joking). By law - 3 months in advance, but if you add a letter, saying, Mr. Consul, please issue me a tourist visa in advance, because I travel extensively and this is the only time I'm home for a long time in the coming 6 months - do not see a reason why they will decline.
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.
How do you get a tourist visa for Russia?
Obtaining a tourist visa Russia currently involves first requesting a tourist invitation from a Russian tour company or hotel or hostel, completing an online application, and presenting supporting documentation to a Russian Embassy or Consulate to complete the process.
How long does it take to get a visa to Russian?
3 to 14 daysAfter submitting your visa application, you will get your Russian visa within 3 to 14 days (depending on the fee you pay). Consular Fees: You will need to pay the consular fee and the visa processing fee, which depend on the type of visa, the country where you apply, and your citizenship.
How do I apply for 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.
What documents do I need for a 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.
How much does a visa cost to Russia?
$160 / $160Visa Fees At A GlanceNUMBER OF ENTRIESCONSULAR FEE REGULAR* / EXPEDITED**Single Entry**$160 / $160Double Entry**$160 / $1603 Year Multiple Entry **$160 / $160
Is Russian visa hard to get?
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.
Is Russia issuing tourist visas now?
Since 1 January 2021, the Russian government has introduced a unified e-Visa for visiting the entire Russian territory. This e-Visa allows you to enter the country only once for a tourist, business, humanitarian or family visit, for a maximum of 16 days .
Do you need an appointment for Russian visa?
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.
Can I travel to Russia now?
Russia - AVOID ALL TRAVEL Avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine, including limited flight options and restrictions on financial transactions. If you are in Russia, you should leave now while commercial means are still available.
How much bank statement is required for Russian visa?
If the applicant doesn't have three months of official statements covering the last 90 days then it is possible to provide a mixture of official statements and internet/bank printouts, for example; official statements for two months and an additional online statement showing the same account details for one month.
How long can I stay in Russia on a tourist visa?
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 an invitation letter from Russia?
Indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the AFMS (administrative migration federal service) can be solicited in order to provide the invitation letter. With this document, a person (a Russian citizen) or an institution registered in Russia is inviting you to visit him or them in Russia on a specific purpose.
Is Russia issuing visas right now?
Since 1 January 2021, the Russian government has introduced a unified e-Visa for visiting the entire Russian territory. This e-Visa allows you to enter the country only once for a tourist, business, humanitarian or family visit, for a maximum of 16 days .
How much does a Russian visa cost for Canadian citizens?
Cost tourism visa for Russia (Canadian nationals) If you're Canadian tourist and going during the less than 30 days, a single entry permit costs $ 75 and a double entry costs $135 Canadian (4-20 working days). The same visa costs twice as much in an emergency and is issued in three days.
How much is a Russian visa 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.
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...
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 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.
How to register a Russian visa?
If you will not stay in a hotel, but in a private house, then the Russian host is the one required to register his/her guest at a police station or at the post office. You don’t need to be present in the registry but you must provide your host with a copy of the first page of the passport, the visa and the immigration card. You may be charged a small fee for this procedure.
What is a Russian visa?
It is an official form of documentation that grants you permission from the Russian government to apply for a visa.
How long does it take to get a business visa in Russia?
We offer comprehensive business visa application services for Australian citizens who require a longer than a 30 day stay in Russia and prefer to leave the application process to the pro’s. A specialist will manage the entire process from start to finish, providing the expertise necessary to ensure your request is approved as quickly as possible. The service fee includes Consulate fees, business visa invitation document and our concierge service. The standard processing time is 10-16 business days. Note: expedited and double-entry visas are available upon request for an additional fee.
How long does it take to get an Australian visa?
The service fee includes Consulate fees, visa invitation document and our concierge service. The standard processing time is 10-16 business days. Note: expedited and double-entry visas are available upon request for an additional fee.
How long is a Russian visa valid?
There are 2 main types of Russian visas relevant to most travellers: Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 30 days from the date of entry. This is the visa most travellers use. Business Visa: Over 30 days. (Can be 90 days, 6 months or up to 1 year). Despite its name, this Russian visa can be used on travel as well as business.
How long does it take to get an invitation to a passport?
Your Invitation document will be ready within less than 24hr, and sent to you via email. We provide single, double or multiple-entry invitations. Note: Some developing countries passport holders will attract a higher fee. Also if needed, an original copy of the invitation can be obtained for extra fees to cover shipment. The price will depend on the destination country.
How long is a private Russian passport?
Private: Over 30 days. Issued to guests of a Russian friend or relative.
How to get a Russian visa?
To obtain your Russian visa successfully, you need to know visa requirements, prepare the required documents with 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, ...
What documents are needed for a Russian visa?
Additional documents for submission may include Medical Insurance, Work or Residence Permit, HIV Certificate for a stay for more than 3 months, and so on.
How long is a Russian passport valid?
Actual passport with at least two blank visa-designated pages and valid for at least six months after the planned departure from Russia; Two passport size photos of the applicant; Official invitation from an authorized organization in Russia; Two copies of a Russian visa application form completed and signed.
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.
How long is a business visa valid in Russia?
Business Visa – valid for 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to conduct business meetings in Russia.
Who is the Russian National Tourist Office?
The Russian National Tourist Office is the leading company in the UK for Russian visas, having provided Russian visa assistance to customers since 1997. For all your visa needs and any questions on the subject, feel free to contact us or apply online.
What are the different types of visas?
There are many types of Visas, and knowing which one you need is essential: 1 Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries into the country. 2 Special Purpose Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa also allows you to attend events in Russia. 3 Business Visa – valid for 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to conduct business meetings in Russia. 4 Multiple Entry Business Visa – valid for 365 days and has no limit on the number of entries. 5 Transit visa – can be valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to stay in Russia for transit purposes only. 6 Private Visa – valid up to 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa is intended for private purposes. 7 Humanitarian Visa – can be valid for up to 365 days and may have no limit on the number of entries. This type of Visa is intended for cultural, sports and charity purposes. 8 Student Visa – valid for up to several years, it is intended for students. 9 Work Visa – valid for up to several years, this Visa is intended for people who are constantly employed in Russia.
How long is a humanitarian visa valid?
Humanitarian Visa – can be valid for up to 365 days and may have no limit on the number of entries. This type of Visa is intended for cultural, sports and charity purposes.
How long is a private visa valid?
Private Visa – valid up to 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa is intended for private purposes.
Do British citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
British passport holders require a visa to travel to the Russian Federation. 2. Find out what type of visa you need to apply for. There are many types of Visas, and knowing which one you need is essential: Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries into the country.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How to prepare for an interview?
Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
Is the US consulate in Russia suspended?
All consular services at the U.S. Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok remain in suspended status.
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.
When did the visa for Russia come into force?
On the 1st of June, 2007 the Russia-EU Visa Facilitation Agreement came into force and according to its provisions visa processing fees are changed for the citizens of the following countries:
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.
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. Two passport size photos of the a…
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...
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.