
Here’s how to apply for a Russian Tourist Visa:
- Check if you need a Tourist visa for Russia according to your nationality and purpose of entry. ...
- Check your passport’s validity. ...
- Get the Invitation (Visa Support). ...
- Complete the online Russian Tourist Visa application form. ...
- Collect the required documents for a Russian Tourist Visa. ...
- Submit your completed application. ...
- Pay the Russia Tourist visa fees. ...
Full Answer
How do I apply for a Russian visa?
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.
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Citizens of most countries require an entry visa to travel to Russia. The Consular Division of the Embassy issues all categories of visas to Russia based upon the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay in Russia.
How do I get an invitation to visit Russia?
Most invitations (also sometimes referred to as "visa support") are managed through agencies which put the foreign invitee in contact with the officially registered Russian entities to get them the invitation they need. For every type of visa, there exists a different type of invitation (tourist, business, private, student, etc.).
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost?
The cost of a Russian tourist visa for citizens of all other countries are as follows: Single entry visa – 75.2 EUR; Double-entry visa – 120.3 EUR; Multiple entry visa – 225.7 EUR; How Long Does It Take to Get a Russia Tourist Visa? The processing time for a Russian tourist visa application is as follows:

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a Tourist Invitation Letter?
It is a document stating that you are officially invited to Russia by a Russian travel company or a hotel that is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. This document has two parts: A Voucher and a Confirmation of the Admission of a Foreign Tourist. It is necessary to present an Invitation Letter for you to apply for a Russian visa.
What are the documents required to apply?
To apply for an Invitation Letter with eVisa, you will need the following:
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.
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.
How do I fill out the Russian tourist visa application?
Once you have your passport, the tourist visa invitation, and your passport photo, it is time to fill out the Russian visa application form. You must do this electronically on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation website. You must fill out the application completely and sign it. Do not forget to sign the application.
Who needs a Russian tourist visa?
As mentioned above, most people need a visa to visit Russia as a tourist. Only the citizens of the following countries do NOT need a Russian visa to visit Russia for tourism.
What is a Russian tourist invitation?
A tourist invitation is a document issued by a Russian tourist agency officially registered with the Russian tourism department. A tourist invitation is required if you are applying for a Russian tourist visa.
How long is a Russian tourist visa valid?
Russian tourist visas are only valid for tourism purposes. Most nationalities may apply for a tourist visa valid for a maximum of 30 days. They are either single or double entry tourist visas, and you can enter Russia only once or twice. You may choose the number of entries when you apply.
How long does a Russian passport last?
Passport: Your passport should be valid at least 6 months after your Russian visa will expire and contain at least two free, adjoining pages. Two Passport-Size Photographs: Should be recent and good quality.
What is visa support?
Most invitations (also sometimes referred to as "visa support") are managed through agencies which put the foreign invitee in contact with the officially registered Russian entities to get them the invitation they need . For every type of visa, there exists a different type of invitation (tourist, business, private, student, etc.).
Is Russia a pre-visa?
Like any party worth going to, Russia is by "invitation only.". This is basically a "pre-visa" – it is an official document from an officially registered Russian entity (agency, organization, business, etc.) that states that you may officially apply for a Russian visa.
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 included in a tourist invitation?
The look of a tourist invitation is not regulated by law but it must contain the name of the travel company and its reference number, passport details of the tourist, cities to be visited, the validity period of the visa, number of entries and some other information.
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 Kaliningrad visa valid?
With this visa, you can only visit the Kaliningrad Oblast region. It is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued and only allows for an 8-day stay in the country . It is a single-entry visa, and the reason for the trip must be exclusively for tourism, business or humanitarian work.
Do you need a visa to adopt a child in Russia?
An entry and exit visa are required to visit the child, so it must be processed from your country of origin. This visa allows a stay in the country and entrance and exits up to 3 times, while the adoption procedures are in process.
Can foreigners enter Russia?
This is granted to foreigners who are allowed to enter Russia for a temporary stay. They must notify the consulate of their intentions in the country, and demonstrate the possibility of living in Russia without working.
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.
