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.
- For citizens of all other countries – 7 to 20 working days.
How difficult is it to get a visa to Russia?
- 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. ...
- Wait for the processing of your visa. ...
How long does it take to get as Russian business 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.
What are Russian visa requirements?
To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa, you will need the following documents:
- Original passport, valid for more than 6 months with at least 2 blank pages for your visa and entry/exit stamps
- Application form
- One passport-type photograph
- Tourist visa support documents (hotel voucher and confirmation of tourist acceptance)
- Applicable fee
- Fingerprints submitted at our office
How do I apply for a visa to Russia?
If you are an American, or applying for a Russia visa in USA, follow the steps listed below:
- Get the Invitation (Visa Support). The Invitation is the basement of your application. ...
- 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. ...
Is it hard to get a visa to Russia?
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.
How long is the visa process for Russia?
The average processing time for a Russia Visa is 10 days. However, the processing can take from 7 to 20 working days. Those in a hurry can apply for expedited processing, which takes three working days. Applicants that want to benefit from the expedited visa application processing will need to pay a higher fee.
Can I get a Russian visa right 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 far in advance should I apply for a Russian visa?
Foreigners may apply for it at the local FMS based on their at least one-year residence in Russia. The application has to be filed no later than six months prior to the expiration of the temporary residence permit.
How much does Russian visa cost?
Visa Fees At A GlanceNUMBER OF ENTRIESCONSULAR FEE REGULAR* / EXPEDITED**Single Entry**$160 / $160Double Entry**$160 / $1603 Year Multiple Entry **$160 / $160
How do I get a Russian visa invitation?
To arrange an invitation for a tourist visa it is necessary to approach a travel company accredited at Rosturizm (Russian Tourism Agency). The travel agency must be registered as a tour operator entitled to invite foreign citizens to Russia. Only travel companies are allowed to issue tourist visa invitations.
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 long does it take to get to Russia?
An average nonstop flight from the United States to Russia takes 19h 45m, covering a distance of 5293 miles. The most popular route is New York - Moscow with an average flight time of 22h 15m.
Can I fly to Moscow now?
Entry to the Russian Federation is restricted until further notice. Only Russian citizens, those who have a residence permit and citizens of specific countries are allowed to enter the country.
Can I get a Russian visa in one day?
In order to get the visa, you must first get a visa invitation letter (also known as visa support)....Step 1: Get the Russian Visa Invitation.Period of stay:1 day to 12 monthsFlexibility:You can stay and travel where you wantProcessing time:3 to 18 working days4 more rows
What documents do I need for a Russian tourist visa?
Russian Tourist VisaYour original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.More items...
How long can I stay in Russia without a visa?
90 daysApplicants 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 long does Russian visa take US?
3 Year *Regular Processing Time is 10 Calendar Days from the day the documents are submitted to the Russian Consulate for review. **Expedited Processing Time is 3 Business Days from the day the documents are submitted to the Russian Consulate for review.
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.
How long does it take to get to Russia?
An average nonstop flight from the United States to Russia takes 19h 45m, covering a distance of 5293 miles. The most popular route is New York - Moscow with an average flight time of 22h 15m.
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...
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.
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 ...
What are the different types of Russian visas?
There are seven basic types of Russian visas: Commercial, Tourist, Student, Guest, Diplomatic, Transit, and visas for entry into the Russian Federation for the purpose of requesting asylum. Russian visas are issued only upon presentation of the appropriate invitation (tourist vouchers or hotel reservations will often suffice) from a Russian source. Only Russian individuals and agencies (hereafter referred to as sponsors) can invite Americans to visit Russia. In doing so, the sponsor takes full responsibility for both the welfare and actions of their American guests.
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 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 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 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.
Does the Invitation letter guarantee that a visa will be issued?
No, it is merely a document that allows you to apply for the actual visa. The approval of your visa will be at the discretion of the Russian government.
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.
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.
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.
When does an evisa expire?
For example, if the traveler passes through Russian border control upon entry at 8:00 pm on the first day of a month, then they will need to have exited the territory by 11:59 pm on the 8th day of the same month , when the eVisa validity will expire.
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 long is a Russian visa?
There are various types of Russian visa issued, depending on the purpose and length of visit. The visa length is usually between 30-90 days although many can be extended. The below types of visa are referred to as Russian entry visas.
How long is a Russian business visa valid?
This is a visa for those visiting the country on official or private business. The standard business visa is valid for 90 days. There is also a Multi Russian Business visa which is valid for a year and allows multiple entries into Russia. Business visas are eligible for renewal upon expiration, but this must be via the organization that provided the invitation for your business visa. Business visas can also be used for commercial visits such as attending events such as auctions.
Who needs a Russian visa or permit?
Citizens of most countries need a visa to travel to Russia. You must get this before arriving in Russia. Although a European country, Russia is not part of the EU/EFTA; it does not grant visa-free travel to countries within the EU/EFTA other than Croatia and Iceland for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can you stay in Russia without a visa?
Holders of a temporary residence permit cannot be absent from Russia for longer than three months and have to apply for an exit visa and a re-entry visa to travel away from the country. Documents that need to be provided in order to obtain a Russian residence permit include: passport. criminal record certificate.
How to move to Russia?
To move to Russia you are likely to need to complete a Russian visa application form. This guide will provide you with advice on which Russian visa to apply for, how to complete the application forms, and the costs you can expect to pay.
How long is a work permit valid in Russia?
It is possible to work in Russia if you have obtained a work permit through a Russian employer along with a valid work visa. This is valid for 90 days although it is possible to extend it for up to three years and get a temporary residence permit.
How long does it take to leave Russia?
Visitors who overstay their visa by more than three days will need to apply for an exit visa to leave Russia, which can take up to 20 days to be issued.
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.
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.
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 business visa in Russia?
Business visa suits the foreign applicants who are concerned in exploring business opportunities of Russia.
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 one to three working days. However, not everyone can get expedited processing, since it is granted only for some nations, and not all of them.
How long do you have to stay in Russia to get a visa?
Register your Russian Private visa. You should register your visa only if you will be staying seven or more days in Russia. You need a copy of your passport, visa and immigration card to register your visa. The registration process depends on where you will be staying in Russia:
How to Apply for a Russia Private Visa?
The process of applying for a Russia Private Visa consists of a few procedures. If you wish to travel to Russia for private reasons, you should complete these procedures.
How to get a Russian visa?
Get the Invitation for a Russian private visa application (Visa Support ). If you need a visa, start your application by getting the invitation to visit Russia. Your host should get the invitation to the relevant Russian authorities.
Where to apply for a Russian visa?
Apply in Person at a Russian Consulate / Russian Visa Processing Center. Depending on how the Russian authorities have regulated visa submission in your home country, you will need to apply at either the Russian consulate or a visa-processing center.
How to get an immigration card in Russia?
Get the immigration card. The immigration card is a document with two identical parts. You will get it from the border police at the Russian port of entry. Complete both parts of the immigration card with the required information. The border police will keep part of the card, and the other one you have to take with you.
What is the most important factor in visa costs?
Your nationality. Your nationality is a very important factor in the costs of your visa. You will pay cheaper fees if you are from i.e. Japan or China, and ones that are more expensive if you are from i.e. Mali or Nigeria.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 long can you stay in Russia without a visa?
Passengers of Cruise Ships and Ferries at St. Petersburg and Vladivostok are permitted to stay in Russia for 72 hours without a visa when accompanied by a tour operator licensed by Russian authorities. Ferry schedules may not permit visitors to stay more than two nights without exceeding the 72-hour limit. If you plan to sightsee on your own, you must have a tourist visa. A visa is also required if you plan to depart Russia by another mode of transportation.
How long can you be detained in Russia?
You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported and banned for 5 years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
What are administrative violations in Russia?
Traffic Laws: Russian authorities have been known to consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date.
What are the penalties for violating Russian laws?
If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia.
Do you need a Russian transit visa?
Travelers must have a Russian transit visa if they plan to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country or if they transfer to another airport. Travelers must possess a Russian transit visa in addition to a Belarusian visa if their travel route either to or from Belarus goes through Russia.
Does Russia allow dual citizenship?
Russia enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Russian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, including denying access to U.S. consular assistance and preventing their departure from Russia.
Is it illegal to take cold medicine in Russia?
Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. We recommend against bringing cold medication with you to Russia.
How long does it take to get a visa for Russia?
Provided all the documents are ready, the process usually takes no more than 3-10 workdays for Russian travel visa.
When will Russia start allowing electronic visas?
Thus, the list of countries has become uniform for all regions where an electronic visa is applied. On 1 January 2021, unified electronic visas were introduced in Russia. On 6 October 2020, in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2571/2020, the list of States was approved.
What are the laws of Russia?
Foreign citizens, while in the territory of Russia, must comply with the legislation of Russia, including requirements of customs, border and immigration regimes, rules of travel finance, registration, internal movement within the territory of Russia and extensions of stay.
How long is an e-visa valid?
The e-visa is a single entry visa, which is valid for a period of 60 days from the date of issue, and which allows a period of stay in the Russian Federation of up to 16 days from the date of entry. Foreign citizens have the right to freedom of movement within the entire territory of Russia.
What is the visa policy of Russia?
The visa policy of Russia deals with the requirements which a foreign national wishing to enter the Russian Federation must meet to obtain a visa, which is a permit to travel to, enter, and remain in the country.
When will Russia and Belarus sign a visa agreement?
On 19 June 2020, Russia and Belarus have signed an agreement on mutual recognition of visas. After ratification visa-free entry will be available for holders of a valid visa or residence permit of Belarus.
When will Belarus and Russia allow entry?
Entry will be allowed through the road checkpoints on the border between Russia and Belarus in 2021:
