how to apply for a visa to visit russia

Russian Visa Application

• Get the Invitation to Russia (Russian Visa Support). Start your Russia visa application by getting the invitation to...
• Complete the Russian Visa online application form. After getting your Russian visa support, you can proceed with the...
• Collect the Russian Visa required documents. Continue the Russia visa application by collecting the required...

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).

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.

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.

What are the requirements for Russian visa?

These documents, known as the Standard Requirements for a Russian Visa, are as follows:

• Visa Application Form. Make sure your answers are correct and then print the form.
• Valid Passport. There are some criteria that your passport must meet in order for your application to be valid. ...
• A recent passport size photo. ...
• Proof of residence. ...
• Visa support. ...
• Bank Statements for the last three months. ...

Can I apply for visa to Russia online?

eVisas allow visitors to apply for their Russian visa entirely online in minutes, from anywhere in the world. Passport copies, online application form, and other documents required for the visa can be submitted online.

How much does a visa to visit Russia 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.

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

Submit the invitation, the form, your passport, a passport photograph, and the processing fee (money order or cashier's check only) to the Russian Embassy. Applications are accepted anywhere from 30 to 60 days before departure (figure on two to four weeks for processing from the time your application is received).

Is Russia giving tourist visa right now?

Due to Covid-19 epidemy the visa processing is temporarily suspended since March 18 by the Ministry Of Internal Affairs. The restrictions are likely to remain in force through September 15.

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.

How far in advance can I apply for a Russian visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa at a Russian consulate not earlier than 90 days before your requested visa start date. It is not recommended to apply more than 6 months in advance, as some consulates may have issues with visa support letters which are older than 6 months.

What documents do I need for a Russian tourist visa?

Russian Tourist Visa Your 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.

How do I get an invitation letter for Russian visa?

The required document for obtaining Russian visa is a Russian Visa Invitation Letter (or simply Invitation for Russian Visa). An invitation letter for visa might be issued by a Russian organization that has a special reference-number and accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Do I need an appointment for Russian visa?

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. Most of the applicants are not required to attend an interview.

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.

Can I visit Moscow now?

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.

Is Russia safe for tourists?

Most visits to Russia have been trouble-free, but petty crime does happen. You should follow the same personal security procedures as you would anywhere else.

How much is a Russian visa for US citizens?

$160 / $160Visa Fees At A GlanceNUMBER OF ENTRIESCONSULAR FEE REGULAR* / EXPEDITED**Single Entry**$160 / $160Double Entry**$160 / $1603 Year Multiple Entry **$160 / $160

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 Americans travel to Russia 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 ...

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.

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 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 do you have to stay in Russia to leave?

To allow for a change of plans, we suggest that you apply for the full 30 days from date of arrival. Therefore, you can then enter and leave Russia at any date within the specified period of your Russian visa. In an emergency, you may need to obtain an exit visa from the federal migration service.

How long is a private Russian passport?

Private: Over 30 days. Issued to guests of a Russian friend or relative.

How many World Heritage Sites are there in Russia?

Did you know that there are currently 26 UNESCO world heritage sites in Russia? That makes Russia 9th in the world for its total number of World Heritage Sites – 16 of which are cultural and 10 of which are natural.

How long can you visit Russia?

You can explore the Russian city you land in within an official tour group for up to 72 hours. However, you’ll need an official document from your travel provider showing your excursion. Keep in mind that if you are exempt from visa, you still need to abide by the time frame you are allowed to visit for.

What Russian Embassies Issue A Russian Tourist Visa?

"According to the Decree of the Russian Federation № 1745-r of June 28, 2021 - The Consular Division of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA and Consulates General of the Russian Federation in New York and Houston may resume the issuance of all categories of visas." - Emba ssy of the Russian Federation in the USA

How Long Does A Russian Visa Application Take?

The type of visa applied for will influence the length of the application period. The minimum processing time for a Tourist visa for Russia is 10 working days, and this is the standard for most of the visas for Russia. However, if you are applying for a private visa, the process will take significantly longer because the friend or family member applying for you in Russia will need to apply at their local Federal Migration Service Office. As a rule, your visas should be applied for and granted well before traveling to a country. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than counting down the days to your departure while waiting for that email or text that your travel documents are ready.

What Are The Required Documents For The Russian Tourist Visa?

For your Russian Tourist Visa, you'll need to submit the following documents:

What Is The Russian Tourist Visa Fee?

For the Russian Tourist Visa, you can expect to pay the following amount:

What Is The Russian Tourist Visa Processing Time?

Keep in mind that the processing time may be delayed under certain circumstances. These circumstances can include:

Can I Apply For A Russian Tourist Visa If I Have A US Tourist Visa?

No, unless you have residency in the US, foreign citizens/foreign nationals need to apply for a Russian Tourist Visa in their home country.

What Is a Russian Visa Invitation Letter or a Russian Tourist Voucher?

An invitation or introductory letter to Russia, or Tourist voucher (sometimes also called visa support ‒ suspiciously unofficial sounding) is a document in which a person, who is currently residing in Russia, invites you to visit them. The purpose of this visit could be for any host of reasons, but the reason for the invite will affect the type of visa to be issued. For instance, someone invited by a tour operator to take part in a Trans Siberian Railway journey would qualify for a tourist visa, and not a business visa. If however, the company inviting the individual invites them to look into ways of expanding the market for people going on a Trans Siberian Railway tour, they can be issued a business Visa. The terms “Russian tourist voucher,” “Introductory letter,” and “visa support” are used interchangeably by Russian visa agents and government websites when referring to the invitation letter and cause a great deal of confusion among potential travelers. This is a mandatory document needed to apply for a visa to Russia and it should not be confused with a hotel reservation or travel itinerary. For more information on the chameleon-like invitation/introductory letter, read our guide.

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.

Required Documents

Additional Russia Visa Requirements

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...

See more on russiavisa.com

Consular Fees and Rights