how to apply for russian tourist visa

^{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. If you do, proceed with the other steps.
• Check your passport’s validity. If your passport is valid for less than six months on the day you plan to leave Russia, you will not be able to apply for ...
• Get the Invitation (Visa Support). This is where you start your application. You should get this letter in two ways. ...
• Complete the online Russian Tourist Visa application form. The form is available online, and you can complete it for free. ...
Collect the required documents for a Russian Tourist Visa. You can find a list of these documents below in this article.
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. ...
Pay the Russia Tourist visa fees. In most countries, you will have to pay the fees when you submit your application. ...
Wait for an answer to your application.

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).

Is it hard to get a Russian tourist visa?

Those who are US citizens must possess a valid form of identification. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need your passport and bona fide travel visa issued by a Russian embassy or consulate. In any case, getting a visa can be difficult upon arrival, so you must apply for your visa well in advance of time.

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.

How much does it cost to get a Russian tourist visa?

The Russian 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.

Can I apply for Russian visa 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.

Is it hard to get a Russian tourist 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.

How quickly can you get a Russian tourist 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. If your application is sent back, you delay getting the invitation letter, or you have to apply through the mail, it can potentially take weeks.

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.

What documents do I need to apply for 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 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.

How do tourists travel to 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 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 do I apply for a Russian visa 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.

Can I apply for a Russian visa outside of my home country?

To process a Russian visa in a foreign country, you need to have legal residence in the country for more than 90 days, either for work, studies, etc. In case you are a tourist, you will most likely not be able to obtain visas and you will have to return to your country to do the proceeding.

How do I get an e visa for St Petersburg Russia?

HOW DOES IT WORK?Fill. in an e–visa. application form.Get. an e–visa. grant notification.Print out the notification. or download it to your mobile device.Show. the notification. to a transport.Show. the notification. to a Border Service officer.

How do I get a Russian visa 2021?

You can obtain it electronically, in an easy manner from your home through the website enabled by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation: https://evisa.kdmid.ru/. Therefore, it is not necessary to travel to any Consulate or Russian visa center to carry out the procedure.

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.

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 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 ...

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.

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

What Is The Russian Tourist Visa Fee?

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

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 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.

Do You Need A Visa To Transit Through Russia?

It largely depends on how you will be transiting through Russia. If you are transiting to another country, either by car or Train, then yes, you’ll need a Transit visa. If you are in transit at an airport, waiting for an onward flight without leaving the airport, you do not need a transit visa. If, however, you want to leave the airport, you’ll need a visa that corresponds with the reason for you leaving the airport. If, for instance, you want to spend a day or two sightseeing in Moscow, while waiting for a connecting flight, you’ll need a Russian tourist visa. If you are having a business meeting a business visa will be needed.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.