how to apply for russian visa

To apply for Russian Visa you should follow these simple steps:

• Go to visa.kdmid.ru.
• Select the name of the country from the drop menu titled “ Country “, from where you intend to apply for a Russia visa.
• Choose your hints and help language from the drop menu titled “ Hints and help language “.
• Press “Complete new application” to proceed. If you want to continue completing an application that you have started previously press: “ Open ...
• Save the number of the application form, which you can see at the top right-hand corner. You will need this number to continue the application ...

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).

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. ...

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.

Can I apply for a 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.

How much does it cost to get a Russian visa?

$160.00The 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.

What is the easiest way to get a Russian tourist visa?

Have a valid passport.Set your itinerary: Cities and Hotels.Get a letter of invitation or visa support. ... Fill out the Visa Application Form.Print the Visa Application Form, sign it, and glue a photo.Take all of your documents to the Russian Visa Center (or consulate) ... Collect your passport with your visa.More items...•

How hard is it to get a Russian visa?

Russian visas are no more difficult to get than any other type of visa, although there are many factors to consider such as the country of origin, whether you have the right documents, whether you have a criminal record, and how long you have allowed yourself to get a visa.

How quickly can you get a Russian visa?

After 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 fast can I get a Russian 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.

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.

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 .

What documents do I need to visit Russia?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.

Can I travel to Russia right 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.

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 much is it to fly to Russia?

The cheapest ticket to Russia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $124 one-way, and $470 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Moscow Domodedovo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $555.

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.

Do US citizens need a visa to Russia?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.

How do I get a 3 year Russian visa?

The Russian Federation offers U.S. nationals the opportunity to apply for a three year multiple entry visa. To be eligible for consideration, the traveler must have a passport valid for at least three and a half years beyond date of first entry into Russia with at least two blank pages.

Can US citizens travel to Russia right 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 ...

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.

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.

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 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.

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 the issue of a visa. Please note that the Consulate has 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is the letter of invitation for a Russian visa?

Before applying for a visa, you must first get an official document called a "visa invitation" ( priglashenie; sometimes called a "letter of invitation," "visa sponsor," or "tourist support letter") from a Russian organization recognized by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Visa invitations are typically issued either by a hotel or by a tour operator. ...

How long is a Russian passport valid?

Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your departure from Russia, and must have two adjacent blank pages to accommodate the visa. 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.

How long do you have to stay in Russia?

You'll receive a confirmation slip, which you may need to show when you leave Russia. While this step is required only for stays of more than seven days, if you don't register, when you depart, you may be asked to show proof (such as hotel receipts) that you were in Russia for less than a week.

Do you have to have a copy of your passport in Russia?

While in Russia, you are required to carry your original passport (not just a copy) with you at all times. Police in Russia can stop you at any time and ask to see your documents, though this seldom happens to tourists.

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