how to apply russia visa

Russian Visa Application

• Get the Invitation to Russia (Russian Visa Support) Start your Russia visa application by getting the invitation to travel to Russia. ...
• Complete the Russian Visa online application form. ...
• Collect the Russian Visa required documents. ...
• Apply in Person at Russian Consulate/Russian Visa Processing Center. ...
• Pay the Russian visa fee. ...
• Collect your Russian visa. ...

More items...

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. ...

How do I apply for a Russian visa online?

In order to apply for a unified e-visa, it is necessary to submit an application from your personal account on the specialized website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or through the Russian Foreign Ministry mobile application.

How much does Russia visa cost?

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.

How quickly can I get a Russian visa?

within 3 to 14 daysAfter 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 much is a 3 year visa to Russia?

$160How much does a 3-year multiple visa-entry cost? A 3-year multiple visa-entry costs $160. In addition to the visa fee you have to pay the Russia Visa Application Centre Service Charge of 38 USD (including VAT) for each visa application. So, the total cost is 198 USD in the Russian Visa Center.

Can I apply for Russian visa 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.

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.

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 long can I stay in Russia 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 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 can you stay in Russia?

The US passport holders can stay in Russia up to 180 days in a row. A tourist or business visa cannot be extended.

Does UAE residents need visa to Russia?

Russia tourist visa is not required for citizens of United Arab Emirates for a stay up to 30 days.

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.

How much is a visa to Russia from USA?

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

Does Malaysia passport need visa to Russia?

If you have a Malaysian passport then you'll surely need a visa to enter Russia. But, for your convenience, you can apply for an eVisa if you decide to enter specific places like Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, or Saint Petersburg because these places don't require a paper visa.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is a business visa in Russia?

Business visa suits the foreign applicants who are concerned in exploring business opportunities of Russia.

When will Russia be available for e-visa?

According to the Government of the Russian Federation, e-visa processing for the citizens of USA shall become available starting January 1st, 2021. We recommend citizens of USA obtaining a common tourist visa for a stay up to 30 days. Get Russian Visa Invitation.

What is an invitation for a private visa?

An Invitation for a Private Visa will be issued only on a special form from the FMS with an individual number. It should have all passport details of an American applicant. Information on the inviting party, terms of visa and number of entries. The issuing of this Invitation takes a certain amount of time during which all necessary investigations take place as to whether there are any previous convictions, expulsions or administrative violations of the applicant. If any such violations are found the applicant will be denied in an Invitation.

How long does an American work visa last in Russia?

An Invitation for a Work Visa is issued on a special form of the FMS for a period of 90 days. Within this period an American citizen should enter Russia and fulfill the migration registration. After this his/her Work Visa may be extended for a period of the contract but no longer than a year.

What is required to get a tourist visa at a consulate?

When issuing a tourist visa at a consulate, a foreigner may be required to demonstrate the purchase of air tickets and to confirm a booking at a hotel for the period specified in the invitation, as well as an insurance policy.

What is 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).

How long is a business visa valid in Russia?

Business Visa – valid for 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to conduct business meetings in Russia.

Who is the Russian National Tourist Office?

The Russian National Tourist Office is the leading company in the UK for Russian visas, having provided Russian visa assistance to customers since 1997. For all your visa needs and any questions on the subject, feel free to contact us or apply online.

What are the different types of visas?

There are many types of Visas, and knowing which one you need is essential: 1 Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries into the country. 2 Special Purpose Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa also allows you to attend events in Russia. 3 Business Visa – valid for 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to conduct business meetings in Russia. 4 Multiple Entry Business Visa – valid for 365 days and has no limit on the number of entries. 5 Transit visa – can be valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to stay in Russia for transit purposes only. 6 Private Visa – valid up to 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa is intended for private purposes. 7 Humanitarian Visa – can be valid for up to 365 days and may have no limit on the number of entries. This type of Visa is intended for cultural, sports and charity purposes. 8 Student Visa – valid for up to several years, it is intended for students. 9 Work Visa – valid for up to several years, this Visa is intended for people who are constantly employed in Russia.

How long is a humanitarian visa valid?

Humanitarian Visa – can be valid for up to 365 days and may have no limit on the number of entries. This type of Visa is intended for cultural, sports and charity purposes.

How long is a private visa valid?

Private Visa – valid up to 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa is intended for private purposes.

Do British citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?

British passport holders require a visa to travel to the Russian Federation. 2. Find out what type of visa you need to apply for. There are many types of Visas, and knowing which one you need is essential: Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries into the country.

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