how to get a 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).

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. ...

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. ...

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.

Is it difficult to get 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 long does it take to get a Russian tourist visa?

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 Russian tourist visa?

How Much Does a Russian Visa Cost?Number of entriesType of VisaConsular Visa FeeSingle-entry visaAll visa types75,2 EUR3 working days (does not apply for tourist visas)150,4 EURDouble-entry visaAll visa types120,3 EUR3 working days240,7 EUR4 more rows

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.

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 .

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 do I get an invitation letter for Russian visa?

Besides your passport information, you are required to provide your travel dates and accommodation information in order to apply for the Visa Invitation Letter. You will be required to provide information on which cities you plan to visit during your stay in Russia in order to apply for the Visa Invitation Letter.

Do I need a tourist visa to visit Russia?

Applicants 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.

What documents are required for Russian visa?

Documents requiredA valid passport.Two passport size photos.A copy of your completed and signed visa application form.Copy of tourist voucher.Proof of funds.Confirmed return ticket.

Is Russia issuing tourist visas to U.S. citizens?

But in accordance with the simplified visa formalities agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States, US citizens are now able to obtain either a 3-year Multi-Entry Tourist visa upon request which exceed the 30 day stay limit.

Can U.S. 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 ...

Is Russia open to American tourists?

It appears that U.S. citizens are permitted to enter the Russian Federation only from countries with which the Russian Federation has officially resumed flight connections. To review the list of countries, please see the following website.

How long does it take to get a letter of invitation from Russia?

The application for the invitation must be submitted at the place of the company's accreditation. The time frame for processing the invitation depends on the number of entries requested: it's 17 calendar days for single- and double-entry visas. and 21 days for multiple-entry visas.

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.

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 do I expedite my Russian visa?

If you have a valid Russian visa on your expired/cancelled passport, you must send: a copy of your valid russian visa....Tourist Visa Fees to Russia:Processing Time:Expedited Visa to Russia 8-10 business dayValidity:Up to 30 daysConsular Fee:$243.00Service fee:$159.00Total cost:$402.002 more rows

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 ...

How to get a Russian visa?

Complete the online Russian Tourist Visa application form. The form is available online, and you can complete it for free. It contains questions on your identity and your intended trip to Russia.

Who Needs a Russia Tourist Visa?

According to the Russian visa policy, most citizens of most countries will need a tourist visa for Russia. However, there are several countries the nationals of which are excluded from this requirement. In addition, several categories are exempt or can enter with an e-visa. These categories are:

What is the most important part of a Russian tourist visa application?

Collecting the required documents is the most important part of a Russian tourist visa application. Based on the documents that you submit to apply for a Russian tourist visa, the Russian authorities take a decision on your application.

How long is a Russian passport valid?

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 a Russian tourist visa. Get the Invitation (Visa Support). This is where you start your application.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

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.

Where to submit Russian visa application?

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. Depending on your home country, you may have to make an appointment prior to that.

How long do you have to register your visa in Russia?

The border police keep one part of the card, and the other one is for you. Register your visa. If you will be staying more than seven days in Russia, you will need to register your visa. If you are planning to stay at a hotel, the hotel is responsible to register your visa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How long can you travel to Russia with a passport?

bearers of special or official passports, traveling to the Russian Federation for less than 30 days;

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 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.

How long can you stay in Russia on a visa?

Russia’s single-entry tourist visa is issued for an exact staying period of time, for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. Although vaccination certificate is not required for visa issuance, check with physician or local health clinic for vaccination requirements and recommendations.

When will Russia allow foreign nationals to enter the country?

To protect public health, and ensure the security of the state and non-proliferation of new coronavirus infection in the territory of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation decided to restrict entry to the Russian Federation of foreign nationals and stateless persons effective March 18, 2020.

How to contact Genvisa?

If you need help securing, renewing, or updating your passport, please contact GenVisa at 800-845-8968 for requirements and fees. One (1) Online Visa Application Form, fully completed and signed. If you would like GenVisa to complete the online application on your behalf, please contact GenVisa to request White Glove Service.

What documents are required for a USSR passport?

Application Form . Former USSR citizens must submit the following additional documents: – A copy of your Birth Certificate (translation from Russian into English is not required). – A copy of your USSR passport (first page and visa pages) or Departure Record card. – A copy of U.S. Naturalization Certificate.

How to contact Genvisa for business visa?

Return transportation to the U.S. The letter must be signed by a company officer other than the applicant. Please contact GenVisa at 800-845-8968 for Consular Fees for Business Visas.

How many forms are needed for a visa?

One (1) Online Visa Application Form, fully completed and signed.

Is Genvisa an agent?

GenVisa acts only as an agent. It is the traveler’s responsibility to fully and accurately complete the application. GenVisa cannot be held responsible for any delays or loss of passports when not in the actual possession of GenVisa.

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 included in a tourist invitation?

The look of a tourist invitation is not regulated by law but it must contain the name of the travel company and its reference number, passport details of the tourist, cities to be visited, the validity period of the visa, number of entries and some other information.

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.

ON RESUMING VISA ISSUANCE

Start June 28, 2021 Russian consulate in the U.S.A. resumes the issuance of visa of all categories (including tourist visas). 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.

Russian Business Visa Application Requirements

All travelers to Russia on official or private business visits require a business visa.

Russian Private Visa Application Requirements

A Russian private visa is one of the various visas issued by the Russian Federation for foreigners who wish to enter Russia for personal reasons like visiting friends and family. According to Russian legislation, foreigners who wish to apply for a private Russian visa must have an invitation.

FAQ – Visa For Russia

One of the favorite destinations of travelers and tourists around the world is Russia. Russia is a beautiful country located on a vast expanse of land with many attractions for people all over the world. While Russia welcomes some nationalities into its soil without a visa, one needs to have an invitation to apply.