how to get a visa in russia

The following documents should be submitted in order to obtain a visa according to its category:

• Completed visa application, signed by the Applicant only. ...
• Valid national passport (original only and it should have at least two clear visa pages). ...
• One picture of an applicant. ...
• Money Order or Certified Bank Check made out to the Russian Consulate for visa processing. ...
• Invitation to Russia from a host person or organisation.

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. ...

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 long does it take to get as Russian business 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.

How much does it cost to get a Russian 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.

Is it easy to get a visa for 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 long does it take to get a Russian visa?

It takes between 4 working days and 6 weeks to get your Russian visa depending upon the type that you need. The cost also varies according to the visa's type and how quickly you need it.

How much does it cost to get a visa from Russia to USA?

$160The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.

How can I live in Russia permanently?

Who can get a Russian passport or Russian permanent residency? Foreign nationals in Russia can apply for Russian permanent residency after living in Russia for one year and for naturalization as a Russian citizen after five years of permanent residence. You can also do this sooner if you meet certain criteria.

How do I get a Russian visa invitation?

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.

Which country is most difficult to get visa?

What are the Hardest Countries to Get a Visa To?Russia.Cuba.Iran.Turkmenistan.Chad.Bhutan.Saudi Arabia.Afghanistan.More items...

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 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.

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 ...

Is Russian passport powerful?

Russian passport is the 51st in the Henley Report, which means you have visa-free access to 82 countries*.

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.

How does a US citizen get a visa for Russia?

How to Apply for a Russia Visa in the US?Get the Invitation (Visa Support). ... Complete the Russian visa online application form. ... Collect the Russia visa required documents for US citizens. ... Apply at a Russian Visa Processing Center in the US. ... Wait for the processing of your visa.

Can 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 ...

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.

Who needs visa for 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.

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 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.

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.

Is the US consulate in Russia suspended?

All consular services at the U.S. Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok remain in suspended status.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

How long does a Russian passport last?

Passport: Your passport should be valid at least 6 months after your Russian visa will expire and contain at least two free, adjoining pages. Two Passport-Size Photographs: Should be recent and good quality.

What is visa support?

Most invitations (also sometimes referred to as "visa support") are managed through agencies which put the foreign invitee in contact with the officially registered Russian entities to get them the invitation they need . For every type of visa, there exists a different type of invitation (tourist, business, private, student, etc.).

Is Russia a pre-visa?

Like any party worth going to, Russia is by "invitation only.". This is basically a "pre-visa" – it is an official document from an officially registered Russian entity (agency, organization, business, etc.) that states that you may officially apply for a Russian visa.

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).

Is the US consulate in Yekaterinburg suspended?

Consular services at the U.S. Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok remain in suspended status. On May 14, 2021, President Biden revoked Presidential Proclamation 9945, Suspension of Entry to Immigrants Who Will Financially Burden the United States Healthcare System.

Is document delivery discontinued in Russia?

Effective June 1, 2021 provision of document delivery services is discontinued from 27 Russia post document delivery location in Russia. VFS Global document delivery locations will continue to provide the services. Please visit this page to learn additional information about the list of locations.