how to obtain a russian visa

• 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. After getting your Russian visa support, you can proceed with the other steps. ...
• Collect the Russian Visa required documents. Continue the Russia visa application by collecting the required documents for a Russian visa. Printed application form.
• Apply in Person at Russian Consulate/Russian Visa Processing Center. You will need to submit the required documents at the Russian consulate or the visa center representing Russia for visa admission.
Pay the Russian visa fee. You will need to pay the fee for your visa at the consular sections. Most of the embassies accept only payments by bank cards.
Collect your Russian visa. You will get a notification on your case after the Russian embassy takes a decision on your application.
Get the Russian immigration card. With the visa sticker in your passport, you can freely travel to Russia. Still, there remain some procedures you need to complete.
Register your Russian visa. If you will be staying in Russia for 7 days or more, you will need to register your visa. ...

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.

How long does it take to get a visa to Russian?

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 do I get a visa for Russia from USA?

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 I apply for visa to Russia 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 Russian visa hard to get?

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.

What documents do I need for a Russian tourist visa?

Russian Tourist Visa Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia). Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.

How much is Russian visa for US citizens?

$160 / $160Visa FeesNumber of EntriesConsular Fee Regular* / Expedited**Single Entry**$160 / $160Double Entry**$160 / $1603 Year Multiple Entry **$160 / $160

Can US citizens get a Russian visa now?

U.S. citizens must obtain visas in advance at a Russian Embassy or Consulate or official visa center in the US. It is not possible to obtain a Russian entry visa upon arrival.

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.

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.

Is Russia open for tourism?

Limited commercial flight options and overland routes by car and bus are still open and available. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible.

How much does a Russian visa cost for Canadian citizens?

Cost tourism visa for Russia (Canadian nationals) If you're Canadian tourist and going during the less than 30 days, a single entry permit costs $ 75 and a double entry costs $135 Canadian (4-20 working days). The same visa costs twice as much in an emergency and is issued in three days.

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 much is a Russian visa UK?

A Russian visa for tourists will cost anything between £100 to £150 in the UK for a single-entry visa and around £150 to £200 for a double-entry visa.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do US Nationals Need a Visa for Russia?

US passport holders do need a visa to enter Russia. A visa to Russia is required from US citizens for every purpose of entry, including transiting through land or sea.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

What is a business visa in Russia?

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

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 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.

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.

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.

How long does a transit visa last?

Often, international travel preparation goes beyond selecting your destination. Many airlines require a stop in their international "hub." These stops can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Obtaining a transit visa will allow you to leave the airport and visit the country you are flying through. Usually, a transit visa expires in less than a month.

Why is it important to adhere to Russian visa regulations?

Adhering to Russian visa regulations is very important if you want to avoid being detained by the Russian government during your trip. Any U.S. citizen who doesn't comply with Russian visa laws is subject to arrest and/or deportation; for this reason it's simply not a good idea to travel on an expired visa or procure the wrong type of visa. ...

Do you need a visa to travel to Russia?

Residents of most countries, including Canada and the United States, must obtain a visa prior to their trip to Russia. The process can be tricky and complicated, and travelers should prepare to wait weeks; as you're probably already aware, the Russian government is notoriously strict when it comes to foreigners who want to visit or pass through ...

Is Russia an easy destination?

Of course, it isn't exactly an easy destination to get to, especially for Western travelers.

How long is a business visa valid in Russia?

The period of validity of the business visa can be 30, 90, 180 or 365 days (even more in certain cases). It is a kind of visa that is also usually requested by people who do not have business in Russia but want to visit the country for a period of more than 30 days (maximum allowed by the tourist visa).

Did Irena get back from Russia?

Hi Irena, we just got back from Russia...we got our Visas by following your step by step instructions! Thank you! I have a question. We want to go back next year and I emailed where we got a visa asking if I can pay additionally to get the three year visa and they said no I had to reapply and pay the huge cost again. Do you know why this is? Thank you, Daisy

Is a letter of invitation necessary for a visa?

The letter of invitation (also known as the visa support letter) is the most important document but also the most controversial. The letter of invitation should not be confused for a hotel reservation. They are not the same. It is not necessary to have a hotel reservation in order to get a visa.

Is the Russian consulate in Seattle closed?

1. The Seattle Russian Consulate has been closed, as of 3/2018