where do i apply for a russian visa

Is it hard for an American to get a Russian visa?

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. If you are an American, or applying for a Russia visa in USA, follow the steps listed below: Get the Invitation (Visa Support).

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.

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.

Where do I get a visa for Russia?

Russian visas can be obtained at local Russian Embassy or Consulate. To have a visa issued, an official invitation processed by Russian governmental or officially authorized companies is required. More on visa requirements for Russia.

Can I apply for 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 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.

Is Russia issuing tourist visas 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 .

How much does Russian visa cost?

$160.00How much does the Russia Tourist Visa Cost? The Russian tourist visa costs $160.00 which does not include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee.

What documents do I need for a Russian 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.

Do you need an appointment for Russian visa?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 do I apply for a Russian visa from UK?

How to Apply for a Russia Visa in the UK?Get an Invitation to Russia. ... Fill-in the Russia visa application form. ... Gather the requirements for a Russia visa. ... Apply at a Russian Visa Processing Center in UK. ... Pay the Russia visa fees in the UK. ... Wait for an answer on your application.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 do you have to stay in Russia to leave?

To allow for a change of plans, we suggest that you apply for the full 30 days from date of arrival. Therefore, you can then enter and leave Russia at any date within the specified period of your Russian visa. In an emergency, you may need to obtain an exit visa from the federal migration service.

How long is a private Russian passport?

Private: Over 30 days. Issued to guests of a Russian friend or relative.

How many World Heritage Sites are there in Russia?

Did you know that there are currently 26 UNESCO world heritage sites in Russia? That makes Russia 9th in the world for its total number of World Heritage Sites – 16 of which are cultural and 10 of which are natural.

How long can you visit Russia?

You can explore the Russian city you land in within an official tour group for up to 72 hours. However, you’ll need an official document from your travel provider showing your excursion. Keep in mind that if you are exempt from visa, you still need to abide by the time frame you are allowed to visit for.

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.

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.

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