Russia tourist visa requirements
Russia online e visa usually has short stay with a period of 8 days and visa expires in 30 days. Applicant is not required to be present when applying for visa and a total of 4 documents are required. Find Russia online e visa application & requirements.
Get Russia online e visa
Russia e-visa is free of charge and its validity and/or the permitted stay under it cannot be extended
Invitations, hotel booking confirmations or any other documents that confirm the purpose of your journey to Russia are not required for an e-visa
The time period for issuing an e-visa is no longer than 4 calendar days from the date of submission of the complete application
E-visas can be of the following categories only: ordinary business visa (purpose of journey is business), ordinary tourist visa (purpose of journey is tourism), and ordinary humanitarian visa (purposes of journey are sports, cultural, scientific and technological ties)
Max Stay: 8 days
Visa Expires: 30 days
short Stay
Visa Application Form
Passport Photo
Health Document
Negative COVID-19 PCR test result required for all international travellers coming to undefined. The negative PCR test must be issued with in 72 hours of before departure.
Vaccination Document
COVID-19 vaccination proof for travellers coming to undefined. The last dose of vaccine must be taken atleast 14 ays before departure.
✨ Tips for Russia tourist visa
Foreign citizens should leave the territory of Russia only through checkpoints of the constituent entity of Russia which they entered
Application form for an e-visa can be filled not earlier than 20 days and no later than 4 days before the intended date of entry into Russia
Foreign citizens should leave the territory of Russia only through checkpoints of the constituent entity of Russia which they entered Application form for an e-visa can be filled not earlier than 20 days and no later than 4 days before the intended date of entry into Russia
Russia tourist visa
Visa Required
Russia tourist visa usually has short stay with a period of 30 days and visa expires in 30 days. Applicant is required to be present when applying for visa and a total of 9 documents are required. Find Russia tourist visa application & requirements.
Get Russia tourist visa
Complete Visa application form (One per person) online and then print, sign, and glue a passport-sized photo.
Applicant required
Max Stay: 30 days
Visa Expires: 30 days
short Stay
Visa Application Form
Passport Photo
Health Document
Negative COVID-19 PCR test result required for all international travellers coming to undefined. The negative PCR test must be issued with in 72 hours of before departure.
Vaccination Document
COVID-19 vaccination proof for travellers coming to undefined. The last dose of vaccine must be taken atleast 14 ays before departure.
Passport
Original Passport or Travel document of applicant’s country with at least 6 months remaining validity on the date of travel and have at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
Passport Copy
A clear scan copy of passport of applicant’s country with the information pages that has signature. Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue and expiry dates. Must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance for Russia with the certificate of Insurance and the table of benefits. You can also provide a letter from the bank confirming that you have an insurance with them along with a copy of credit card and the table of benefits. Proof of international health insurance specifically covering travel to Russia Travel medical insurance for everyone from all over the world with Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage. Get coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response & natural disasters, personal liability. Get ready for for unexpected medical problems and accidents.
Invitation Letter
A letter from your relative or friend or company inviting you to visit and their relationship to you. The letter could state: the purpose of your visit and length of stay, if you will be staying with them, If this person will be paying for your stay, provide proof of their funds. A copy of a Russia Tourist Voucher and Russia Tourist Confirmation. This voucher must: • Be stamped and signed by an authorized person from the Russian Foreign Ministry • Be issued for stay of 30 days or less • Bear the exact entry and exit dates required by the applicant and as stated on the visa application for
Travel Bookings
A round-trip flight reservations(s) for Russia. An Onward Ticket is a flight reservation made by a real travel agency that can be helpful for visa applications or if you want to enter a country without purchasing a return flight. Get verifiable one way, round trip, and multi-city flight bookings for visa purposes.
Types of Russian Visas
Visa to Russia — is a permissive document which allows foreign citizens and stateless persons to stay on the Russian territory for a fixed term. Russian visa is issued in the Russian Consular section abroad. The basis of visa issuance is an invitation letter to Russia which you can obtain in various ways.
There are following types of Russian visas issued to foreigners to travel in Russia:
- regular visa
- diplomatic visa
- service visa
- temporary resident visa
- transit visa
- humanitarian visa
- e-visa
How to obtain visa to Russia?
Issuance procedures of different types of visas are very similar but there are some nuances in the issuance of every single visa type.
Regular Visa
Regular visas may vary depending on the primary purpose of the trip indicated by the foreign citizen. Regular visas are subdivided into 2 main types: Tourist visa and Business visa. The following purposes can be indicated in order to apply for a regular visa:
- For the tourist visa (Read more: Russian tourist visa)
- tourism
- travelling by carmotorbike
- target tourism
- business
- negotiations
- maintenance
- crew member
- scientifically technical relations
- cultural relations
- sports relations
- (and others)
The period for which a regular visa can be issued depends on the purpose of the trip:
- For the tourist visa it is up to 30 days.
- For the business visa it is from 30 days to 5 years.
Diplomatic visa
Those persons who have a diplomatic passport, should apply for a diplomatic visa. Such persons include:
- the Heads of foreign states, Heads of governments, as well as members of foreign official delegations;
- consular officials, agents and employees of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations;
- foreign diplomatic and consular couriers;
- members of their families.
In addition, diplomatic visa may be issued to a foreign citizen who does not have a diplomatic passport but is in possession of a diplomatic status recognized by the Russian Federation. Diplomatic visa is issued for a period of up to 3 months.
Service visa
For citizens of foreign countries who have official passports an official visa shall be issued. Such persons include:
- members of official foreign delegations;
- staff of consular offices, diplomatic missions and offices of international organizations located in the Russian Federation;
- members of their families;
- members of the armed forces of foreign states who enter Russia following a decision by the public authorities of the Russian Federation or within the framework of international treaties.
Service visa valid for up to 3 months is issued to members of official delegations and employees of foreign embassies and consulates. Military personnel is entitled to visas valid for up to 1 year. Also, it is permitted to issue diplomatic visas to foreign nationals who have no service passports, but who have received an official status recognized by the Russian Federation.
Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary resident visa is granted to a foreign citizen who has obtained a permit to enter Russia for temporary residence. If the foreigner was unable to enter the Russian Federation within the established deadlines, given the grounds for his getting the visa still remain, he/she may be granted another visa with a validity of 2 months on the basis of a written application.
The foreigner can renew it, if he/she obtains a permission for temporary residence in Russia in accordance with the law. Should it not be obtained by the foreign citizen due to circumstances beyond his/her control, the visa validity can be extended upon his/her application.
The following types of visas are considered as a Temporary Resident visa:
Transit Visa
Foreign citizens, who plan to cross the territory of the Russian Federation, heading to another state, may apply for a transit visa. The duration of such a visa does not exceed 10 days.
This type of visa is necessary to obtain only if you are going to enter the territory of Russia. If you have a connecting flight from the same airport, you don’t need to obtain such type of visa but you may need it if you are arriving to the one of the Moscow’s airports and after you are going to depart from another one.
Humanitarian visa
Citizens of foreign countries, whose purpose of visiting Russia are creative or science activity, charity or a religious pilgrimages to the Holy places and also if they have religious or cultural relations on the territory of the Russian Federation, can apply for humanitarian visa. This type of visa is also issued for foreigners visiting Russia as a part of charitable and humanitarian missions.
Humanitarian visa is for single, double or multiple entries. The maximum validity of double entry visa is 3 months, while the multiple one is issued for the period up to 1 year. Herewith a foreigner with a multiple humanitarian visa is under the 90/180 rule.
In fact, humanitarian visa doesn’t differ from the business visa, it just has another purpose.
Electronic visa to Russia
E-visa allows a short-term visit to Russia on a tourist, business or humanitarian purpose.
The validity period of an e-visa is up to 30 days, the permitted stay in Russia on an e-visa is up to 8 days from the date of entry within its validity period
There can be the following types of e-visa:
- tourist;
- cultural relations;
- sports relations;
- scientific-technical relations;
- business.
An e-visa to Russia is a new type of a visa document that takes less time to obtain. Only citizens of the states listed by the Government of the Russian Federation are eligible to apply for an electronic visa. An e-visa can only be used to enter Saint Petersburg and Leningrad oblast, Kaliningrad region, and Far Eastern Federal District.
Visa to Russia
According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation №635-R of March 16, 2020 for the purpose of ensuring state security, protecting public health and non-proliferation of a new coronavirus infection entry to the territory of the Russian Federation is restricted until further notice.
Tap the link for more information.
A foreign national or stateless person needs a visa to enter the Russian Federation, except for citizens of the states with which the Russian Federation concluded an agreement on visa free travel .
To apply for and obtain a visa to enter the Russian Federation it is necessary to
1) Contact a consular office of the Russian Federation at the location of your habitual residence;
2) Review the list of the documents necessary to apply for a visa and the amount of the consular fee;
3) Submit the documents necessary to apply for a visa:
2. A filled-out visa application form.
3. Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm photographs.
4. Proof of payment of the consular fee.
5. Documents depending on the purpose of the visit and the visa category:
5.1.for business and humanitarian visas (a single or double entry visa for up to 3 months or a multiple entry visa for up to one year):
· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation or a decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
5.2.for tourist visas (a single or double entry visa for up to 30 days)
· a tourism services agreement
· a confirmation of reception of the foreign tourist by the tour operator company
Note : a hotel booking confirmation cannot serve as the ground for issuing a visa
5.3.for private visas (a single or double entry visa for up to three months):
· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation
5.4.for a student visa:
· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation
· a negative HIV certificate (valid for 3 months)
Note : when applying for a student visa make sure that your passport is valid for at least one and a half years
5.5.for work visas:
· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation
· a negative HIV certificate (valid for 3 months)
Note : when applying for a work visa make sure that your passport is valid for at least one and a half years
5.6.for transit visas (for not more than 3 days for foreign nationals traveling by air through the territory of the Russian Federation to the country of destination):
· a valid transport ticket for departure from the Russian Federation
· a visa to enter the country adjacent to the Russian Federation on the route or a visa of the country of destination or a passport issued by such country
Note : a foreign national travelling by a non-stop air flight over the territory of the Russian Federation does not need a transit visa
More detailed information on the requirements to the documents necessary for issue of a visa can be found on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
4) Get a receipt showing the date of the visa readiness after the respective documents have been accepted.
5) Obtain the visa; please provide the receipt to obtain your visa.
6) Upon obtaining the visa, check if the details are filled in correctly, including the name, date, passport number, date of birth, etc. and, if necessary, promptly return the visa to make the respective amendments.
Regardless of the number of entries of the visa, the total period of stay of a foreign national in the Russian Federation may not exceed 90 days per each period of 180 days (except for holders of work and student visas).
The consulate reserves the right to refuse to grant a visa on serious grounds.
How to get a Russian Visa
On the background of the modern tendency for globalization, traveling abroad appears to play more and more essential role in our life. No matter who you are – a business professional, a tourist, or a Very Important Person. Notwithstanding the purposes, an arriving foreigner wants visa receipt procedure to be transparent enough. The given article covers questions most frequently asked by those who are going to visit Russia.
How to issue a letter of invitation to Russia
Invitation letter, also known as visa support, is a document issued by an individual or a company (travel, hosting, employer, etc.) which verifies the visit purpose. Namely the latter determines a specific type of invitation (see below); but in general, it has to include the following information:
Surname, name, patronymic as given in the passport (so its photocopy is needed)
Type of visa and invitation
Numbers of entries granted by the visa (single/double/multiple) and its expiry date
Purpose of the trip
Data on the inviting party: registered name, contacts, reference number
Number of invitation
Tourist visa invitation necessary to apply for a tourist visa
Typical validity of Russian visa obtained with a support in hand reaches thirty days. The inviting party in the given hand is represented by a tour operator obliged to possess a unique reference number. In addition to a tourist acceptance confirmation described above, a legislative invitation of this type needs to contain a tourist voucher. This document confirms previously done payments for tourist services as well as inviting party’s responsibility for the visitor during their stay in the country. Although an acceptance and a voucher may be issued by different travel agencies (and thus have different design), they normally share the same A4 paper sheet (see Picture 1). Current price for tourist visa support equals $15, processing time is up to 10 minutes.
Business visa invitation necessary to apply for a business visa
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Unlike tourist one, business visa enables entering Russia for 90 days uninterruptedly and can be multiple. To get it, a businessperson will need to pay at least 55 dollars. As for processing timescales, those differ depending on such factors as visitor’s citizenship, intended length of stay on Russian soil, exact amount of entries and invitation subtypes that are examined below. Mind that business visa is not affiliated with work! In other words, its holder cannot be recruited or employed under a contract; it only enables business activity.
In case the inviting party is an organization involved into simplified visa agreements between Russia and the European Union or the United States, it is enough for the letter to be printed on a legal entity’s letterhead. This procedure hardly ever takes longer than a day. In Picture 2, there is a sample.
Not with standing simplicity, the above subtype is not the most common one. Vast majority of business trips to Russia are arranged via Federal Migration Service (FMS) to whose office the inviting party, whether a legal body or an individual, is to apply. The service is going to thoroughly check the arriving foreigner’s biography, in particular penalty history and deportations. Detecting any breach is a doubtless reason for refusal of the application. As the given process requires a while, the final date of invitation receipt is likely to be up to 3 weeks since applying. The procedure itself is however far from difficult. It lies in completing the form and transferring money (currently $105) from a credit card or via PayPal having done which the only thing is to wait. In order to accelerate visa obtain, any type of support may be issued electronically. It is necessary to mention that FMS must also be involved into issuing work, private and study visa invitations.
Another institution allowed to invite foreign visitors is Foreign Ministry. Actually, they send a message or, more to the point, an enciphered signal to a certain Consular or Embassy via TELEX channel. This kind of invitation is really convenient: the candidate receives the TELEX number and all details of the inviting party and displays those in a visa application form. On the other hand, cost of such an invitation letter reaches $125.
Private visa invitation necessary to apply for private visa
A private visa sometimes referred to as a visitor visa provides its holder with a right to stay in Russia for no more than ninety days continuously within the responsibility of friends or relatives living on the local territory. Necessity to prove that the potential arriver is not a random person with possibly offensive intentions makes the process of arranging such a visa support the most complicated and subsequently expensive, first of all for the inviter. Most notably, it presupposes:
So-called letter of guarantee where the host undertakes to care about residence as well as financial and medical security for the visitor
Paying additional sum of money commonly known as a state fee
In certain scenarios, for instance in the event of inviting a migration risk country citizen – interview by an FMS representative.
So, taking all the aforesaid into consideration, we do not really recommend arranging a private visa invitation letter. A tourist of business one (if possible) shows itself far less time consuming and stressful.
How to obtain a Russian visa
An invitation letter is obviously far not the only document necessary for visa receipt. The first step, however paradoxical this may sound, lies in making sure that you need a visa, since a range of countries under Federal visa-free regime is fairly wide.
In case you still do, there are several algorithms you may follow. To save a certain sum of money, go to Consular Department of the Russian Federation Embassy in your country. As long as this institution does not appeal to any intermediaries, the entire visa obtain procedure appears cheaper compared to organizations which have no direct bind with the Embassy. In addition, Consulate’s employers are expected to be fully knowledgeable about fullest and newest information on actual visa obtain rules. On the other hand, their business hours are bitterly limited, and not only by weekdays and daylight, but also Russian federal holidays. In addition, it is rarely possible to consult a representative unless previously appointed.
The above disadvantages are less obvious when collaborating with Visa application centers (VACs) where you do not need any booking and frequently even attendance as documents may be couriered. What is more, you are allowed to apply for several visas on a single occasion.
That is still not the best variant to save the maximum of your time, however. Those for whom this is main priority are free to execute a visa via a travel agency. The only thing you are to do personally in this case is to provide the agency with a document package. The evident disadvantage is price – sometimes up to $150 higher versus dealing with everything yourself.
Whatever strategy you choose and wherever you come from, entering the country can only be legal after filing a set of documents, in case of Russia the following ones:
- which is most commonly filled out online and then printed. In addition to all the information required, it must bear an applicant’s signature and standardized photo (recent, colorful, face, without any sunglasses or headwear)
- The original of a foreign passport whose expiry date is not within half a year after your exit date. Neither copies nor ID cards are valid since a visa needs to be present in the passport itself valid for the entire period of stay (also possible to execute online; see a sample in Picture 3)
- the purpose of your trip is to visit the Russian Federation as a tourist;
- the actual stay on the territory of the Russian Federation will not exceed 30 days.
- the purpose of your trip is business or commercial;
- you need a visa for a long stay from 1 month to 1 year;
- you need a multiple entry visa.
- if you plan to officially work in the territory of the Russian Federation.
- to visit relatives;
- if you are planning to live in a private apartment or a house;
- if you are planning to enter the country once and stay for up to 3 months.
- passport;
- invitation;
- application form;
- photo;
- insurance.
- Consular department of the Russian Embassy in the USA, Washington DC
address: 2641 Tunlaw Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007,
tel.: (202) 939-8907, 939-8913, (working days 9:00 – 12:00; 14:00 – 17:30).
opening hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 13:00; 14:00 – 18:00 (with the exception of the Russian state holidays); - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New-York
address: 9 East 91 Street, New York, NY 10128,
tel.: (212) 534-3782, (212) 348-0750.
opening hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 – 13:00; 14:00 – 18:00, Friday 9:00 – 13:00; 14:00 – 17:00; - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Houston
address: 1333 West Loop South, Ste.1300, Houston, TX 77027,
tel.: +1(713) 213-84-84.
opening hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 – 12:30; 14:30 – 18:00. - regular (issuing time 4-20 business days);
- urgent (1-3 business days).
- To have valid passport
- To get an invitation to Russia
- To get a medical insurance
- Fill in the form on visa.kdmid.ru and print it
- Paste your photo 3,5х4,5 cm in form
- Pay consular (visa) fee ≈ 80$
- Bring or send documents to the Russian Consulate (passport, invitation, insurance, application form, receipt)
- Wait for 1 to 20 calendar days and get a passport with visa
- tourist invitation;
- completed visa application form;
- photos 35×45 mm;
- identification;
- health insurance policy.
- Tourist voucher indicating that you have bought a tourist ticket to Russia.
- Confirmation of tourist admission — the Consulate is requested to issue a visa to a foreign citizen.
- Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of India, Embassy Consular Section
Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Phone: (8-10-91-11) 2611-05-60, 2467-85-64 - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai
Address: 42, Jagmohandas Marg (Nepean Sea Rd), Mumbai 400036
Phone: (8-10-91-22) 2363-36-27, (8-10-91-22) 2363-36-28 - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata
Address: 22A, Raja Santosh Road, Alipore, Calcutta 700027
Phone: (8-10-91-33) 2479-70-06 - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Chennai
Address: No 33 (old 14), Santhome High Road, Chennai 600004
Phone: (8-10-91-44) 2498-23-20, 2498-23-30 - Name of the inviting travel company and its reference number
- Full name of Indian citizen and their passport information
- Purpose of visit
- Terms of visit
- Number of entries (single or double)
- Dates of entry and exit
- Cities which you plan to visit
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
- Two passport-size photos signed on the back.
- Original tourist invitation along with a copy.
- Proof of funds amounting to living expenses in Russia.
- Confirmed return ticket.
The lists of data and additional documents required for arranging an invitation letter have been presented above.
How to register a foreign citizen with the Russian Migration Service
Having answered a variety of visa-related questions, it would be relevant to say a word about migration policy. In accordance with currently valid rules (since 2006), Russian migration registration includes that from the place of residence or at the place of stay. The former needs an appeal to the community-based unit of the Internal Affairs Ministry. As for the latter, it covers foreign citizens who have been attending the given place for seven workdays since arrival, unless they:
Stay at an institution which provides hotel services
Stay at in institution which implements an administrative penalty
Stay at an institution which practices social rehabilitation
Work on a rotational basis
To be registered from the place of residence, a citizen provides any testimonial, a residence permit and documents which confirm the right to occupy living quarters. The first one is not necessary for the stateless; but everybody has to pay a state fee of 350₽ (at present approximately six dollars). As for place of state registration, it is fully operated by the inviting party.
Russian visa for American citizens
Do Americans need a visa to visit Russia? The answer is yes, due to the existence of a visa regime between the USA and the Russian Federation.
A requirement for any type of a Russian visa (tourist, business, working and others) for a citizen of the USA is an invitation. Our company provides official issuing of invitations and assistance in visa support for citizens of the USA. Below we describe in detail how to get a Russian visa if you are a citizen of the USA.
How to get a Russian visa if you are a citizen of the USA
Step 1. Determine what type of visa you will need for your trip.
1.1. Tourist visa to Russia for Americans:
1.2. Business visa to Russia for Americans:
1.3. Work visa to Russia for Americans:
1.4. Private visa to Russia for Americans:
Step 2. Get an invitation.
To do this, you must fill out a form and send it along with a copy of the passport of the American citizen.
The cost of tourist invitations for citizens of the USA
| Tourist voucher and invitation to Russia | Time | Cost |
| For citizens of countries with low immigration risk |
Get a tourist invitation
The cost of business invitations for citizens of the USA
| Telex MIA | URGENT Telex MIA | |
|---|---|---|
| Single or Double entry | ||
| 1 month | 17-20 business days | 8-9 business days |
| 3 months | 17-20 business days | 8-9 business days |
| Multiple entry | ||
| 6 months | 17-20 business days | 13-14 business days |
| 1 year | 17-20 business days | 13-14 business days |
Business visa application
Step 3. Prepare the documents.
Standard package includes:
With these documents, you have to apply to one of the consular offices of the Russian Federation in the USA:
Foreign citizens do not have to apply directly to the consular office, instead they can use the services of one of the visa centres, which are open to improve the quality of service for the citizens of the USA, other states and stateless persons who wish to receive a visa to the Russian Federation. Detailed information on applying for a visa through the Visa Application Centre is available at ils-usa.com
In the consulate, you will be offered a choice of several rates for a visa:
A visa fee Russia will range from 90 to 540 USD, depending on the selected tariff. More accurate information on tariffs can be found on the official website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA.
Step 4. Register upon arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Remember, that registration is compulsory if your stay is longer than 7 working days, excluding the day of entry. Registration should be done at the place of the actual residence of the guest. If you or your guests, citizens of the USA, have any difficulties in this matter, Travelmart is ready to assist in solving the issue of migration registration.
How to get Visa to russia for stateless in 2020
Yes, stateless have to get visa if they want to visit Russia.
Visa is a document for foreigners which allows to cross the border of Russia legally.
For getting visa to Russia you need to get an invitation for visa and health insurance. These documents must be submitted to the Russian Consulate abroad.
Information on this website is available in the following languages:
Russian, English.
For getting visa stateless person should know:
Stateless person is a person who doesn’t have any citizenship. Person can become a stateless in the following cases: upon voluntary renunciation of citizenship, in case of deprivation of citizenship by the state, and upon birth from stateless parents or in the event of the termination of the state of which he was a citizen.
There are several million stateless people in the world. Those people don’t have passports and they don’t have access to most of the rights that ordinary citizens of different countries can use. Upon entering the Russian Federation, the legal status of a stateless person is determined by the Federal Law “About the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” of July 25, 2002 N 115-ФЗ.
Short list of steps-to-do for stateless person:
For a visa, a stateless person should apply to the Russian consulate located in his country of residence. It should be taken into account that employees of such an institution have the right to refuse applicants a visa without explanation.
Before visiting the Consulate, you need to get an invitation, medical insurance for a visa and complete the online form on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
There are the following types of visas and purpose of visiting Russia:
- for sightseeing; for negotiations, procurement control; for visiting of relatives living in the territory of the Russian Federation; for official labor activities in the Russian Federation.
Comparison of length of stay and price of visa:
| Type of visa | Length of stay | Full processing price |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | from 1 to 30 days | ≈232$ |
| Business | from 30 days to 1 year * | from 330$ |
| Private | from 30 to 90 days | ≈205$ |
| Work | from 1 to 3 years | from 1220$ |
* – visa can be valid up to 1 year, but it is possible to stay in Russia continuously for no more than 90 of 180 days
Cost example of visa for an stateless person
Cost example of single tourist visa to Russia for 14 days (2 weeks) for stateless person:
The cost of visa is always calculated individually. Using this example, you can calculate the cost of your visa.
| Invitation to Russia | ≈122$ |
|---|---|
| Medical insurance | ≈1,5$ per day * 14 days ≈ 17$ |
| Photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm | ≈8$ |
| Consular fee | 80$ |
| Postal services (optional) | 5$ |
| Total: | 232$ |
Consular fee for tourist visa
(the main expense)
The visa fee has a fixed value and depends only on the multiplicity of the visa issued.
The size of the consular fee depends on the multiplicity of the issued visa to Russia:
| Ordinary * | Urgent ** | |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 80$ | 160$ |
| Double entry | 128$ | 256$ |
| Multi-entry | 240$ | 480$ |
* Normal processing time – from 4 to 20 working days
** Urgent processing time – from 1 to 3 working days
Tourist visa to Russia for stateless
For getting of tourist visa stateless person must submit the following documents to the Russian Consular Office:
A tourist invitation can be obtained by contacting a Russian travel company, which is included in the Unified Federal Register. All invitations have two parts:
These documents are issued on the travel agencies own forms. No checks are carried out and receiving of tourist invitation doesn’t take much time (about 5 minutes for all).
After filing the documents at the Russian Consular Office starting an inspection and if there no reason to refuse visa application, so, stateless person gets Russian tourist visa with a validity period up to 30 days. Usually, visas are single-entry, but if visit have a route to neighboring state and then you need to return to the Russian Federation, double tourist visa is issued.
Business visa to Russia for stateless
If a stateless person wants to visit Russia for business purposes, he will need a business invitation.
In addition to business travel, this visa type is very attractive for a longer (up to 90 days) continuous stay in Russia. A business visa is free of problems what private visas have and you can stay in Russia continuously 3 times more than a tourist visa.
A business visa can be issued to stateless persons up to 90 days. It can be single or double.
Business invitation to Russia is required for receiving business visa. For stateless persons there are different types of business invitations, each have their pros and cons:
A letter from a Russian organization
A letter form of invitation from a Russian organization has a free view. Letter’s application for a visa issued to specific person on the letterhead of the inviting organization and is certified by the signatures of the officials and seals of this organization.
A stateless person may receive this invitation if any Russian organization entitled to issue such invitations is interested in his arrival. Issuing a business invitation in the form of a letter from the organization takes about 5 minutes.
The form of Ministry of Internal Affairs
An invitation to Russia on the form of the Main Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a stateless person is issued by the inviting party. For this member of the inviting organization must contact the Main Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of its registration and give a request for an invitation by attaching a package of documents.
After considering the application within the time allotted by law (from 7 to 21 working days) and all the checks, the inviting party may be issued an invitation to Russia for a stateless person or a refusal. If you receive this invitation, original of it should be sent to the invited person.
Private visa to Russia for stateless
If you want to go to Russia visit friends or relatives, stateless person must apply for a private visa. He will need the help of the inviting party in obtaining a guest invitation.
In order to issue a guest invitation to Russia for a relative or friend who does not have citizenship, person permanently residing in the Russian Federation must contact the Main Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of residence and apply for a guest invitation. You will need to attach a copy of the identity card of invited person, your passport, statement of your income and letter of guarantee (the inviting party must commit to providing the foreigner with housing and medical care for the duration of his stay in Russia). After considering the application in case of issuing an invitation for a stateless person, its original should be sent to the invited person.
A private visa can be issued to a stateless person up to 90 days. It can be single or double.
Work visa to Russia for stateless
If stateless person finds an employer in Russia who is ready to apply for a work permit and work invitation, and then give a job to him, he can ask for work visa based on these documents. Initially visa is issued for 90 days and during this time the foreigner must enter Russia, register at migration service and get a job. After this work visa will be extended for duration of work permit (up to 1 year).
With work visa stateless person can stay in Russia without a break during the whole period of its validity or enter and leave as many times as necessary. Work visa can be renewed annually for another year as many times as needed.
E-visa to Russia for stateless
Electronic visa is a new format of visas that has been introduced experimentally. You don’t need an invitation for this kind of visa and you can apply for it directly through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the moment electronic visa is a single entry only and cannot be extended. With this visa you can stay in Russia up to eight days and you need only digital photo and a completed application form for making of it.
It is important that obtaining an electronic visa is available only to citizens of some countries. Stateless persons cannot apply for an electronic visa to Russia. A complete list of countries with which Russia has an agreement on electronic visas is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you have any questions ask them in the comments to this article. I will try to answer them all.
The Complete Guide To Applying For A Russia Visa For Indians In 2022
It hardly comes as a surprise to us that Russia is high up on every traveler’s bucket list. Its rich history, vibrant culture and famous art and architecture is undoubtedly delightful and engaging in equal measure. The breathtaking scenes of the snow-covered peaks of Mountain Elbrus and the mesmerizing natural valley of geysers in Kamchatka leave a vivid impression on your mind. If you’re planning to visit the country and are confused about how to get a Russia visa for Indians, allow us to take you through the quick and easy process.
Russia Visa For Indians
A Russia visa for Indians should be applied for by the citizens of India who are planning to visit the country for holidays or sightseeing. The longest period of stay on a tourist visa is 30 days. It is not possible to extend a tourist visa. Also, a Russian visa on arrival for Indian passport holders is not available. Please note that the visa is issued based on a supporting invitation letter issued by a tourist company. The R ussia visa fees in Indian rupees is mentioned below:
R ussia visa fees for Indian passport holders (single entry) : INR 1300/-
R ussia visa fees for Indian passport holders (d ouble entry): INR 2080/-
Where To Get It
You can obtain a Russia visa for Indians in any of the Consulates of the Russian Federation located in India. The embassies close their office for national holidays in Russia as well as holidays in India. During that time, you won’t be able to get your passport back. The processing times, procedures, and Russian tourist visa fees for Indian vary from place to place, depending upon which embassy handles your application.
Here’s a complete list of Russian Consulates in India, along with their phone numbers and location:
Types Of Russia Visa
Russia visa for Indian nationals can be classified into four categories, tourist visa or visitor visa, business visa, work visa and transit visa.
1. Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is granted to a traveler who wants to visit the country for tourist purposes. If you opt for the single entry visa, it will be valid only for 30 days from the day of issue for the sole purpose of tourism.
2. Business Visa: Business visa is suitable for those people looking to travel temporarily for business purpose in Russia.
3. Work Visa: A Russian work visa for Indian is only allotted if the traveler wishes to travel to the country for the work purpose temporarily.
4. Transit Visa: Russia transit visa is provided to the people who are traveling to a third country but will spend a short stay in Russia before travelling.
What Is Tourist Invitation
To apply for a Russia visa for Indians, you require a tourist invitation. Getting a Russia visa for Indian passport involves a tourist service agreement between a foreign citizen and a Russian travel company. This invitation is issued by a travel company which is included in the United Register of Tour Operators. Arranging a tourist voucher at the office of a travel company usually takes less than 10 minutes. There is also a faster way of obtaining it by filling out an online form and making a payment.
A tourist invitation consists of a tourist voucher and a confirmation of your arrival from the receiving company. It is drawn on the letterhead of a travel company. Therefore, its outward appearance can differ greatly. The invitation should be certified with a signature of the senior manager and an appropriate stamp. It also must have the following information for you to get a Russian private visa for Indian:
Documents Required
Please go through the R ussian tourist visa requirements carefully. The following documents should be submitted to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to obtain a Russia visa for Indians :
Russia, the world’s largest country, is a conglomeration of idyllic villages and cities throbbing with history and culture. It is an year-round destination. The snow-dusted cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow in the winter season will offer you several avenues for adventure and photography. In summer, you can go sightseeing in St. Petersburg and admire the baroque architecture of palaces. Apply for a Russia visa for Indians at the earliest and once you get it, book your vacation in Russia with TravelTriangle.
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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russia Visa For Indians
Is biometric data mandatory for the travelers visiting Russia?
Applicants applying for a Schengen visa have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data which includes fingerprints and photograph. This biometric data will be valid for 5 years. Children under the age of 12 do not have to go through this process for procuring a Russian tourist visa for Indians.
Do students have a different visa requirement for Russia Visa application?
Students travelling to Russia for education will have the Russian visa for Indian citizens valid till the duration of the education. In case, the student is travelling to Russia for exams or study are required to show related documents along with details of the place they’ll be studying or giving their exams.
Do I need to carry forex in Russia?
It is advisable to convert Indian currency to Russian ruble. You can also buy Forex online with Thomas Cook and get it delivered at your home.
Can a third party collect my visa from Russia Consulate?
No, a third party is not allowed to collect visa. However, there are certain exemptions like an immediate family member like parents or children can visit the office and get the visa done on behalf of the concerned person.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Russia?
Visa to Russia for Indian citizens can be acquired from the consulate or an embassy of Russia. Indian nationals can either get a private, tourist, or business visa depending on their purpose of visit. The invitation to Russia for the citizens of India must be issued by the country.
How do Indians get a Russian visa?
To have a valid passport, set the itinerary, get a letter of invitation or visa support, fill out the visa application form, print the form, sign it, attach a photo, and take all of the documents to the Russian Visa Center, collect your passport and have travel insurance.
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Russia?
All foreign nationals must register by providing their passport and the migration card to the hosting organization within 7 days of arriving in Russia. Indians need to pay INR 2, 480 for a single entry common tourist visa to Russia.
Is Moscow safe for Indian tourists?
Yes, Moscow is a safe place for people and tourists. They don’t bother anyone and they mind their work. you need to be clear of the dodgy areas, however. The places like Moscow and St. Petersburg are pretty safe and they are major tourist attractions too.
How much does the Russian visa cost?
The total cost of a tourist visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate is $198. There are $160 for consular taxes, $38 for administrative fees, $18 for the letter of invitation. The total is $216 per visa per single entry visa for a person.
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