How to get Russian Visa: Step by Step Guide

The following documents should be submitted to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to get a visa to enter Russia.

NEW REGULATIONS ON A VISA OBTAINING PROCEDURE IN EU COUNTRIES

The Russian consulates located in Europe take 3 to 10 business days for visa processing. Additionally, Russian visas issued by the consulates in Europe may have a five day "waiting period" on entering Russia, i.e. the person can't visit Russia for a minimum of 5 days after the visa is issued.

However, this rule is applied sporadically and largely depends on the local consul's decretion. If your travel plans are urgent, we strongly recommend you to contact the Russian consulate you propose to gather your visa and confirm that your visa is going to be available in time.

Russian Tourist Visa

1. 1 Your original passport with a minimum of 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the intended departure go back Russia).
2. 2 Two copies of the Russian visa form completed and signed.
3. 3 ONE passport-size photo signed on the rear.
4. 4 If Tour Group or Cruise Passenger: Letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a replica of the confirmation from a licensed Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
5. 5 If Individual Travel: Confirmation of hotel arrangements from the authorized Russian travel company, or directly from the Russian hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa.

For assistance with expedited Russian Tourist, Visa Invitations see Russian Visa Support Authorizations

Russian Business Single, Double, and Multiple-Entry Visa

1. 1 Your original passport with a minimum of 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the intended departure go back Russia).
2. 2 Two copies of the Russian visa form completed and signed.
3. 3 ONE passport-size photo signed on the rear.
4. 4 For a stay exceeding 3 months, or multi-entry visas, an HIV test required.
5. 5 Official invitation from a corporation authorized to ask business visitors to Russia.

Business invitations to Russia are processed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Migration Service. Nationals of several countries can also obtain a business visa using a call for participation issued by a licensed Russian company. The letter must contain a politician seal and legal address of the agency, signature, and name of official authorized to ask foreigners to Russia. The Embassy reserves the proper to request the first invitation.

For assistance with expedited Russian Business Single, Double and Multiple-Entry Visa Invitations see Russian Visa Support Authorizations

Russian Private or Homestay Visa

1. 1 Your original passport with a minimum of 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the intended departure go back Russia).
2. 2 Two copies of the Russian visa form completed and signed.
3. 3 ONE passport-size photo signed on the rear.
4. 4 Visa entitlement certificate (IZVESHENIYE) from the local FMS in Russia. Your host must obtain this certificate for you and send the first certificate to you. Your host will get to know:

You’re Full Name;

Address;

Nationality;

Passport Number and Date of Birth;

You’re Date of Arrival/Departure in Russia.

Fill out Russia’s official visa application form provided by us. We’ll guide you step-by-step.