Immigration

Russian Visa Immigration Requirements

All foreign nationals are required to have entry visas to travel to the Russian Federation. Russian entry visas can be obtained at local Russian Embassy or Consulate, proper authorization (invitation) from the Passport and Visa Department (UVIR) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or specially authorized travel agencies is required. More on Russian visa requirements.

Why Visa to Russia?

While there are many respected travel organizations ready to help you obtain visa support or process your Russian/CIS visas, we offer express Russian visa online services. Upon receipt of your visa support, you may apply for a visa at any Russian Embassy or Consulate worldwide, or through our authorized visa service near you. All online requests are processed immediately by our Moscow (Russia) office and live customer support is provided 7 days a week. Apply now for Russian visa!

Requirements For Foreign Citizens To Enter Russia

Tourist Travel to Russia

1. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay

2. Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel

3. Russian Visa is Required

4. Vaccination - None Required

Business Travel to Russia

1. Passport must be Valid 6 months Beyond Intended Stay

2. Tickets and Documents for Return or Onward Travel

3. Russian Visa is Required

4. Vaccinations - None Required

Employment or Study Travel to Russia
Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

The following documents should be submited to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to obtain visa to enter Russia.

NEW REGULATIONS ON A VISA OBTAINING PROCEDURE IN EU COUNTRIES

Starting with June 15, the Russian consulates located in Europe take 3 to 10 business days for the visa processing. In addition, Russian visas issued by the consulates in Europe now have a five day "waiting period" on entering Russia, i.e. the person can not travel to Russia for at least 5 days after the visa is issued.
This rule has been applied sporadically and it seems to largely depend on a consulate. If your travel plans are urgent, we strongly recommend you to contact the Russian consulate you plan to collect your visa at and make sure that your visa will be available in time.

Russian Tourist Visa

1. 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).

2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.

3. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.

4. If Tour Group or Cruise Passenger: Letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from authorized Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.

5. If Individual Travel: Confirmation of hotel arrangements from authorized Russian travel company, or directly from the Russian hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa.

Note: Effective April 15 1999 all tourist visa support should be presented on the new Russian Visa Support Confirmation Form.
For assistance with expedited Russian Tourist Visa Invitations see Russian Visa Support Authorizations

Russian Business Single, Double and Multiple-Entry Visa

1. 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).

2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.

3. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.

4. For stay exceeding 3 months, or multi entry visa, a HIV test required.

5. Official invitation from an organization authorized to invite business visitors to Russia.

The Invitation to Russia must be from the Russian Foreign Ministry or its regional representatives; The Ministry of Interior or its local offices; or other authorized Russian Agencies. The letter must contain: official seal and legal address of the agency, signature and name of official authorized to invite foreigners to Russia. The Embassy reserves the right to request the original invitation. eff. 4/15/99
For assistance with expedited Russian Business Single, Double and Multiple-Entry Visa Invitations see Russian Visa Support Authorizations

Russian Private or Homestay Visa

1. 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).

2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.

3. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.

4. Visa entitlement certificate (IZVESHENIYE) from the local OVIR in Russia. Your host must obtain this certificate for you and send the original certificate to you. Your host will need to know:

Your Full Name;
Address;
Nationality;
Passport Number and Date of Birth;
Your Date of Arrival/Departure in Russia.
(The cost of OVIR application is about USD35. Allow 4-6 weeks for OVIR's approval).
 

Registration of Visas in Russia

Your Russian Visa should be registered upon arrival to the Russian Federation.

According to the Russian law, your Russian visa must be registered within 72 hours upon your arrival (excluding weekends and official holidays).

If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel will register your visa. A small registration fee can be assessed.

If you stay at a private apartment, your visa must be registered by your landlord. Please have the landlord apply at the local police precinct (in Moscow) or FMS office (commonly known as OVIR) in other cities. He will need to fill out a notification form indicating your passport and migration card details.

Your landlord will have to present his passport registered at the same apartment.

Please note that not registering your Russian visa may lead to serious problems: detention by police, fines on departure, prevention from boarding the plane, etc. We strongly advise you to register your Russian visa to avoid possible consequences.

Our address in Moscow:
29 Leninskiy pr.,
tel. (495) 956 4422,
fax (495) 956 2244.

Our address in St. Petersburg:
78 Nevsky pr.,
tel/fax (812) 327-302
 

Types of Russian Visa 

Student Visa

Russian Scholarships

Medical Schools

Universities in Russia