Russia Visa – Visa Help

Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering more than one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area.

The visa policy of Russia deals with the requirements which a foreign national wishing to enter the Russian Federation must meet to obtain a visa, which is a permit to travel to, enter and remain in the country. Visa exemptions are based on bilateral or multilateral agreements but in most cases duration of their stay in Russia is limited. Visa is required to enter Russia for a longer period.

Below is list of Russian free visa countries:

TYPES OF RUSSIA VISA

There are six common types of Russian visa, check out which one matchs with you best. Each types of visa is issued depending on the applicant’s purpose, however, many people come for a short business trip with tourist visas, and many people come to visit their friends with business visas. So, when choosing the type visa, the only consideration should be your convenience in terms of price of the visa, its speed of processing, the period of stay this visa allows and the number of entries the visa allows.

Tourist visa

This type of visa is issued for the travelers who come to Russia for tourism purposes. This visa is easiest to get and the least expensive of all visas, so it's ideal for tourists. It is valid for the period up to 30 days.

Business visa

This type of visa is supposed to be issued for the people, who come to Russia for business purposes. But many travelers used this visa to travel because it allows long stays and multiple entries. A business Russian visa can be valid from 1 month to 12 months, and be either single-, double- or multiple entry.

Student visa

This type of visa is issued only for students, who come to Russia for exchange or education. This is the best kind of visa, but you can only get it if you applied to a Russian university, school or an institution and will study there.

Personal visa

This type of visa is given to the foreiners who come to Russia for a personal visit (friends, relatives etc.) It can be valid for up to 3 months and is single entry only. This is the worst kind of visa you can apply for.

Work visa

Work visas are given to foreigners who have an official employment contract in Russia. It's a very long process to get one and only the companues that have quotas to employ foreigners can apply for it. This visa allows you to stay as long as you need in Russia.

Transit visa

This type of visa is usually given for maximum 72 hours if you're crossing the country or need to change the airports.

RUSSIA VISA REQUIREMENTS

The required documents will depend on the types of visa that you want to apply for. Visa processing only starts after the embassy/consulate has received all the necessary documents. It is always advisable to consult your local Russian embassy/consulate to find out whether any additional documentation is required.

Tourist visa required documents

An original, valid, and signed passport with at least one blank page, valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
Two signed copies of the Russian visa application form (questionnaire), with all fields completed.
A passport-size photo (some embassies/consulates ask for two copies), signed on the reverse
A tourist invitation.

Business visa required documents

An original, valid, and signed passport with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
Two copies of the Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
A passport-size photo, signed on the reverse (some embassies/consulates ask for two photographs).
An original HIV certificate showing a negative result is required for stays of more than 3 months.
An official invitation from an organization which is authorized to invite business visitors to Russia.

Private visa required documents

An original, valid, and signed passport with at least one blank page, valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
A photocopy of the details pages of your valid passport (showing your name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date).
A copy of the Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
Three passport-sizephotos
A Russian visa entitlement certificate (izveshchenie) from the local OVIR in Russia (this must be the original – copies are not accepted).
An original HIV Certificate showing a negative result is required for stays of more than 3 months.
All visa documents must be accompanied by a covering letter specifying the purpose of your visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia, and a telephone or fax number where you can be reached once in Russia.

Student Required Documents

An original, valid, and signed passport with at least one blank page, valid for 6 months after the end of your stay.
A copy of the Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
Two passport-size photos, signed on the reverse.
A letter of invitation from a university/school in Russia, which can only be issued by the local Visa Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) .
An original HIV Certificate showing a negative result is required for stays of more than 3 months.
A copy of your diploma/certificate or examination results from your previous or current place of study.
A copy of the invoice issued by the university/school in Russia proving that you have already paid for tuition.

Transit Visa Required Documents

An original, valid, and signed passport with at least one blank page, valid for 6 months after the end of your stay.
A copy of the Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
2 passport-size photos, signed on the reverse.
A copy of your airline ticket.
A visa in your passport for the country of your final destination (if required).

HOW TO APPLY FOR RUSSIAN VISA

If you want to travel to Russia, you need a Russian visa. In order to get a Russian visa follow our step-by-step Russian visa application guide below.

Step 1: Get the Invitation (Visa Support)

First, you need an invitation (aka visa support letter) to apply for a Russian visa.

You can choose one of the following option for visa support:

Option 1: Tourist Invitation. It takes 1 to 24 hours to get this invitation. Price is $30 US (instant processing)

There are also private and student invitations available. In order to get them, you have to contact your friends / education institution (e.g. language schools) in Russia. But this option is not recommend because it may take about a month to process, require lots of paperwork, and the originals should be presented to the consulate.

Option 2: Long-Term (Business) Invitation. It takes 3 to 18 working days, Price is $80 to $300 US.

There are also private and student invitations available. In order to get them, you have to contact your friends / education institution (e.g. language schools) in Russia. But this option is not recommend because it may take about a month to process, require lots of paperwork, and the originals should be presented to the consulate.

Step 2: Gather documents

Prepare the required documents for specific types of Russian visa. Make a check list of the documents that you need to submit along with your application form. Gather all the documents and keep them ready for submission.

Step 3: Apply for a Russian Visa

You need to submit all your documents, including your visa support, to the Russian consulate.

Fill out the Russian visa application form
Prepare all the documents above and check with the consulate's website if that is enough.
Apply to the consulate in person or by post.

Step 3: Collect your visa

After your visa is issued you will be notified about it. Collect your visa on time.

COST OF RUSSIAN VISA

Tourist Visa:
For single or double entry visas are:
$140 for 4-10 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing;

Business Visa:
For single or double entry visas are:
$140 for 4-10 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing;
For multiple entry visas are:
$150 for 4-10 business days processing;
$450 for 3 business days processing;

Transit Visa:
For single or double entry visas are:
$140 for 4-10 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing;

Homestay Visa (Private):
For single entry or double entry visas are:
$140 for 4-10 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing;

VISA PROCESSING TIME

Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15+ days to process in the Russia Embassy/Consulate depending on the consulate that we need to send the application. The processing time for a visa is dependent on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate’s discretion.

RUSSIA VISA APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOAD

All applicants must download the visa application form, fill in the required details and submit it with mandatory documents to start the process for a Russia visa.

You can download Russia visa application form from internet or get directly from the embassy or consulate. It is recommended to contact nearest Russian embassy or consulate before starting prepare all required documents for application process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I know if I need a visa?

Depending on your purpose of travel, you should log on to the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to check whether you are eligible or require a visa.

2. Can the Russia visa application centre prepare my application for me?

The Russia visa application centres do not prepare visa applications, but accept and process applications in accordance with the Embassy’s instructions.

3. When can I apply for my visa?

Applicant can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your date of travel to the Russia. We strongly advise you not to confirm your travel arrangements until you have received your visa.

4. Can I confirm all my travel bookings before getting the visa?

No bookings or travel arrangements should be confirmed until a visa decision has been made unless it is a requirement for your visa application. VF Services will not be responsible for any loss of expenses caused by delay/refusal of the visa.

5. Can I apply via post? Can I send my application directly to the Embassy of the Russian Federation?

No. Submission of the applications is in person only from 10 December 2014.

6. Can I make a payment online?

Payments for your application can not be made online however you do have the facility to make a payment at the visa centre itself when you come to submit your documents.

7. What do I need to do when visiting the visa centres?

Upon reaching the visa centre, you will be issued with queue token. While you wait for your token to be called – please ensure that all required documents are ready. Incorrect documentation or photo specifications will only cause a further delay in acceptance of your application.

8. Do I need to come in person to submit or collect my papers?

To submit – yes.
To collect – applicant’s representatives can come to collect a passport on behalf of the applicant. Please note that in case of passport collection – the document will not be handed over unless the original receipt given at the time of submission is there or authorization letter and copy of the original receipt of the person you are collecting for. Please also be aware that original receipt will be collected from you as a proof of passport delivery so please kindly make a copy of it which you can keep for your own expenses.

9. What happens once I get to the visa centre? How do things work?

Once you arrive at the visa centre, the security guard will issue you a token. You would then be required to wait in the applicant area until your token is called. At the counter, the officer will check your documents, process your application if it is completed and issue you a receipt. Information about collection times will be given to you but we will not be able to advise you on the time it would take to have a decision on your visa made. You would then be able to track your application through the website until the time your passport is received back with a decision.

Argentina	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Armenia	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Azerbaijan	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Belarus	Unlimited stay.
Bolivia	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	For tourists the period of stay should not exceed 30 days within each 60, for any other purposes – not more than 90 days; documents confirming the purpose of visit required.
Brazil	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Brunei Darussalam	Period of stay not more than 14 days for non-commercial purposes (not for employment or study).
Chile	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Colombia	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Costa Rica	Period of stay not more than 90 days (not for holders of diplomatic and service passports).
Cuba	Up to 30 days.
Ecuador	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Fiji	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Guatemala	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Guyana	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Honduras	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Israel	Period of stay is not more than 90 days within each 180. There is an agreement between Russia and Israel on abolition of guest and tourist visas. For trips the passport valid not less than 6 months from the date of entrance is required. Presence of any other documents is not provided by the Agreement.
Kazakhstan	Period of stay not more than 90 days. Allowed to enter on internal passports.
Korea, Republic of	Period of stay does not exceed 60 days per a trip and is not more than 90 days within six months.
Kyrgyzstan	Period of stay not more than 90 days. Allowed to enter on internal passports.
Macedonia	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Moldova, Republic of	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Mongolia	Up to 30 days.
Montenegro	Up to 30 days.
Nicaragua	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Peru	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Serbia	Period of stay up to 30 days for holders of biometric passports issued after April 8, 2008.
South Africa	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Tajikistan	Allowed to enter on internal passports. Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Thailand	Up to 30 days.
Ukraine	Period of stay not more than 90 days. Allowed to enter on internal passports.
Uruguay	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.
Uzbekistan	Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Venezuela	Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes.