How to apply for a Russian visa?

A foreign citizen can only obtain a Russian visa in the country of their citizenship. Exceptions include those who have a residence permit for a foreign country for longer than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than the applicant’s own in case of urgent necessity, like participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. The final decision is then left to the consulate.

To apply for a Russian visa, you have to submit a number of documents to a Russian consulate, depending on the type of visa you need. Start by contacting the consulate to ask about their requirements. Your application can be made either in person, through an authorised travel agency or by post (not all consulates accept postal applications though). Here’s a basic list of requirements for different types of Russian visa.

Tourist visa requirements

1. Current passport with at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 6 months after the visa’s expiration date.
2. A completed and signed visa application form. It’s available from consulates free of charge; many have an electronic version you can download from their website.
   Important: Only fill in the application form after you receive your invitation, specifying the same data there as in the invitation.
3. One recent passport-size photo attached to the indicated space on the application form.
4. An invitation from an authorised Russian travel agency or hotel, showing their reference number and registration number.

Business visa requirements 

1. Current passport with at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 6 months after visa’s expiration date.
2. A completed and signed visa application form. It’s available from consulates free of charge; many have an electronic version you can download from their website.
   Important: Only fill in the application form after you receive your invitation, specifying the same data there as in the invitation.
3. One recent passport-size photo attached to the indicated space on the application form.
4. Official invitation from an organisation authorised to invite business visitors to Russia. It can be from the Russian Foreign Ministry or its regional representatives; the Ministry of Interior or its local offices; or other authorised Russian agencies.
5. For stays longer than 3 months, an HIV test is required.
6. Some consulates may ask for a letter from your employer confirming your trip to Russia and itinerary.

Private visa requirements 

1. Current passport with at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 6 months after visa’s expiration date.
2. A completed and signed visa application form. It’s available from consulates free of charge; many have an electronic version you can download from their website.
   Important: Only fill in the application form after you receive your invitation, specifying the same data there as in the invitation.
3. One recent passport-size photo attached to the indicated space on the application form.
4. The original private invitation from a Russian citizen. To write an invitation, your host will need to know: your full name / your home address / nationality / passport number and date of birth / date of your arrival and departure.

Transit visa requirements 

1. Current passport with at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 6 months after visa’s expiration date.
2. A completed and signed visa application form. It’s available from consulates free of charge; many have an electronic version you can download from their website.
3. One recent passport-size photo attached to the indicated space on the application form.
4. Travel tickets proving you’re going to a third country.
5. A visa to the country of destination (if you need one).