Foreign nationals are required to have a visa to enter the Russian Federation. There are several types of visas a foreign citizen can apply for. After you have chosen the right type, you can submit the necessary documents to the Consulate.
How to Submit
Applications may be submitted personally, by mail, or by an agent. If applying by mail, one should use a registered delivery service. Applications may be completed by the applicant or by an agent acting on behalf of the applicant. However, all forms must be checked and signed by the applicant personally.
The Russian Consulate issues Russian visas in the country of your residence. You can also apply for a Russian visa by going to the Russian Consulate in a foreign country. This doesn't apply to nationals of Germany and some Asian countries.
To obtain your Russian visa successfully, you need to know visa requirements, prepare the required documents with no mistakes, and submit documents to the Consulate. When you get your visa, it's necessary to check if the visa information is correct, as the Consulate will not be responsible for any mistakes in the visas, which are not brought to the consular staff's attention before your departure.
As the application process can be quite complicated, we recommend using a full visa service in your country. We recommend several local visa experts: in the USA, In UK, in Canada.
Required documents
To obtain a Russian visa, one should receive a Russian visa invitation from the Passport and Visa Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or specially authorized travel agencies.
Documents to be submitted to the Consulate include:
- Actual passport with at least two blank visa-designated pages and valid for at least six months after the planned departure from Russia;
- Two passport size photos of the applicant;
- Official invitation from an authorized organization in Russia;
- Two copies of a Russian visa application form completed and signed.
There can be additional requirements for some types of Russian visas. Additional documents for submission may include Medical Insurance, Work or Residence Permit, HIV Certificate for a stay for more than 3 months, and so on.
Visa application can be considered only provided you have submitted all necessary documents and your information is correct and clear.
Consular Fees and Rights
Consular fees are paid for consideration of your documents. Visa fees are not refundable and don't guarantee the issue of a visa.
Please note that the Consulate has the right to invite the applicant for a personal interview. Questions on personal and business issues as well as your Russian contacts may be asked.
