Work Visa Info

What is a Russian visa?

A visa to the Russian Federation is a document permitting to stay in Russia for a specific period of time. A visa lists entry/exit dates, your vital information, passport details, and short information about inviting party. Visas are issued with specific limitations regarding purpose of visit, length of stay, validity of visa, etc. Please note that your Russian visa is an exit permit just like it is an entry permit. If you lose it or stay over your designated departure date, leaving the country could cause you some troubles.

Who needs a Russian visa?

Most non-Russian citizens (including U.S. citizens) require a visa to enter Russia. Citizens of former CIS Republics, except Georgia and Turkmenistan, may enter Russia with their national passports.

Do you need a visa for your child?

If your child has a separate passport, you will need to get a separate visa for him/her.

Where can you apply for Russian visa?

To apply for your visa, you need to contact the Russian consulate in your country. You may also contact an authorized Russian travel agent for help with paperwork.

Did you want to apply for Russian visa. What should you start with?

First of all, you need to choose the type of a Russian visa you would like to obtain. Then you should submit a Russia visa application form (along with other necessary documents) to the Russian Consulate. Applications may be submitted in person, by an agent or by mail. In case you want to ease the application process.

How to obtain Russian visa?

What documents should I bring to the Russian Consulate to apply for my Russian visa?

In order to obtain your Russian visa, you should bring your invitation letter, your passport, passport-sized photos, consular fee and a proof of medical insurance to the Russian Consulate. For multiple entry visas, you also require an AIDS Test certificate (test results issued within the previous 3 months). Call the Russian consulate in advance to receive the latest update on the required documents.

Can I process an invitation for a private visa through a travel agency?

No. Travel agencies can provide you only with tourist or business invitations.

I don't have time/opportunity to go to the Russian consulate myself. Is it possible to send the necessary documents by regular mail?

Yes. If you have no opportunity to go to the Russian consulate yourself, you can send documents by mail. You will get your visa by mail from the consulate when it is ready.

Can it happen so that my visa application is rejected?

The Russian consulate reserves the right to process applications as long as it deems necessary, to invite applicants for a personal interview, and to reject applications if the consulate believes that the applicant’s entry into or stay in Russia would not be desirable. Please note that consular fees are not refundable.

What if the information that appears on my visa is wrong?

Once you receive the passport with your Russian visa, please check all the information which appears on your visa very carefully. The consulate will correct any of its own mistakes free of charge. If there was an error in the application through your own fault, however, the consulate charges a fee of $40.00 to have the mistake corrected.