How to apply for a Russia Tourist Visa

How to apply for a Russia Tourist Visa

Last updated: April 2024

Planning a trip to Russia? The Russian Tourist Visa is essential to your travel preparations. We're here to guide you through the process.

What is the Russia Tourist Visa?

The Russian Tourist Visa is a type of travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit Russia for tourism and business purposes.

The process includes dropping off the supporting documents at the nearest Russian Embassy, and sometimes, an interview is required.

What can I do with the Russia Tourist Visa?

With this visa, you’re allowed to:

• Visit the country for tourism.
• Go on a business trip.
• Visit friends and family.

What can’t I do with the Russia Tourist Visa?

Keep in mind that foreign citizens can’t:

• Reside in the country.
• Establish a business.
• Work, volunteer, or engage in profit-related activities.

If you’re interested in any of the above activities, you can apply for the appropriate visa or Russian citizenship on the Russian government website or at your nearest embassy.

Who requires a Russia Tourist Visa?

A Russia Tourist Visa is required for most travelers looking to visit Russia for tourism purposes. This includes:

1. Citizens from non-visa-exempt countries: Most travelers, except those from visa-exempt countries, must apply for a tourist visa. This includes U.S. citizens, among others, who must obtain a visa before arriving in Russia.

2. Long-term stays: If you plan to stay in Russia for more than the duration allowed by a visa-on-arrival or an e-visa, you must apply for a tourist visa through the embassy.

3. Those without eligibility for eVisas: While Russia offers e-visas for citizens of some countries, allowing a short stay for tourism, not everyone qualifies. If your country is not eligible for an e-visa, you must apply through the embassy.

Do children require a visa to visit Russia?

Yes, minors under 18 must also have a valid visa if they come from an eligible country. Families can apply together by clicking ‘Add another person’ during the online application process.

Who is visa-exempt for Russia?

Visas are not required for the following visitors:

1. Citizens from CIS countries: Nationals from most of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan can enter Russia without a visa.
2. South Ossetia and Abkhazia: Residents of these regions can enter Russia without a visa.
3. Visa Waiver Agreements: Russia has bilateral agreements with some countries that allow for short visa-free visits, typically for up to 30 or 90 days. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Israel, South Korea, and Thailand benefit from these agreements.
4. Diplomatic or Official passport holders: Holders of diplomatic or service/official passports from certain countries can enter Russia without a visa for short stays.
5. Cruise passengers: Passengers arriving by cruise ship can stay in Russia for up to 72 hours without a visa, provided they sleep on the ship and are always accompanied by a tour operator.
6. E-Visa eligible countries: Citizens from eligible countries can apply for an e-visa for short stays, simplifying the process significantly.

Russia Tourist Visa validity: How long is the Russian visa valid?

Choose from the following validity options:

• Russia Tourist Visa - Single Entry: With this visa, you can visit the country once for a stay of up to 30 days. Only citizens of the United States can get Russian visas for a stay of up to 90 days.

• Russia Tourist Visa—Multiple Entry: With multiple-entry visas, you can visit the country multiple times within 90 days and stay up to 14 days each time.

It’s ultimately up to the Russian government which validity you’ll receive, as it can depend on nationality and other factors.

Russia Tourist Visa: Required documents

When applying for your Russia Tourist Visa, you only need the following documents to apply:

• Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with two blank visa pages.

• Applicant photo.

• Your application form

• A tourist invitation letter: From a Russian travel agency, hotel, or hostel.

• Detailed travel itinerary: Download our free template here!

• Two color photos: Not older than 6 months, glued to your application form.

• Proof of your financial capability: Stamped or signed bank statements from the last 3 months proving you have enough funds for each day you plan to stay in Russia. This doesn't apply to kids traveling with adult family members.

• Accommodation confirmation: Include the contact information. This booking must have been made before the application process.

• 10-year travel history: Only required if you have visited Russia before.

• iVisa tip: We recommend booking with flexible dates in case your application is delayed or rejected.

• Proof of return: Such as round-trip flight tickets.

• If visiting friends or family: An invitation letter with a copy of their ID or residence permit.

• If traveling for business: A confirmed Russia business invitation letter from the relevant institution explaining the purpose of the trip. Also, include a business bank statement.

• Travel insurance: That covers you for medical expenses in Russia.

• For minors: The application must include a birth certificate and a parental consent letter.

How to apply for the Russia Tourist Visa

Applying for a Russia Tourist Visa can be daunting so let's break down the process:

1. Confirm your need for a visa: Check if you are from a visa-exempt country.
2. Complete the visa application form: Available on the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
3. Apply online or at a consulate/visa center: Depending on your location, you may be able to start the process online but will typically need to visit a consulate or visa application center to submit your documents.
4. Pay the visa fee: Fees vary by nationality and processing speed.
5. Attend a visa interview if required: Some applicants may need to attend an interview at the consulate.
6. Track and receive your visa: Monitor the status of your application and collect your visa once it's ready.
7. Verify your visa details: Check the visa for any errors to ensure your travel dates are accurately reflected.

Note: We currently don't offer this visa, but you can find more information on the [Russian Government website] (https://pusan.mid.ru/en/visa/tourist_visa/).

Russia Tourist Visa costs and processing times

The cost of a Russian tourist visa varies depending on the applicant's nationality, the type of visa, and the number of intended entries. You can find more information on the [Russian Government website] (https://pusan.mid.ru/en/visa/tourist_visa/).

Do I need the Russia Tourist Visa to transit through the country?

If you're transiting through the country, you require a valid visa for the final destination. In addition, the following applies:

• If you're changing terminals at a Russian airport and have to go through immigration control, you must get a Russian transit visa before you travel.

• You don't need a transit visa if you stay in the Airport Transit zone and don't go through Russian immigration.

Find out more about getting a transit visa by contacting the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate.

Need more info about the Russia Tourist Visa?

Do you have questions about the application for the Russia Tourist Visa or another document? Contact our customer support team.