How to get a Russia invitation letter for visa application process

If you're planning a trip to Russia for business or tourism, you may need to apply for a visa first. There are two options: a Russian eVisa or a traditional visa, depending on your nationality.

If you're not eligible for the Russia eVisa and aren't visa-exempt, you most likely need to visit the nearest Russian Embassy to apply for a visa to enter the country. One of the requirements for a successful application process is having a valid Invitation Letter.

We can help you get a government-compliant Invitation Letter quickly and without issues.

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How to get a Russian Invitation Letter?

To get your Invitation Letter to Russia, you have two options:

1. Via iVisa: Apply via our platform or download the iVisa app and complete the simple application form, providing all the necessary details. Once submitted, we'll manage the issuance of your Invitation Letter via email.

2. Via your accommodation: If you've already booked your stay in Russia, you can request an Invitation Letter from them. While some hotels offer this service free of charge, others might levy a fee. If you switch hotels, a new Invitation Letter will be necessary, incurring additional costs.

Important: Airbnb isn't accepted as official accommodation for your Invitation Letter registration.

There's no official Russian government website to get this document. Only authorized agencies and registered hotels can issue them.

What are the requirements for a Russia Invitation Letter?

The Russian Invitation Letter (or Tourist Voucher) is not a visa. Instead, it's a document needed to apply for your traditional Russian visa. It's an invitation from a person or company to visit them in Russia for a short period.

You must present it for your application along with your valid visa upon entry to the country.

Luckily, it's a relatively easy document to get! During the online registration process on our platform or through the iVisa app, we ask only for the following:

Valid passport – If you want to apply for a Russian Invitation Letter, you need to hold a passport valid for at least another 6 months from the date of arrival in Russia. Don't forget to check the expiry date before you apply.
Accommodation information – Such as a hotel booking. The dates on your booking confirmation must match the travel dates stated on your application.
Email address – We'll send you the Russian Invitation Letter via email in PDF format. You need to print it in color before you take it to the embassy or consulate to apply for your Russian visa.
Means of payment – At iVisa, we accept multiple payment methods so that you can use the one that is most convenient for you. Credit and debit cards are accepted, but you can also use alternative methods like PayPal.

Do I need the Invitation Letter for my Russia eVisa application?

If you're neither visa-exempt nor eligible for an electronic visa for Russia, your only option is to go to the nearest Russian Embassy and apply for a standard visa. However, one of the documents you'll be asked to provide is a Russian Invitation Letter.

We can help you get one in as little as 30 minutes. All you have to do is carefully follow the instructions. Please remember that the Invitation Letter we send isn't a visa but a requirement for the traditional paper visa application and entry to the country.

Among the nationalities that need this document are citizens from the United Kingdom and the United States. From another country? Use our Visa Checker Tool to find out if you're eligible for the Russia eVisa or need another travel document for the country.

Types of Invitation Letters for Russia

There are two types of Russian Invitation Letters:

Tourist Invitation Letters (single- or double-entry): This is specifically for travelers from eligible countries that want to visit the country for tourism. Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for a single or double visit.
Business Invitation Letter: This document is for business travelers attending conferences, events, or business meetings in Russia.

How will the Russian Invitation Letter be sent?

Make sure your document is authentic and meets government requirements. The Russian Invitation Letter will be issued by email in the following format:

A4 size.
In the Russian language.
In color.

You must print this document in color and bring it to the application appointment at the Russian Embassy or Consulate.

Contact us for more info about the Russia Invitation Letter

In case you have any questions about the Russia Tourist Invitation Letter, Russia eVisa, or any other travel document, you can reach out to our outstanding customer support team via online chat or by email at [email protected].