Apply for the Russia Tourist Visa today with us!

Apply online for the Russian Tourist Visa with us today!

Last updated: December 2023

Planning a trip to Russia? The Russian Tourist Visa is an essential step in your travel preparations. iVisa is here to guide you through the process, offering a straightforward and efficient path to obtaining your Russian tourist or business visa.

With our expertise and easy-to-use platform, you can focus on your travel plans while we handle the complexities of visa application. Trust us to simplify your travel documentation needs for the Russian Federation so you can embark on your journey with peace of mind.

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 must be carried out.

With our expertise and streamlined online platform, you can easily apply for a Russian Tourist Visa from the comfort of your home.

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 looking to do any of the above activities, apply for the appropriate visa or Russian citizenship on the Russian government website or at your nearest embassy.

Eligibility criteria to apply for the Russia Tourist Visa

To be eligible for this Russian Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You’re from one of the eligible countries (read more below).

• You currently don’t have another valid visa for Russia.

Who must apply for the Russia Tourist Visa?

To find out if you need this visa to enter Russia, use our handy Visa Checker Tool and apply instantly online!

Do children require a visa to visit Russia?

Yes, each minor 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:

• Travelers on a cruise or ship entering and staying in Russia for up to 72 hours.

• Holders of diplomatic, service, official, and special passports from several countries.

• Business travelers holding an APEC Business Travel Card.

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, for a stay of 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 with us today, you only need the following documents to apply:

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

• Applicant photo.

However, during the application process, we’ll send you a complete list of documents that must be submitted during your government appointment, which typically includes:

• Your application form: Completed by us, printed, and signed.

• 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: A birth certificate and a parental consent letter must be included in the application.

We’ll contact you by email if we need more information or documentation for your Russian Visa application!

How to apply for the Russia Tourist Visa

With our simplified application and constant guidance, you’ll be surprised at how stress-free this process is:

• Step 1: Fill out your information on our simplified visa application form on our website or the iVisa app. Always double-check all information to avoid errors.

• Step 2: Select your preferred processing time and pay the processing and visa fees securely online using a debit or credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.

After the payment, we’ll send you a complete document checklist, instructions to guide you through the next steps, and tips to ace your interview (if applicable).

• Step 3: Upload the required documents, bring them to the visa interview, and await your visa approval!

You may need to attend an appointment, but our experts will handle the scheduling. You just need to approve the date and prepare your documents—no need to stress.

Russia Tourist Visa costs and processing times

The Russia Tourist Visa fees can vary based on factors such as the applicant's nationality, type of visa, and the number of intended entries.

We currently offer one processing option for the Russia Tourist Visa:

• Standard processing: This takes up to 30 days and costs USD $223.99, excluding the government visa fees.

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.

• If you're staying in the Airport Transit zone and not going through Russian immigration, you don't need a transit visa.

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

Russia entry requirements or restrictions

There are no COVID-19 requirements for entering Russia.

Insider tip

All Russian visas must be registered upon arrival in the Russian Federation within 7 business days of your arrival. This applies if you are staying 7 days or more. When you arrive in Russia please ensure that your Russian visa and Migration card are stamped at the border. This stamp is important for Russian visa registration purposes.

For a complete guide on arrival to Russia, check out our Moscow Vnukovo Airport Guide

Differences between the Russia Tourist Visa and Russia eVisa

The Russian Tourist Visa and the Russian eVisa differ in several key aspects, including the application process, duration, and usage. Here's a breakdown of the main differences:

Russia eVisa: Ideal for brief visits, this electronic visa simplifies entry into Russia for eligible travelers. Complete your application online without any need for physical embassy visits. The Russia eVisa is typically valid for short stays of up to 16 days.

Russia Visa: For longer visits or broader travel purposes, consider the regular Russia Visa. This traditional visa accommodates extended stays and various travel objectives. The application process is more involved, requiring a visit to a Russian Consulate or Embassy and submission of a comprehensive set of documents.

In essence, your choice between the Russia eVisa and the regular Russia Visa will depend on factors like nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay.

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 via online chat or email us at [email protected] for assistance.