How to apply for a Russian visa

After receiving your Russian visa invitation you should send or bring it to the Russian Consulate closest to you together with the other documents detailed below. 
Before sending in your documentation to the Russian Consulate, we suggest that you call them first or check their Internet site to receive information concerning the processing in your specific country. Some Embassies and Consulates require the original Russia visa invitation instead of a copy. This is almost always the case for business visas.
If you require the original invitation, please tell us and we will express post it to you. Express postage is extra.
Other documents necessary for Russia visa processing by the Embassy or Consulate are:

• Russian visa application form for US citizens only (PDF), this file requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you do not have this program installed on your computer, you can install it for free by following this link to Adobe Acrobat Adobe Acrobat
  Russian visa application form for non-US citizens (citizens of all other countries) (PDF), this file requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you do not have this program installed on your computer, you can install it for free by following this link to Adobe Acrobat
• Original passport with expiration date at least 6 months after your planned return from Russia. You must have 2 free pages (no stamps or marks) in the passport in which the visa will be inserted
• 3 passport photos (3x4)
• Consular processing fee payable to the Russian Consulate by bank check or money order
• Cover letter (doc)
• Prepaid self-addressed return envelope from a registered delivery service such as DHL or Federal Express if you plan to have the Consulate mail the Russian visa to you
• For Russian business visas only, if you plan to stay in Russia for more than 3 months a HIV test is required (please contact the nearest Russian Consulate or Embassy or review its web site for further information)

1. Foreign citizens can obtain Russian visas ONLY in the country of his or her citizenship. Exceptions include those who have a residence permit for a foreign country for the period more than 90 days.
   A Russian visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant's own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.
2. A multiple entry Russian business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to 90 days out of the period of 180 days.

Russian law requires that travelers register their Russian visas if they are staying in Russia more than 3 business days. If travelers are staying in Russia more than 3 business days they should apply for registration immediately upon arrival (on the same day). Travelers who do not have their visas registered are required to pay fines when they attempt to exit Russia or if they are stopped by the police.

• If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel will register your Russian visa.
• If you are staying at an apartment you will have to apply to a local migration department (OVIR) to have your Russian visa registered.

Express to Russia is also available to answer all of your questions regarding Russia visa invitations. Please contact us or go to our About Russian Visas page.
Please note that due to licensing issues, Express to Russia does not handle Russian visa support to citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chad, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, N. Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri-Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam.

» Order Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
» Order Russian Business Visa Invitation