Types of Visas in Russia: Explained

Venturing into Russia, whether for work, study, or leisure, begins with navigating the labyrinth of visa options available. Understanding the right visa type for your journey is crucial, and that’s where our guide steps in.

With a mix of clarity and a touch of wit, we’re here to demystify the visa process, ensuring your Russian escapade starts on the right note.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Types of Visas You Can Apply For In Russia?

The type of visa you apply for when visiting Russia will primarily depend on your nationality, the duration of your intended visit, and, most importantly, the purpose of your visit.

There are seven major categories when it comes to obtaining visas for Russia, namely:

A Tourist Visa,
A Business Visa,
A Student Visa,
A Private Visa,
A Work Visa,
A Transit Visa, and
A Humanitarian Visa

As indicated by the name of each type of visa, the correspondence is based on the purpose of your stay. Each type is governed by its guidelines, requirements, maximum duration of stay and pricing.

To apply for any of the visas listed above, obtaining an invitation/visa support document is imperative. This is a unique document issued by the party inviting you to Russia.

The invitation is a requirement of the Russian consulate to process your visa. For each type of visa, a respective invitation exists regardless of whether the purpose is tourism, business, work, private purposes, or education.

This visa support can be issued by a Russian travel agency or a company or organisation authorised by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

It is of utmost importance to understand that the purpose of the visit as per the visa application must correspond to the invitation you obtain.

For example, if you obtain an invitation from an authorised travel agency but state that your purpose of travel is to visit your friends (this would require a private visa), your visa will likely be rejected.

New from 2019: E-Visas Per the latest guidelines, individuals from 56 countries can enter Russia by obtaining a special e-Visa that grants these individuals a faster and more convenient method of travel authorization for shorter stays (up to 16 days from the date of entry).

The destinations you can visit are limited by the E-Visa and vary based on nationality.

For this type of visa, you can apply and obtain this visa online without the requirement of your presence. The validity of this visa is 60 days from the date of issue.

This visa is a single-entry visa. E-visa applicants are not required to submit an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to the Russian Federation.

The unified e-visa entitles you to enter the Russian Federation and stay there for the following purposes: private or business visits, tourism, participating in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, and sporting events and carrying out relevant communications.

Application Process:

Check the eligibility status of your country for an E-Visa.
Create a personal account on the website or the MFA mobile application.
Fill in the required details, ensuring the following:
1. Validity of the passport
2. Digital photograph of the passport data in JPEG format
3. Digital photograph of your face (that meets the requirements listed on the form) in JPEG format (35×45 aspect ratio)
4. Bank card for the visa fee (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
Await processing (up to 4 days) and check the application for the status

Pricing

Category	Price
Adults	5,065 RUB
Children (under age 6)	195 RUB

The Types Of Visa Options If You Are Not Eligible For An E-Visa

If your country is not part of the 56 countries (see below) that are eligible for an E-Visa, or if your intended stay is longer than the maximum permitted duration of stay on an E-Visa (up to 16 days), the following options are available:

1) Tourist Visa

Ideal for short visits about tourism- including sightseeing, leisure and family visits
Single or double-entry visas available for a maximum stay of 30 days
Provided on account of an invitation and voucher issued by an authorised Russian tour agency
Non-extendable (which means that you will have to exit the country to obtain a new visa if you wish to prolong your stay)
More commonly recommended instead of private or homestay visas as these types of visas are relatively more arduous to obtain
Each applicant is personally interviewed
The decision about the issuance of a tourist visa is made within 30 days after the submission of all documents

2) Business Visa

This type of visa is aimed towards foreign citizens who are travelling to Russia for commercial and business purposes: to participate in negotiations, to connect with business partners, to sign contracts, etc.
A Business visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
Single-entry and double-entry visas are valid for 1 or 3 months.
Multiple-entry visas are valid for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Multiple-entry Business Visa is issued for up to 1 year but is valid for 90 days of every 180.
EU citizens (except for Denmark and the UK) can obtain a visa for Russian business with a validity of up to 5 years.
The regional representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or special local offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs must issue a business invitation.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not process applications for business visas earlier than 45 days before the first stated date of entry.
On average, the processing can range from three to 20 working days.
An original HIV Certificate showing a negative result is essential for stays of over 3 months.

3) Student Visa

The Russian student visa permits a foreign citizen to live in the country and study at a Russian university.
This type of visa is single-entry.
An invitation from an educational institution in Russia is a prerequisite.
The validity extends for the whole period of your study program.
An original HIV Certificate showing a negative result is essential for stays of over 3 months.
Academic and Medical Fitness Certificates are required.

4) Private Visa

This type of visa is intended for those planning on visiting their friends or relatives in Russia.
Single or double-entry visas available for a maximum stay of 90 days
Requires the original personal invitation letter from a permanent resident of Russia over the age of 18, obtained at the local Visa and Registration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR)
Extremely time-consuming –it can take anywhere between 45 days to four months to attain your visa with a private invitation
Issued exclusively for visiting the city where the invitation has been issued

5) Work Visa

This type of visa is also known as an ‘employment visa’ and is employed by individuals working for Russian companies.
Validity is from three months to one year with multiple entries
Qualified specialists may receive an initial work visa with a 3-year validity.
A work invitation for the Russian State Employment service is required.
An original HIV Certificate showing a negative result is essential for stays of over 3 months.
If you have obtained a work visa and wish to work in another company in Russia, you must leave the country and complete another visa Russia work application.

6) Transit Visa

This type of visa is a travel document that permits foreign citizens to enter the country on the way to an onward destination.
No invitation is required.
The visa Russia transit is not required for citizens of Russian visa–exempt countries
Passengers with a confirmed ticket for a flight to an onward destination within 24 hours of arrival in Russia are also exempted
The period of validity granted is governed by Russian authorities, taking into account the date of departure to the onward destination.
The validity can range from up to 72 hours if you travel by air or for up to 10 days using other means of transportation.

7) Humanitarian Visa

This visa is issued to foreign citizens visiting Russia for a scientific, cultural, political or sports visit.
It also applies to religious communication and contacts, pilgrimage, charity or distribution of humanitarian aid.
Single–entry, Double-entry, or Multiple–entry visas are available.
Single-entry and double-entry humanitarian visas can be valid for up to three months.
A multiple-entry humanitarian visa can be valid for up to one year.
EU citizens are the only individuals who can obtain multiple-entry visas for a validity of up to five years due to the Russia-EU visa facilitation agreement.

Do You Need A Russian Visa For Your Country?

The regulations about the type of visa requirement vary based on your country of origin. If your country is not listed below, you must apply for the Russian Visa through the conventional application process.

However, it is advised to re-check the eligibility status on the official websites as per updates.

1. Visa-Exempt Countries

The following tables represent the various divisions in groups separated by the maximum permitted duration of stay.

2. Unlimited Duration of Stay

Group 1: Unlimited Duration of Stay
Belarus	South Ossetia

3. Duration of Stay – 90 Days

Group 2: Duration of Stay – 90 Days
Abkhazia	Belize	Cuba	Georgia	Jamaica	Nicaragua	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Uruguay
Andorra	Bolivia	Dominica	Grenada	Kazakhstan	Panama	South Africa	Uzbekistan
Antigua and Barbuda	Brazil	Ecuador	Guatemala	Kyrgyzstan	Paraguay	Suriname	Vanuatu
Argentina	Chile	El Salvador	Guyana	Latvia	Peru	Tajikistan	Venezuela
Armenia	Colombia	Estonia	Honduras	Maldives	Qatar	Ukraine
Azerbaijan	Costa Rica	Fiji	Israel	Moldova	Saint Kitts and Nevis	United Arab Emirates

4. Duration of Stay – 60 Days

Group 3: Duration of Stay – 60 Days
Cabo Verde	Dominican Republic	Mauritius	Samoa	South Korea

5. Duration of Stay – 30 Days

Group 4: Duration of Stay – 30 Days
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Macau	North Macedonia	Seychelles
Botswana	Mongolia	Palau	Thailand
Laos	Montenegro	Serbia

5. Duration of Stay – 14 Days

Group 5: Duration of Stay – 14 Days
Hong Kong	Nauru

6) Countries Permitted To Obtain An E-Visa

The following 56 countries are permitted to obtain an E-Visa as described above:

Algeria	Croatia	Greece	Japan	Mexico	Portugal	Slovenia
Andorra	Cyprus	Hungary	Kuwait	Monaco	Qatar	Spain
Austria	Czech Republic	Iceland	Latvia	Netherlands	Romania	Sweden
Bahrain	Denmark	India	Liechtenstein	Northern Macedonia	San Marino	Switzerland
Belgium	Estonia	Indonesia	Lithuania	Norway	Saudi Arabia	The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Brunei	Finland	Iran	Luxembourg	Oman	Serbia	Tunisia
Bulgaria	France	Ireland	Malaysia	Philippines	Singapore	Turkey
China (including Taiwan)	Germany	Italy	Malta	Poland	Slovakia	Vatican

How Can You Proceed With A Visa Application?

As explained above, the application process may vary slightly depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the type of invitation and requirements.

However, the general step-by-step process is detailed below:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

The type of visa depends primarily on the purpose of your travel. The list of options and their details have been discussed above.

Step 2: Obtain The Respective Invitation Document

Each type of visa corresponds to its respective initiation document, which must be obtained from the respective agencies.

Step 3: Assess Visa Requirements

Visit the official website of the Russian embassy of the country of your legal residence.
Navigate to the “Visa” or “Visa Application” section for detailed information about all relevant requirements.
Assess the individual requirements for your visa type, including the list of required documents and any eligibility criteria as detailed above.

Step 4: Collect Required Documents

The following documents are imperative regardless of the type of visa that you are applying for:

Original passport with at least 2 blank pages for visas, valid for 6 months from the date of expiry of the visa
Duly completed visa application form
Colour photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)

However, additional documents for the individual types of visas include:

4.1 Tourist Visa

Original invitation letter from a Russian tour operator
Confirmation of the paid tourist voucher or the hotel stay
Confirmation of the paid return ticket to Russia

4.2 Business Visa

Original invitation letter as issued by the immigration office in Russia
Bank statement
Registration certificate in the local chamber of commerce
National tax payment number certificate
HIV test result
Local company’s letter
Russian company’s letter

4.3 Student Visa

Original invitation issued by the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation
Attested academic certificates translated into the Russian language
University Contract for the education signed by both sides
HIV test result
Medical fitness certificate/Statement of Good Health
Up-to-date bank statement. If the bank statement is not of the applicant but of a sponsor or a relative, the sponsor’s letter (affidavit) should be provided

4.4 Private Visa

Original invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation
Documentation confirming the relationship between the Russian citizen and the visa applicant (a foreign citizen)
Bank statement of the applicant or bank statement of the Russian citizen inviting the applicant
Copy of a valid passport of a Russian citizen
Original letter from the Russian citizen undertaking full responsibility for the applicant’s stay in the Russian Federation

4.5 Work Visa

Original invitation letter issued by the immigration office in Russia at the request of the company that is hiring you
The original letter from the organization that is hiring you with its full information on registration in the Russian Federation
Original contract or agreement with host company
HIV test result

4.6 Transit Visa

Original return confirmed ticket with fixed dates
Valid visa for the country of destination

4.7 Humanitarian Visa

Original invitation issued by the immigration office in Russia at the request of a hosting organization

Step 5: Apply In Person At A Russian Consulate / Russian Visa Processing Center

Schedule an appointment if applicable
Pay visa application processing fees
Submit your documents

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

After the stipulated processing time, a notification is issued on your case after the Russian embassy decides on your application.
If a visa is granted, your passport will have a visa sticker.
The sticker contains information pertinent to you, your visa, the period of permitted stay and the inviter.

Step 7: Obtain The Russian Immigration Card

Upon arrival at the Russian port of entry, the border police issue an immigration card.
The card consists of two identical parts, which must be filled in.
The border police keep one part of the card, and the other is given to the traveller.
At the point of exit, this card is to be returned.

Step 8: Register Your Russian Visa

If the intended stay exceeds 7 days, it is imperative to register your visa through either:

1. The hotel of stay

2. The owner of a private house

The registration is to be submitted at a police station or the post office

What Is The Total Cost For Each Type Of Visa?

Below is an exhaustive list containing the latest monetary details of the application process, divided into specific regions.

Country	Type of Visa	Entries	Consular Fee	Urgent Fee
1. Countries of the European Union 2. Iceland 3. Liechtenstein 4. Monaco 5. Norway 6. Switzerland	1. Private visa 2. Study visa 3. Business visa 4. Humanitarian visa 5. Transit visa 6. Tourist visa	Single entry, Double entry, Multiple entry	3,548 RUB	7,095 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
	1. Work visa 2. Study visa	Single entry	85,758 RUB	171,517 RUB
		Double entry	137,255 RUB	274,509 RUB
		Multiple entry	257,377 RUB	514,755 RUB

1. Angola 2. Cambodia 3. India 4. Vietnam	All types of visas	Single entry	38,115 RUB	76,230 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Double entry	114,345 RUB	228,791 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Multiple entry	114, 345 RUB	228,791 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)

China	All types of visas	Single entry	4,764 RUB	3 days: 76,277 RUB1 day: 114,416 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Double entry	9,534 RUB	3 days: 124,052 RUB1 day: 162,090 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Multiple entry	14,302 RUB	3 days: 171,624 RUB1 day: 209,865 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)

Japan	1. Transit visa 2. Tourist visa	Single entry, Double entry	33,249 RUB	–
Japan	1. Private visa 2. Study visa 3. Business visa 4. Humanitarian visa 5. Work visa	Single entry, Double entry, Multiple entry	Free of Charge	8,312 RUB

North Macedonia	All types of visas	Single entry	4,764 RUB	9,529 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Double entry	76,230 RUB	152,460 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Multiple entry	143,032 RUB	285,963 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)

All other countries	All types of visas	Single entry	76,230 RUB	152,460 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Double entry	121,948 RUB	243,997 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
		Multiple entry	228,791 RUB	457,583 RUB (not applicable to Tourist Visa)
	Transit Visa	–	76,230 RUB	152,460 RUB

Conclusion

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of Russia’s visa intricacies, stepping into this vast and culturally rich country should feel like a breeze.

Whether you’re planning to marvel at the architectural wonders of Moscow or explore the historical streets of Saint Petersburg, the right visa is your golden ticket.

Happy exploring!

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