Visas for Russia
Nearly everyone needs a visa to enter Russia, no matter the purpose, the duration of the stay, nor the degree of celebrity 
status. Furthermore, the nation’s visa protocol is complicated, expensive and, for many people, the cause of much stress.
No visas are granted at Russian border points, it’s absolutely necessary to apply in advance.
Do note that Russian police officers do not need reasonable cause to stop expats and request proof of their identity and the documents that give them the right to be in Russia. For this reason, it’s important to carry your passport, your visa and, for tourists, your migration card at all times. Those who don’t may find themselves the victims of fines and even possible arrest.
Foreign citizens travelling to Russia for a tourism visit must first obtain a tourist visa. Though this can be a quick process, it’s
still best to allow at least a month before travel to complete this application and to receive approval.
First and foremost, potential tourists will need to secure an original visa support letter, this is a document that can be granted by a Russian travel agency, a hotel or hostel (in some cases), or by a formal entity recognised by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is a minimal fee attached to this, and once paid for, applicants will receive the support letter by email, fax or by post.
Applicants can then apply for the tourist visa at the Russian embassy or consulate in their home country by submitting the appropriate documents.
Document required for tourist visa application
If approved, you will be granted an entry and an exit visa. If you overstay your visa and try to leave more than three days after the date listed on your exit visa, the Russian authorities will make you stay in the country until a new visa has been applied for and approved. This can take up to 20 days, and is not a pleasant waiting experience.
Once you enter Russia, you will also need to fill out a migration card; often times these are distributed on the airplane prior to arrival. One half of the completed card is given to authorities when you enter the country, and the other half you must keep and return when you exit the country.
Migration cards may also be requested by your accommodation, and by police officers.
Though a lost migration card will not deter you from leaving the country, it may present problems if you ever wish to return to Russia.
Once you arrive in Russia, it’s mandatory that you register your visa within seven working days after your arrival. Prior to March 2011, visitors only had three working days to register their visa.
Most of the time, your accommodation (hotel, guest house or hostel) will assume this responsibility; however; if staying with friends or if renting a holiday apartment, then you will need to have the landlord register your visa at the local police office or at the local post office.
You do not need to be present for this process, but you must make sure that the responsible party gets the appropriate stamp on your migration card as proof.
Russian business visas are similar to Russian tourist visas, only, they can be used to enter and exit the country multiple times, and they can cover longer periods. Thus, tourists anticipating staying large chunks of time or those who make frequent trips to Russia will want to pursue this kind of visa.
Business visas entitle expats to 90-stays within a six month period of time.
These visas are slightly more expensive than tourist visas, but generally demand the same application and approval process.
As with a tourist visa, it’s necessary to obtain a visa invitation letter prior to applying for the business visa. These letters are usually organised by the company with which you have business, but can also be granted by a travel agency or an entity registered with the Federal Migration Department (UFMS).
Once you receive this letter via email, fax or post, you can apply at your home country’s Russian consulate or embassy.
Document required for business visa application
Student visas are granted to those who have been accepted for enrolment by a formal education institution in Russia. These bodies have special departments that are familiar with the visa application process, and will take care of the logistics of organising you a visa letter of support.
Once you have this, you can apply at your home country Russian consulate or embassy with the same documents required to get a business or tourist visa.
Student visas last the duration of your study period. You cannot legally work on a student visa in Russia.
In light of the ease of getting a tourist visa or business visa, there’s really little need for anyone ever to apply for a private visa. In short, these visas are granted to those visiting Russia based on the personal invitation of a friend.
The friend must jump through a number of bureaucratic hoops to get a personal invitation certificate, which they can then send to you, so you can appropriately apply.
status. Furthermore, the nation’s visa protocol is complicated, expensive and, for many people, the cause of much stress.No visas are granted at Russian border points, it’s absolutely necessary to apply in advance.
Do note that Russian police officers do not need reasonable cause to stop expats and request proof of their identity and the documents that give them the right to be in Russia. For this reason, it’s important to carry your passport, your visa and, for tourists, your migration card at all times. Those who don’t may find themselves the victims of fines and even possible arrest.
Tourist visas for Russia
Foreign citizens travelling to Russia for a tourism visit must first obtain a tourist visa. Though this can be a quick process, it’s
still best to allow at least a month before travel to complete this application and to receive approval.First and foremost, potential tourists will need to secure an original visa support letter, this is a document that can be granted by a Russian travel agency, a hotel or hostel (in some cases), or by a formal entity recognised by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is a minimal fee attached to this, and once paid for, applicants will receive the support letter by email, fax or by post.
Applicants can then apply for the tourist visa at the Russian embassy or consulate in their home country by submitting the appropriate documents.
Document required for tourist visa application
- a passport
- a completed visa application form with one photograph;
- one photograph (30x40 mm);
- visa support letter (a copy or the original – varies among consulates)
- a medical insurance policy, unless otherwise provided for by international agreements of the Russian Federation;
- an additional certificate proving that the applicant does not have HIV (AIDS), in case the foreign national applies for a visa for a term exceeding three months.
If approved, you will be granted an entry and an exit visa. If you overstay your visa and try to leave more than three days after the date listed on your exit visa, the Russian authorities will make you stay in the country until a new visa has been applied for and approved. This can take up to 20 days, and is not a pleasant waiting experience.
Migration card
Once you enter Russia, you will also need to fill out a migration card; often times these are distributed on the airplane prior to arrival. One half of the completed card is given to authorities when you enter the country, and the other half you must keep and return when you exit the country.
Migration cards may also be requested by your accommodation, and by police officers.
Though a lost migration card will not deter you from leaving the country, it may present problems if you ever wish to return to Russia.
Registration
Once you arrive in Russia, it’s mandatory that you register your visa within seven working days after your arrival. Prior to March 2011, visitors only had three working days to register their visa.
Most of the time, your accommodation (hotel, guest house or hostel) will assume this responsibility; however; if staying with friends or if renting a holiday apartment, then you will need to have the landlord register your visa at the local police office or at the local post office.
You do not need to be present for this process, but you must make sure that the responsible party gets the appropriate stamp on your migration card as proof.
Russian business visas
Russian business visas are similar to Russian tourist visas, only, they can be used to enter and exit the country multiple times, and they can cover longer periods. Thus, tourists anticipating staying large chunks of time or those who make frequent trips to Russia will want to pursue this kind of visa.
Business visas entitle expats to 90-stays within a six month period of time.
These visas are slightly more expensive than tourist visas, but generally demand the same application and approval process.
As with a tourist visa, it’s necessary to obtain a visa invitation letter prior to applying for the business visa. These letters are usually organised by the company with which you have business, but can also be granted by a travel agency or an entity registered with the Federal Migration Department (UFMS).
Once you receive this letter via email, fax or post, you can apply at your home country’s Russian consulate or embassy.
Document required for business visa application
- a passport
- a completed visa application form with one photograph;
- one photograph (30x40 mm);
- visa support letter (the original letter must be supplied for multi-entry visas, copies will suffice for single or double entry visas)
- a medical insurance policy, unless otherwise provided for by international agreements of the Russian Federation;
- an additional certificate proving that the applicant does not have HIV (AIDS), in case the foreign national applies for a visa for a term exceeding three months.
Student visas for Russia
Student visas are granted to those who have been accepted for enrolment by a formal education institution in Russia. These bodies have special departments that are familiar with the visa application process, and will take care of the logistics of organising you a visa letter of support.
Once you have this, you can apply at your home country Russian consulate or embassy with the same documents required to get a business or tourist visa.
Student visas last the duration of your study period. You cannot legally work on a student visa in Russia.
Private (personal) visas for Russia
In light of the ease of getting a tourist visa or business visa, there’s really little need for anyone ever to apply for a private visa. In short, these visas are granted to those visiting Russia based on the personal invitation of a friend.
The friend must jump through a number of bureaucratic hoops to get a personal invitation certificate, which they can then send to you, so you can appropriately apply.
