TOURIST VISA

The tourist visa invitation is issued to tourists who have booked accommodation in Russia for non-business reason. Tourist visas are issued for a maximum of 30 days. For a tourist visa to Russia you should know where you stay (city, hotel or private accommodation or transit information). We will provide you with visa support invitation to satisfy this requirement, confirming your accommodations/itinerary. You can choose whether to process your invitation instantly or get a 1 day service.

Step 1

Before applying for your Russian Tourist Visa you will first require a Visa Invitation. You can get it within a few minutes for a small fee.

Order tourist invitation

You will need to provide the following information for each person:

• Passport number
• Full name
• Birth date
• Citizenship
• Date of Arrival in Russia
• Date of Departure from Russia
• Place (city, hotel, apartments) where you are going to stay
  
• Your e-mail, phone & fax No

Please have this information to hand before proceeding.

Step 2 

Obtain and fill in a current and valid visa application form on the  web-site.

Please note: This form is not always the most current or valid edition, so you may need to check with a travel agent or with your Russian Consulate by e-mail or phone. Please beware crazy and costly automated phone systems!)

Then visit the website of your nearest Russian Embassy/Consulate Visa Section and check on their requirements for Visa Application as this can differ slightly from country to country. 

Step 3

Decide how you would like to apply for your Visa

Applying in person

An option if you live in or near the city in which the consulate is situated but bare in mind the following: the visa sections are usual only open in the morning until lunch time. It is unlikely that you will get your visa the same day (unless they offer this service which could be expensive) which means you will have to visit them again to pick up your visa when ready.

Applying by post

A good option using recorded delivery post and including a recorded delivery return envelope. Usually takes between 8 and 12 working days but can take longer in peak season, check the consulate web site to see if this service is available and how long it would take.

Applying using a Courier

There will be a number of companies in the city where the consulate is situated who specialize in taking many applications at once and may receive special attention. This works if you need your Visa in more of a hurry. You send your documents to them, they go to the consulate on your behalf and return to the consulate to pick up your visa when ready, and then post it back to you. The added advantage to this service is that they can check all your documents before going to make sure all is in order and will contact you if anything is amiss.

For London in the UK we highly recommend companies called Scotts Tours and Russia House, we have used them many times and never been disappointed.

Tips

Don't worry, its just procedures.

To process the visa usually takes between 8 and 12 working days but can take longer in peak season, check the consulate web site to see if this service is available and how long it would take.

Read and follow what the websites tell you, but don't let them scare you. You've got your accommodation, you've got your invitation, you've filled in the application form, supplied the pictures, if you've included everything they have asked for YOU'LL GET YOUR VISA.

Allow as much time as you can to obtain your visa and if you are pushed for time, pay to get it quicker.

When you arrive in Russia don't forget to register your visa.

And that's just about all there is too it!