Russia Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Travel to Russia requires a pvalid U.S. passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your stay and a Russian travel visa. There are several visa types depending on purpose of travel, most commonly tourist and business. They can be single or multiple entry, and valid from 1 to 12 months. Expedited courier services are available.

In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.

The government of Russia maintains a restrictive and complex visa regime. Non-compliance can result in arrest, fines, and/or deportation. If your visa expires while you are in Russia, you cannot leave until a new one is approved, which can take up to 20 days.

Visa regulations change often and are not always implemented consistently. Apply early and carefully follow requirements.

Sponsorship

Russia offers seven types of visas: private, tourist, business, humanitarian, work, student, and transit. Tourist, private, business, and humanitarian visas are the most common for U.S. travelers.

Entry Visas

A visa must be obtained in advance from a Russian embassy or consulate. Visas are not available on arrival. Apply well ahead of travel dates.

Visas list entry and exit dates in day/month/year format. You cannot enter before the start date or leave after the end date. Errors must be corrected before travel. Have a Russian speaker check your visa if possible.

Limitations on Length of Stay

Under a 2012 agreement, U.S. citizens may receive multiple-entry visas valid for 3 years or single-entry visas valid for 3 months. You must leave Russia before your visa expires.

Exit Visas

A valid visa is needed to depart Russia. Overstaying, even by one day, requires sponsor intervention and can delay departure by up to 20 days. The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene. Travelers with expired visas may also face difficulties checking into hotels.

Those who lose their passports and visas must obtain a new passport from the U.S. Embassy and a new visa from their sponsor. Photocopies alone are not enough to exit the country.

Migration Cards

All travelers must complete a two-part migration card on arrival. One part is submitted at entry and the other must be kept until departure. Hotels require this card for registration. Replacing a lost card is difficult and can cause issues on future trips.

Visa Registration

Visitors staying more than 3 days must register their visa and migration card through their sponsor. Hotels handle this automatically for guests. Always carry your passport, visa, and migration card as police can request documents at any time.

Transit Visas

Transit visas are required even if you are only changing planes in Russia. Without one, you may be denied entry and returned to your origin point.

Restricted Areas

Russia has closed cities and regions requiring special authorization. Attempting to enter without permission can result in arrest, fines, or deportation. Check with your sponsor or hotel before visiting unfamiliar areas.

Other Important Considerations

Minors: Minors may need documentation proving parental permission to enter/exit. This can help prevent delays or denial of entry.

International Cruise Passengers: Can visit Russian ports without a visa for up to 72 hours if on an organized tour and always accompanied by a licensed guide.

Health Requirements: Some long-term visa applicants may need to test for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or leprosy. Short-term visitors are exempt.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Consular Section, 2641 Tunlaw Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20007, Tel: (202) 939-8907.

Russian consulates are also located in:
Houston: 1333 West Loop South, Ste.1300, Houston, TX 77027, Tel: (713) 337-3300
New York: 9 East 91 St., New York, NY 10128, Tel: (212) 348-0926
San Francisco: 2790 Green St., San Francisco, CA 94123, Tel: (415) 928-6878 / (415) 202-9800
Seattle: 2323 Westin Building, 2001 6th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121, Tel: (206) 728-1910