Russian Travel Visa Information
A Russian travel visa stamped in a valid passport is required of all US
citizens wanting to enter Russia. This applies to tourist, business,
humanitarian, transit and work/study purposes.
An agreement between the Russian Federation and the United
States of America declares that citizens of the United States shall be
issued multiple-entry business and tourist visas that are valid for 3
years from the date of issue of the visa. The visitor can stay no more
than 6 months for each entry.
Russian Travel Visa Types
There are five types of visas for Russia: Tourist, Transit,
Business, Student, Work, Humanitarian and Private/Home-stay. The most sought-after
are the tourist and business visas.
To enter the Far Eastern Federal District, Kaliningrad Region, Saint
Petersburg and Leningrad Region nationals of some countries can apply
for a single-entry common business (purpose of visit is business),
common tourist (purpose of visit is tourism) and common humanitarian
visa (purposes of visit are sports, cultural, scientific and
technological relations)
e-visa. An e-visa is free of charge.
Visa Requirements
The requirements include, but are not limited to:
- U.S. Passport
- Minimum validity of 6 months beyond the visa expiration date
- and two blank pages;
- One professional 35 mm X 45 mm photo;
- Completed visa application form;
- Payment for fees.
- Invitation to Russia from a host person or organization
Russia Visa Application Form
All Russian visa applications submitted in the United States
must be prepared using the Electronic Visa Application Form. Once you
complete the Electronic Visa Application form online, you need to print
a copy, sign and date it, glue the photo to it and submit this printed
original form, along with all necessary documentation, to the Consular
Division.
Online Russian Travel Visa Application Form
Russia Tourist Visa
Besides the general requirements listed above, you also need to submit the following items to obtain a tourist visa to Russia:
- confirmation of your travel plans from an authorized Russian travel agency or hotel;
- cover letter from your travel agency in the US, including your
name, dates and places of arrival and departure and means of
transportation, itinerary while in Russia and index and reference
number of the receiving organization.
Click here for more information about the Russian tourist visa.
Click here to get your Russian travel visa
Russian Business Visa
Besides the general requirements above, you are required to submit the following for a Russian business visa:
- an official letter of invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry or its regional representatives;
- a cover letter from your company containing information about yourself, destination, terms and purpose of the trip.
The fee is the same as that of a tourist visa.
Click here for more information about the Russian business visa.
Russian Travel Visa Fees
The fees for processing a Russian visa depend on the speed with which you want it done and the number of entries requested.
NOTE: The Russian visa processing fee is not refundable.
Visa Type / Processing Time* | Single Entry | Double Entry
| Multiple Entry | Single Entry Transit | Double Entry Transit |
4-20 Business Days |
$90 |
$144 | $270 |
$90 | $144 |
3 Business Days |
$180 |
$288 | $540 |
$180 | $288 |
*Note: The day of submission/delivery does not count toward processing time.
Russian Travel Visa Courier Service
Expedited service is not available by mail, only in person. If you are
unable to personally visit the embassy or consulate in order to submit
your application, you can employ the services of an expedited visa
courier service.
Expedited visa couriers are registered professionals with
experience in working with consular official to obtain travel documents
quickly. Not only do they hand carry your application form and
supporting document but they also ensure that all your documents are
complete before submission.
We have reviewed many visa expediting services and highly recommend
Travel Visa Pro. They have an A+ rating with the BBB, offer excellent service and include the required invitation from Russia with their fee.
Click here to expedite Russian travel visa
Expedite Your Visa Now!