Russia Visa – Requirements and Application
Do I Need a Visa for Russia?
A passport and tourist visa are both required for entry to Russia. The Russian government follows very strict visa and immigration laws. It’s important to make sure that you have everything you need.
It is recommended US citizens apply for a 3-year, multiple-energy tourist visa regardless of the dates you’re planning on entering and exiting the country.
When applying for a 3-year multiple-entry tourist visa, please indicate a three year period of stay on the visa application form.
Proof of return or onward travel may be required for your visa. It may also be required when entering the country.
See below or contact a Passport Health travel documents specialist about other visa types.
Russia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Russia? | |
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| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Russia Embassy and U.S. State Department
What Do I Need for a Russia Visa Application?
Depending on what Visa you’re applying for, the documents you need may be different. A business visa can require different documents than a travel visa.
The Russian government may change this process at any time and may request additional materials during the visa process, so make sure you are always prepared and up-to-date.
At a minimum, all Russian visas will require: a passport, passport-sized photo, confirmation of reception of the tourist, register number from the Uniform Federal Register of the Tour Operators of the Federal Tourism Agency, proof of travel and a completed application. Minors may be required to have additional items.
The consular also have permission to request the following items: a bank statement from the applicant; a statement from the employer regarding the applicant’s wages for the preceding year/ half year, or month; medical insurance valid in the country to be visited and fully covering the period of the first trip; documents regarding the applicant’s ownership of property in the country of his citizenship; a certificate on the makeup of the applicant’s family.
Each one of these items have specific requirements that must be met. Keep in mind that these requirements can change quickly and may differ based on your specific situation.
Open a tab below to see the different types of documents needed for your particular visa.
Tourist travelers must submit the following with their Russia visa application.
Passport:
- Be valid for six months after your intended stay
- A minimum of two blank pages
- A scanned, color copy of passport bio page
Photograph:
- A recent passport size digital photo
Proof of Travel:
- Confirmation of hotel reservations
- Confirmation of reception of the tourist
Other Documents:
- Visa Support Letter
- Register number from the Uniform Federal Register of the Tour Operators of the Federal Tourism Agency
Minor Form (if traveling with a minor):
- Parental Letter of Consent
In addition to a completed application form, the following items are required:
Passport:
- Be valid for six months after your intended stay
- A minimum of two blank pages
- A scanned, color copy of passport bio page
Photograph:
- A recent passport size digital photo
Proof of Travel:
- Confirmation of hotel reservations
- Confirmation of reception of the tourist
- Written statement from the host organization should have:
- The full name of the host organization, its official address
- Contact information, the surname, first name, patronymic, and position of the person who signed the statement (if the host organization is a legal entity or enterprise, an institution, or their affiliate established in the territory of the Russian Federation – the individual taxpayer number)
- Basic information regarding the visa applicant: the surname, first name, other names, date of birth, citizenship, sex, passport number, multiplicity of the visa, purpose of travel, requested period of entry, location of intended residence of the visa applicant, and the cities to be visited.
Other Documents:
- Visa Support Letter
- Register number from the Uniform Federal Register of the Tour Operators of the Federal Tourism Agency
While other visa types are available, their requirements can vary greatly. Contact us to find out what you may need for your specific trip.
How Can Passport Health Help Me With the Visa Process?
Russian immigration policy can be difficult to navigate and violations could lead to expulsion from the country. Let Passport Health help you travel worry-free with our expert Passport and Visa Services.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Visa for Russia
“I did not know what to expect using their visa service for Russia, but I was pleasantly surprised. I got a lot of useful information and they helped me get everything before I left. I can’t say enough great things about this clinic!”
“Thanks (again!) for a great help in getting a Russia visa. Everything was done in a very professional manner and there was minimal waiting. :)”
“Professional and knowledgeable about all things Russian visa. Thank you!”
“The staff was so nice and extremely informative. They knew all there is to know about Russia visas and what we would need to get one. They put our minds at ease and made the experience completely painless!”
How Much Do Russian Visas Cost?
A U.S. visa for Russia ranges from $80 to $480. The Russian government sets visa fees and can change them at any time.
The money paid for the visa fee does not include service fees levied by the Russian government, cost of postage, processing etc.
Are Any Vaccines Required for Russia?
Russia does not require vaccinations for entry. But, some immunizations are recommended.
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations may be recommended based on your specific itinerary.
To learn more about health concerns for travel to Russia, see our Russia destination advice page.
U.S. Embassy in Russia
Once in Russia, the U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Moscow. There has been some recent changes in U.S. foreign policy so services may be limited. Visit the embassy website for the most up-to-date information.
The information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099
Russian Federation
Phone: +7 (495) 728-5000
Fax: 728-5090
For More Information About Russia…
See Passport Health’s Russia destination advice page with information on safety, climate, and the vaccinations you will need before traveling there. Or, start you visa process by contacting us today!
Do I Need a Visa for Russia?
What Do I Need for a Russia Visa Application?
Russia Tourism Visa Application
Russia Business Visa Application
Other Russia Visa Applications
How Can Passport Health Help Me With the Visa Process?
How Much Do Russia Visas Cost?
Are Any Vaccines Required for Russia?
U.S. Embassy in Russia
For More Information About Russia…
