Passport Health Passports and Visas helps you get your passport and visa fast! Learn more about the visa requirements for your destination.

Do I Need a Visa for Russia?

A valid visa and passport are required for all US citizens who plan to travel to Russia. Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Russia; you must apply for your visa well in advance of your trip to Russia. If you do not have the proper visa for Russia, you will not be permitted to enter the country, you will be required to immediately return to your point of embarkation, and you may be banned from entering Russia for a period of time after the infraction. The only trip purpose that does not require a visa is short term transit by air, but you must be in Russia for less than 24 hours, and you may not exit the airport.

Is A …	A Russia Entry Requirement?
Passport	Yes
Passport Validity	6 months more than intended stay
Blank Passport Pages	Minimum two blank pages
Tourist Visa	Yes
Other Visa Types	See below

Sources: Embassy of the Russian Federation and U.S. State Department

Where Do I Obtain My Visa for Russia?

The Russia visa must be issued by the Russian Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence before you arrive in Russia. US citizens who do not comply with Russian visa requirements and laws face arrest, detention, fines, and deportation, and the number of instances of US citizens being detained in Russia for visa violations has increased recently. It is crucial to have the correct type of visa for your intended activities in Russia, and the government of Russia has given conflicting information on the types of activities that are permitted under various visa categories. As a result, it is highly recommended that you allow a travel document expert to handle the Russia visa application process for you.

What Types of Materials Support My Russia Visa Application?

To apply for a visa for Russia, you will need:

• Valid Passport
• Passport Photos
• Hotel Confirmation
• Visa Support Letter
• Properly Completed Russia Visa Application Form
• Money Order

Depending on the details of your trip to Russia, you may also need:

• Business Introduction Letter
• Parental Letter of Consent
• Birth Certificate
• Adoption Papers

Confused by the document requirements for travel to Russia? Let the experts help! Call for expert advice.

Do Russia Visa Requirements Vary Based on My Family Background?

Former Russian nationals must include a cover letter in their application kit, and former Soviet and Ukrainian citizens are subject to additional requirements as well. These requirements may include providing a copy of the former Soviet or Ukrainian passport and a letter stating the date of immigration to the US, in addition to the other visa application documents.

How Do I Obtain My Visa for Russia?

Call ! We make the complicated Russia visa application process simple, and we handle all details on your behalf. We provide you with a step by step application kit, visa application review service, pre-paid shipping labels, and delivery of your documents to the proper processing location. As soon as your visa is issued, we pick it up and mail it directly back to you.

What Else Do I Need to Do Before Traveling to Russia?

Make sure your US passport will still be valid for 6 months beyond your intended dates of stay in Russia. Double check that your passport has at least two blank pages for the entry stamp. If you need to get your passport renewed, we can help you get a new one in as few as 1-3 business days.

Be sure to prepare your health! Schedule an appointment at the Passport Health travel clinic nearest to you to get all of the immunizations, medications, and specialty travel health supplies you need for a healthy trip to Russia.