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Every Russia visa is issued by the Russian Consulate in the country of your residence
Russia visa invitations are the documents required to be issued a Russia visaHow to Apply for Visa
Apply for Russian Visa Invitation and VoucherPlease apply for your Russian visa personally at the Russian Consulate located closest to your home. In some cases, applications may be accepted by mail as long as the documents are sent using a recognized express postal courier such as Federal Express and a prepaid return envelope from the same courier service is included in the package. This option is not available at all Russian Consulates. Please check with your local Consulate before proceeding with this method of application. In 2011, the Seattle Consulate was still using this method but we must suggest that you check personally with the Consulate on their website or by telephone. In order to receive a Russian visa invitation please contact a travel agency certified by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RussianConsulate.org currently is working through Express to Russia. Click here to contact them.
Russian invitation (voucher)
Important Notice
Russian visas are issued at the discretion of the Russian Consulate. Russian visas are sometimes refused. The Russian Consulate may invite the applicant in personally for an interview if they feel that this is necessary. The visa issuance and review periods listed on this site and on the websites of the Consulates of the Russian Federation may be changed at the discretion of the Russian Consulate. Russian Consulate fees are non-refundable.
Russian Immigration Cards
Immigration cards are handed out to foreigners entering Russia at all border points. They must be filled out, submitted to the passport control officials at entry point and also submitted to passport control when leaving the country.
The cards have 2 identical sections in which the entrant must fill out personal data, information on the organization that invited them, passport details, visa number, etc. The first section is given to the border control on entry into the country, the second section is given on exit.
The immigration card should be carried at all times along with the guest’s passport
Example of Russian immigration card
Russian Visa Registration
On arrival in Russia, all guests must register with the authorities within 3 business days. Registration may be made by certain hotels or directly at the local offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Sometimes tourism companies can assist in visa registration. Failure to register may result in fines and trouble leaving Russia.
Negligence can result in penalties and fines.
Please note! It is illegal to have 2 valid Russian visas in 1 passport at any given time. One of the Russian visas must be stamped "invalid".
Additional Information
Applicants can apply for and be issued a Russian visa only in the country of the applicant’s citizenship. An exception may be made for applicants who hold a permanent residence document or residence permit in the country in which they are applying that has a duration of 90 days or longer. In rare cases, a Russian visa may be obtained in a country outside of the country in which an applicant holds citizenship at the discretion of the Consulate officers. This most frequently occurs with applicants having urgent official business with the Russian Federation.
Russian business visas now allow guests to reside in Russia only up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
Citizens of Israel, Finland and Shengen Agreement States (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and France) should submit national medical coverage certificate valid for Russia or guarantee of medical coverage from a Russian hosting organization for all period of stay.
Citizens of Estonia must submit to the Russian Consulate medical insurance certificate valid for Russia and covering all period of stay.
Applicants who used to be citizens of the USSR or of the Russian Federation and then emigrated from the USSR or from Russia must submit one of the documents which confirms that they are no longer citizens of the Russian Federation (so called "Visa to Israel" or stamp in their passport saying that they left for "permanent residence abroad" before the 6th of February, 1992 or official document certifying that their Russian citizenship was abrogated), otherwise the applications will not be accepted.
The Russian Consulate reserves the right request an interview of the applicant and ask questions on personal, financial, business, corporate related issues as well as on applicant's Russian contacts and relatives.
Our partners can not only help you with your Russia visa but also arrange accommodation, tours and other travel services when you arrive in Russia