About Russian Visas

All foreigners (except citizens of some former Soviet republics) visiting Russia need a Russian visa to enter the country. In order to receive one, travelers need a Russian visa invitation from a Russian citizen or a company, which is then taken to a Russian embassy or Russian consulate, where the actual Russian visa is issued. Within three working days of arrival in Russia, the Russian visa needs to be registered by the person/organization that issued the invitation. If you do not register your visa in time, you may have trouble leaving the country.

Prices for processing Russian visas vary according to the applicant's citizenship and the embassy/consulate applied to.

There are six types of Russian visas, but most travelers get one of three kinds:

Tourist Visas

Russian tourist visas are best for short visits. To apply you must submit your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia). See Russian Visa Requirements or Apply for tourist visa.

Business Visas

In order to receive a Russian business visa you need an invitation from a Russian firm, which can usually be arranged through a visa agency. For further information see Russian Visa Requirements or Apply for business visa.

Student Visas

Student visas are a great deal; they're flexible, lengthy, and entitle you to Russian prices for trains, planes, the theater, and a host of other services. To receive one, you must prove enrollment at a Russian institution. If you are planning to enroll in a Russian university, the school authorities will help you arrange the visa. See Russian Visa Requirements.

Other Visas

Other types of visas include Transit Visas, On-the-Spot Visas, and Diplomatic Visas. Transit visas can be a cheap option for travelers headed for China or Central Asia, but it is often hard to make it in and out of the country in your allotted window of time. On-the-Spot Visas are dubious, not universally available, and very expensive. Diplomatic visas have a narrow range of applicability.

Immigration Cards

Immigration cards -- which foreigners are must fill out and submit for a stamp upon entry into Russia -- have been available at all border points since mid February 2003.

The immigration cards are part of a raft of measures connected to the law on foreigners, which was introduced in November 2002 before many of its related rules and regulations were issued.

Officials have repeatedly stated that the aim of the law is to track illegal migrants from other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, whose citizens can travel to Russia without visas. Citizens of Belarus, which has a union agreement with Russia, are not required to obtain cards.

The card has two identical sections. The holder's name, age, sex and purpose of stay are recorded on both parts; one half stays at the point of issue, and the other is given up when the holder leaves the country.

The immigration card should be carried at all times with your passport.

The newly-introduced immigration card must be filled out upon entry into Russia.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is required for the citizens of Israel and Finland and Estonia, as well as for the citizens of Schengen Agreement Member States (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain). Medical insurance is not required for US citizens.

Russian Visas for Children

Children require separate visas if they travel on their own passports. Non-traveling parents must confirm in an affidavit their consent for their children's travel. If the child's surname differs from that of his (her) parents, a copy of the child's birth certificate must be enclosed.