All visitors to Russia must obtain a Russian travel visa. However, you do need to know what kind of visa you need, because there are several different types of visas that permit visitors to enter Russia. The most commonly used Russian visa is a Russian tourist visa. You'll want to be sure to pick the visa that's right for you and carefully prepare all the required documentation so that your visa application will go quickly and smoothly.
A tourist visa is good for visits that will last no more than 30 days. You can either submit an application for a tourist visa in person at any Russian Consulate in the U.S, mail in your application to a local Russian Consulate or use any of the third party visa application companies found via the Internet. You'll find a list of Russian Consulates located in the U.S. by visiting the Russian Consulate web site.
All visa applicants must request a visa invitation, also known as a voucher for tourist visas. This consists of an invitation from a Russian company or Russian citizen. Upon arriving in Russia, this company or individual must register your visa at either your hotel or local registration office. Failing to do this may significantly delay your ability to leave Russia. You can order such an invitation through the link provided on the Russian Consulate web site.
You must have a U.S. passport that will be good for at least 6 months after your arrival in Russia. Be sure your passport has 2 clean, side-by-side empty pages. You'll need to prepare two signed and dated visa application forms, which you can pick up at a local Russian Consulate or download from the Russian Consulate web site.
You'll also need to have three passport photographs taken against a white background. Be sure to write your name on the back of each. Fee payments must be a money order or cashier's check payable to the Russian Consulate. Prices run between $25.00 and $35.00 depending on processing time. However, check with the consulate in your area to verify as prices can differ.
All tourist visa applicants must also include a cover letter. This letter must indicate your name as it appears on your passport, dates of arrival to and departure from Russia, and a list of no more than 6 cities that you'll be visiting and the reference number and index of the receiving organization. The reference number and index will be listed on the "invitation" mentioned above.
Be sure to prepare a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope if you wish to have your visa mailed to you. Only use a registered service such as UPS, FedEx or DHL.
Obtaining a Russian travel visa will take a bit of extra work but you'll find the process will go smoothly if you are prepared and submit all the required documents. Processing takes only 1 - 2 days. Soon you'll have your tourist visa and then can anticipate exploring Russia's unique and fascinating culture.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Russian Travel Visa.
