If a citizen of the European Union, the United States or any other foreign country wants to visit the Russian Federation, then he needs a Russian visa.
There are several types of visas. What kind of visa a foreigner needs to apply for depends on the purpose of his trip.
Obtaining a visa is basically the same process. However, you should understand that some types of visas are more difficult to obtain, while others are very simple. The most difficult type of visa is the private one, as it creates the most problems for the inviter. A very good article on this was written on the website GoingRus.com: why a private visa is not profitable. The easiest way to overcome formalities is to obtain a tourist visa to Russia.
By the way, we recommend the online service GoingRus.com. On this site it is possible to obtain the entire package of documents that are required for submission to the Russian consulate. The package of documents includes: an invitation to Russia, insurance. Use the following form to receive the entire package of documents online, or go to the online service website
Entry ban into Russia for foreign citizens from March 18, 2021 due to coronavirus
Russia has introduced a restriction and ban on entry for all foreigners and stateless persons into its territory from March 18 to May 1, 2020 due to the emergency situation and the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This was announced by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the official website of the Russian government.
Russia has closed all borders. Entry restrictions also apply to all citizens of Belarus, Ukraine, other CIS countries and foreigners traveling across the border of Russia and Belarus.
The exceptions are foreign persons:
- having the official right to permanently reside in the territory of the Russian Federation,
- international truck drivers,
- transit passengers who fly through airports to another country,
- persons traveling to funerals,
- aircraft and ship crews, international train crews,
- employees of diplomatic and consular institutions.
The Prime Minister said that the closure of borders and the ban on entry into the Russian Federation is temporary and is related to WHO recommendations in connection with the acute situation due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Near abroad: which countries can enter Russia without a visa?
As you know, residents of the CIS member states and neighboring countries do not need to apply for a visa in order to come to Russia. If we talk about a long stay (more than 90 days), then in this case it is necessary to obtain a permit according to the basis, for example, a work permit or a patent. Countries with visa-free entry into the Russian Federation include:
- South Ossetia,
- Abkhazia,
- Armenia,
- Ukraine,
- Uzbekistan,
- Azerbaijan,
- Tajikistan,
- Belarus,
- Kyrgyzstan,
- Moldova,
- Kazakhstan.
Since 2015, foreigners must have a strictly foreign passport to enter Russia. If we talk about an internal identity card, it allows only those citizens whose countries are members of the Customs Union, which includes Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, to be on the territory of the Russian Federation. Ukraine was no exception, whose residents can also enter the Russian Federation according to the old rules - on the basis of an internal passport. The issue of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians is relevant and controversial, so various bills are now being proposed to complicate the process of their entry into the Russian Federation.
general information
Of all the existing types of visas, it is necessary to highlight the main four:
- Guest room.
- Business.
- Working.
- Tourist.
If a foreigner arrives in Russia for a short period of time, he will need a guest visa to Russia. Its receipt is possible only on the basis of an invitation from a Russian.
Visa to Russia
If a citizen of another country wants to visit a Russian resort, or look at historical sights, he needs a Russian tourist visa.
On a visit to Russia
The visitor visa is deservedly popular. This type of visa is in turn divided into several types.
Each type of visa document not only gives a citizen of the European Union certain rights, but also implies the presence of certain restrictions. So, if a foreign citizen wants not only to visit his friends or relatives, but also to travel around Russia, he needs a tourist visa. A private visa to Russia will not give him such opportunities.
Validity period of the visa document
Today, the validity of a guest visa document is limited to only 90 days. A person has the right to use this visa for a year from the very moment of receipt.
It is important to know what restrictions on entry into the Russian Federation this visa allows. According to existing legislation, this visa can be single or double entry. That is, a foreigner will be able to enter Russia only 1 or 2 times during the year.
Sample of a single-entry tourist visa to the Russian Federation
The processing time for an application can be up to 90 working days. If a decision on the issue of obtaining a private visa has not been made, the applicant has the right to demand immediate approval of the application. If this does not happen, the person can appeal to a higher authority.
First steps
The receiving party begins preparations for obtaining a private visa. First, a Russian citizen awaiting the arrival of a foreign guest undertakes to arrange an invitation to Russia.
To do this, he needs to contact the territorial department of the Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Employees of this body will tell you what documents need to be prepared for an invitation to Russia.
The standard list of documents includes:
- a high-quality photocopy of the host’s passport;
- a high-quality photocopy of the invited person’s foreign passport;
- letter of guarantee;
- certificate from the official place of employment.
When issuing an invitation, it is important to prepare for a comprehensive check by migration service employees. The receiving party must meet certain criteria.
Thus, a Russian citizen applying for the arrival of a foreign citizen must be an adult. In addition, he must confirm the legality of his residence in Russia.
The size of the living space also matters. Migration service employees must make sure that the Russian can provide accommodation for his guest. The invitation must indicate the passport number of the foreign person. You are also required to provide your phone number.
Important information about visitor visa
According to existing legislation, the place of residence of a foreign person is the apartment or house of the host party. Otherwise, this moment will be defined as a violation of the procedure for a foreigner’s stay in Russia. Against this background, both parties are obliged to pay a fine. The employees of the relevant authority will tell you exactly how much you will have to pay.
Sometimes foreign citizens wishing to visit Russia face refusal. Most often this happens due to the fact that diplomatic employees. the institution was not satisfied with this or that document. The most common reason for refusal in this case is the validity of the foreign passport. If the passport turns out to be invalid before the expiration of the invitation, a visa may be refused.
Types of visa
The entry document is classified according to several characteristics: the number of border crossings (multiple, single), validity period (for example, 3, 30, 90, 180 days), purpose of the trip. It is the purpose of the trip that determines the type and name of the visa. There are 6 types in total.
Tourist visa
It is the most common type of document. A tourist visa to Russia is needed by travelers who come to get acquainted with the local culture and history, on vacation, and on excursions.
Tourist visa to the Russian Federation
It opens for up to 30 days. This time is quite enough to visit major cultural and historical sites, get acquainted with local cuisine, customs and traditions. Many tourists come to Russia for a specific purpose, for example, to visit the Bolshoi and Maly theaters, or a music festival. The latter are especially often held in the summer. And the brightest of them are concentrated in Kuban, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Travelers often come to Russia for health improvement and beach holidays.
The Krasnodar region is filled with such resorts. Here you can engage in active sports, as well as try yourself as a green tourist and admire the beauty of nature.
A tourist visa can also be used for other purposes of travel, for example tourism can be combined with a business visit. If your plans are to participate in business negotiations or a conference or exhibition (without transporting additional equipment), this type of permit is quite suitable for entering the territory of the Russian Federation.
The undoubted convenience is that obtaining this type of visa to Russia will not be difficult.
How to apply for a visa
First of all, you will need to receive a tourist invitation from the receiving party, then collect the necessary package of documents and apply with them to the Russian Consulate in your country, visa center or travel agency.
If you choose the latter option, the document can be processed much faster than through a consulate or center, however, the cost of the service will be much higher. The processing time for a tourist visa to Russia can take from 1 to 2 weeks - it all depends on the specific consulate. In exceptional cases, the period for issuing a visa may be reduced to 1-2 days; the decision to reduce the period is made personally by the consul.
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York
There are two types of tourist visa to Russia:
- Single entry (allows you to enter and leave once within the established time frame);
- Double entry (allows you to enter and leave twice at the same time).
An important fact should be taken into account: if the duration of the trip exceeds 2 weeks, additional documents may be required: a detailed travel itinerary, confirmation of hotel payment for the entire stay in the Russian Federation.
Tourist invitation
A tourist invitation to Russia is a document issued on a special form of the tour operator with a stamp and signature. The invitation consists of two parts:
- Confirmation of admission of a foreign tourist;
- Voucher from a Russian travel company.
Confirmation of acceptance of a foreigner and tourist voucher
To issue an invitation to a Russian travel company, you need to provide a couple of documents:
- A copy of the passport pages with personal data and photos;
- Application form for issuing a tourist invitation for foreigners.
The invitation to apply for a tourist visa to Russia in 2021 should be accompanied by a standard package of documents:
- 2 color photos,
- A completed application form,
- internal passport,
- receipt of payment of the visa fee,
- You may also need medical insurance, ticket and hotel reservations, and proof of solvency.
Within 7 days, a foreigner must register a tourist visa (register with migration authorities). This can be done at the territorial point of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs at the entrance to the hotel or at the travel agency where the voucher was issued. If you violate the registration rules, problems may arise with the Migration Service.
Example of filling out a migration card
A question of cost
From February 3, 2021, the Russian Foreign Ministry introduced a unified tariff system for issuing Russian visas. A single entry permit now costs 80 US dollars, a double entry permit costs 128 US dollars, and a multiple entry permit costs 240 US dollars. For an urgent visa, you need to pay 2 times more. In addition, prices for citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Japan and China do not change and remain the same as they were when the agreements were concluded.
To issue a tourist invitation to Russia, you will need to pay from 600 to 800 rubles, depending on the duration of the trip (14 or 30 days).
Business visa
A business visa to Russia is issued for entrepreneurs who want to open or buy a business in the Russian Federation, who visit the country in order to find new partners and expand the supply market.
Example of a business visa to the Russian Federation
Work Visa
A work visa to Russia is most often issued by residents of nearby countries. A large number of Ukrainians, Belarusians, and residents of Kazakhstan legally work on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Russia often exchanges qualified personnel with China, Brazil and other countries that are members of the BRICS association.
A work visa to Russia is issued for 1 or 3 years. To receive it, you must provide the visa center with an invitation from an employer officially registered in the Russian Federation, a foreign passport, a completed application form and four photos.
Example of a business invitation to the Russian Federation
If we are talking about the employment of qualified personnel, then you will also need a copy of your education diploma, a translation of your diploma and a passport. Only specialists can obtain a visa valid for 3 years. But the document is issued only on the condition that the worker will receive a salary of at least 2 million Russian rubles per year.
Usually, all the subtleties of registration are handled by the employing company.
There are private intermediary firms that offer their services. The price of services can be completely different, since no standards are established for this area of activity.
Transit visa
A transit visa to Russia is the shortest. This document is required for foreigners to visit a third country when crossing the borders of the Russian Federation. This visa is issued for a period of up to 3 days. In some cases, it can be issued at the border checkpoint. Also sometimes you need to extend your visa.
Sheremetyevo airport
It depends on how long the foreigner needs to wait for his transport. So, if the flight is delayed, then you need to contact the migration service officer so that the visa is not overdue. Usually there are no difficulties in resolving this issue. It is enough to provide tickets and a visa.
Visitor visa
A private or visitor visa is issued upon an invitation to Russia from a citizen of the Russian Federation. Most often, this type of document is needed by the Russian’s relatives, friends or close acquaintances. For example, a bride who is a citizen of another country must obtain a private visa to come to Russia for the purpose of marriage.
A private visa is also required to visit burial sites of relatives. In this case, you need to submit an application to the consulate, then an invitation from a private person will not be needed.
Typically, a visitor visa is issued for a period of 30 days. In rare cases, it can be extended, for example, to undergo a course of treatment or rehabilitation in the Russian Federation.
student visa
There are many student programs. In 2015, many Russian universities entered into agreements with foreign educational institutions on student exchange. Thus, you can enroll in Russia through an exchange program or on your own. In any case, you will need a visa. Usually the university itself deals with these issues, and it also extends the visa if necessary.
Foreign students in Russia
Student visas are usually multiple-entry and allow foreigners to leave and enter the country an unlimited number of times. Most often, Ukrainians and Belarusians come to study, since these students are fluent in Russian and have no problems with adaptation. And tuition prices are almost identical to the cost of education in your home country.
It is worth noting that adults and children aged 6 years and older need to obtain a visa. Until the child reaches the age of six, a visa is not required; his name is simply entered in the parents’ foreign passport.
In past years, many new rules regarding crossing Russian borders have been introduced. Thus, sanctions were introduced that prohibit the import of certain types of products into Russian territory. This applies to large quantities intended for business activities.
Also, the 2015 sanctions froze the activities of several foreign banks, and, accordingly, the accounts of entrepreneurs. These changes led to a decrease in investment flow, but today the situation has stabilized. And the innovations of 2021 do not create any inconvenience either in the issue of obtaining a visa to Russia for US citizens or in the employment of Ukrainians.
Note to entrepreneurs
Foreigners who have their own business in Russia must obtain a business visa.
Today, a business visa to Russia is also suitable for those foreign citizens who simply want to stay longer in Russia or have the opportunity to visit this state multiple times.
Example of a business visa to Russia
Subtleties of design
The process of obtaining a business visa cannot be called simple. A foreign person will be able to obtain a business visa after completing three main stages.
Stage one
At the first stage, a business invitation to Russia is issued. Based on this document, a foreign person is issued a business visa. An invitation for a business visa is issued in the form of a form or telex. If the receiving party expects the arrival of a guest from a migration-risk state, then the invitation is sent in the original.
Sample business invitation to Russia
Otherwise, the invitation document is sent by email. The telex number and the date when the invitation document arrives at the consulate of the invited person will be additionally communicated to the Russian citizen. To avoid trouble, the telex number must be remembered or saved.
If a foreign person planning to visit the Russian Federation is unable to obtain a business visa in a timely manner, the telex will be sent again. The number is again communicated to the receiving party.
You can also issue an invitation for your business partner online. To do this, the receiving party undertakes to fill out a special form.
Stage two
If a foreign person is interested in obtaining a multiple-entry visa document, then it is necessary to obtain a medical certificate in advance.
A business visa is issued at a foreign diplomatic institution of the Russian Federation. Having an invitation document from a citizen of the Russian Federation in hand, a foreigner must do the following:
- draw up the necessary documents (the list must be clarified with diplomats);
- come to the diplomatic department any weekday. institutions;
- get a business visa.
To obtain a business visa, you must take a high-quality photo. The size of the photo and the number of photos must be clarified in advance.
Stage three
After crossing the border of the Russian Federation on a business visa, a foreign person undertakes to go through the registration process. This is relevant for anyone who plans to stay on the territory of the Russian Federation for longer than 3 days. Registration must be completed within 3 calendar days.
Sample registration form at the place of stay
Upon completion of registration, the foreign citizen is given a tear-off form with a number. It must be kept for the duration of the business trip.
Validity period and cost of registration
The approximate cost of a business invitation for European powers, Canada and the USA at the Russian visa center is as follows:
- 1-time entry (validity period varies from 30 to 90 days) – 5.0 – 7.8 thousand rubles.
- 2-time entry (validity period is similar to 1-time entry) – 3.5 – 8.4 thousand rubles.
- Multiple entry (validity period varies from 90 days to 12 months) – 4.6 – 11.5 thousand rubles.
The approximate cost of a business invitation for countries officially recognized as a migration risk is as follows:
- Single entry – 8.5 – 9.0 thousand rubles.
- Double entry – 9.5 – 10.0 thousand rubles.
- Multiple entry – 13.5 – 14.0 thousand rubles.
Despite the very difficult political situation, countries such as Libya and Nigeria stand apart. The approximate cost of a business invitation there is as follows:
- Single entry – 13.5 – 14.5 thousand rubles.
- Double entry – 14.0 – 15.0 thousand rubles.
- Multiple entry – 25.0 – 26.0 thousand rubles.
The cost of doing it yourself is slightly lower. But the risk of being rejected is higher.
Invitation for a visa to Russia
For almost all types of permits to visit Russia, you must first issue an invitation.
Receipt cost
| Visa type | Service price | ||
| For single and double visits up to 30 days | 5.0 thousand rub. | ||
| Multiple | |||
| Up to 90 days | Up to 180 days | 3.8 thousand rubles. | 5.0 thousand rub. |
| Electronic invitation | For all types of visas + 1 thousand rubles. | ||
The document will be issued on the letterhead of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation
What tourists need to remember
Obtaining a tourist visa is the easiest way to visit the Russian Federation. The basis for purchasing a tourist visa is a tour voucher and a hotel room reservation.
Example of a travel voucher and hotel room reservation
A tourist visa is issued for the diplomatic mission. establishment of the Russian Federation abroad. There is rarely a long wait for registration. Citizens of other countries almost never encounter refusals to obtain this type of visa.
To obtain a tourist visa, a foreigner must have with him:
- international passport;
- a high-quality photocopy of the voucher;
- health insurance;
- high-quality photo (what the photo should be like needs to be clarified in advance);
- credit card statement.
The validity period of this type of visa is 21 days. Extension of the validity period is currently not provided.
To work in Russia
Many foreign citizens strive to come to the Russian Federation not only to admire the magnificent views of nature or visit relatives.
Some Europeans and Americans are seriously interested in finding employment in the Russian Federation. To do this they need a work visa.
Example of a work visa to the Russian Federation
What certificates must be provided?
Getting a work visa to Russia is not difficult. The issue takes place at the consulate. Today, citizens of many countries can obtain this type of visa in a simplified manner.
Like any other visa document, a work visa is based on a special invitation from a Russian citizen.
The main list of documents for a work visa includes:
- photocopy of the foreign passport (first page);
- photocopy of diploma;
- four high-quality photos (you should check with the consulate about which photo you need to take).
What other documents are required to obtain a visa to Russia should also be clarified in advance.
The Russian employer must understand that he and his company are responsible for the foreigner. The main responsibility of a Russian is to provide decent working conditions to a foreign employee. The Russian employer also undertakes to provide the foreigner with housing. When a foreigner arrives in Russia, all the hassle associated with his registration also falls on the shoulders of the receiving party.
Actual information
In order for a foreign specialist to have the opportunity to visit the Russian Federation, the receiving party undertakes to take several important steps. Thus, it is necessary to present a professionally made, official translation of a foreign citizen’s diploma and his passport. The translation must be notarized.
Example of translation of a Moldovan passport and its notarization
It is also important to remember that before issuing an invitation, the Russian undertakes to issue a work permit to the foreigner.
The validity period of a work visa varies from 1 year to 3 years. This allows a foreign citizen to work calmly without leaving the host country.
If a foreigner needs to travel outside of Russia, he can freely do this many times.
Features of the visa-free regime for Brazilian citizens in Russia
For Brazilians, the most loyal rules for crossing the Russian border apply. An important limitation is that you can stay in the country without leaving for 90 days out of every 180 days. Also, with visa-free entry using a foreign passport, a Brazilian citizen does not have the right to employment and business contacts. To enter you will need the following:
- know the purpose of your visit and be prepared to explain the route;
- present at the control a foreign passport with sufficient validity;
- not violate the legislation of the Russian Federation, including all internal rules for foreigners;
- avoid violating migration rules for citizens of a particular country.
Please note that the Russian side reserves the right to refuse entry to any person with a Brazilian passport. This measure is due to the need to protect the security of the country. Therefore, if there are previous deportations and repeated violations of laws, entry may be denied.
If your visa document is expired
Sometimes foreign citizens find themselves in a difficult situation. As a result, their visa expires. This can happen for various reasons. Some are defined by law as respectful. If a foreigner's visa is overstayed due to force majeure due to serious illness or serious injury, no penalties will be imposed.
If a foreigner realizes that his visa has expired, he needs to contact the appropriate department of the Main Directorate for Migration and Migration as soon as possible.
It may also happen that a foreign citizen with an expired visa will have to worry about obtaining a new visa document. In the worst case, a foreigner will face deportation and a subsequent ban on visiting Russia.
It is possible to prevent this unpleasant situation from occurring. To do this, you must promptly contact the Federal Migration Service and apply for an extension of your Russian visa. But the visa is not always extended.
Electronic visa to the Russian Federation
From August 1, 2021, foreigners have the opportunity to obtain an electronic visa to Russia. You can only get it for a trip for tourism purposes, for a business visit (for a period not exceeding 30 days) and a humanitarian mission. In all other cases, you need a classic visa issued by a consulate or embassy.
Today, citizens of other countries can enter the territory of the Russian Federation with an electronic permit through 6 airports:
- Anadyr (Ugolny);
- Blagoveshchensk;
- Vladivostok (Knevichi);
- Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Elizovo);
- Khabarovsk (Novy);
- Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Khomutovo).
Electronic visas are the most popular among residents of China.
In the near future, air gates in the cities of Yakutsk and Magadan will also accept foreigners with electronic visas.
