The Russian government is expected to announce the Visa program restart date by 1 June. Citizens of the specified countries may get a visa for up to six months if they have a hotel reservation.
The countries include: India, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Türkiye and the Philippines.
Russia is a beautiful country. The famous Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral are some of the more well-known landmarks, but there are plenty of other unique attractions you can enjoy. Keep in mind most visitors need a visa to enter Russia. Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter. iVisa.com can make things easier for you by helping you get your invitation letter quickly. All you need to do is apply online and you can have your invitation letter in as little as 1 hour.
Apply now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a visa to visit Russia?
Depending on your nationality you will know if you need a visa or if your country is visa-exempt. Some nationalities can also apply for other types of visas for Russia. You can use our visa checker by clicking here. Just choose your nationality and Russia as your destination and you will be able to review the information. If you do need a visa to enter Russia, you will require an invitation letter before applying.
How long does it take to get a Russian visa??
A Russian visa can be processed in 9 days for standard processing. We also have rush and super rush pricing options available for a higher fee.
How do you go to Russia?
Russia will require a tourist or business invitation letter depending on your nationality. There is also a Kaliningrad eVisa and a Far East (Vladivostock) eVisa. Here is the full list of options:
Tourist Invitation Letter.
Business Invitation Letter.
Kaliningrad eVisa.
Far East (Vladivostok) eVisa.
Please note the information on this blog is about the Tourist Invitation Letter. You can review the information on the other types of visas here. Also, keep in mind that not all nationalities can apply to Kaliningrad and Far East eVisas.
If invitation letter cost is zero, why do I need to pay?
It is a difficult process to obtain an invitation letter and it is a necessary requirement to apply to a Russian visa. To obtain your invitation letter with iVisa.com, you will only need a few minutes of your time and we do the rest. Then, you will be able to obtain your invitation letter in as little as 1 hour! That is why we charge you a small service fee.
What is a Tourist Invitation Letter?
It is a document stating that you are officially invited to Russia by a Russian travel company or a hotel that is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. This document has two parts: A Voucher and a Confirmation of the Admission of a Foreign Tourist. It is necessary to present an Invitation Letter for you to apply for a Russian visa.
What are the documents required to apply?
To apply for an Invitation Letter with eVisa, you will need the following:
Valid passport (at least 6 months after arrival in Russia).
Credit/debit card.
Valid email address.
Arrival and departure date.
Accommodation information.
What are the processing times and prices?
For the processing time of your invitation letter, iVisa offers you three options, and you can choose depending on your needs:
Standard processing – your application is processed within 3 days, and the price is USD $64.49 (service fees included).
(Video) RUSSIA TOURIST VISA 2023 🇷🇺 | STEP BY STEP FULL PROCESS 🇮🇳 🇷🇺Rush processing – you will receive your letter within 36 hours, and the total price of it is USD $116.49 (service fees included).
Super rush processing – this is the fastest option. You will get your Invitation Letter in only 1 hour, and you will be charged USD $179.49 (service fees included).
Click here to start your application.
What is the difference between a Tourist Invitation Letter and a Russian Visa?
The Tourist Invitation Letter is a document that must be presented along with your visa application. It is not an actual visa, but a document that the Russian government requires for you to apply for an actual visa.
Does the Invitation letter guarantee that a visa will be issued?
No, it is merely a document that allows you to apply for the actual visa. The approval of your visa will be at the discretion of the Russian government.
How long does it take to apply for a Russia Tourist Invitation Letter?
Applying online with iVisa.com will take you less than 10 minutes. Then, shortly after we will let you know the status of your application by email.
How can I apply for a Russia Tourist Invitation Letter?
The form consists of two steps:
First, you need to fill in your basic information. You also need to select the type of invitation letter you want and the processing time.
(Video) I GOT MY VISA!!! | How To Apply For A Russian Visa (Tourist and Private)The second step of the application will require you to revise the first step and make the payment. After the payment is processed, you can submit your application and wait for the invitation letter to arrive via email in the timeframe you selected. Do not forget to print it and take it with you to the Russian embassy.
Click here to start. After you are done, you can submit your form and wait for your letter to arrive. In case you need assistance fill in your application, iVisa has a fantastic support service that you can call 24/7.
What happens after I have applied?
Once you submit your form, you will receive an email confirming your application.
Can I travel to Russia with only my invitation, without a visa?
No, it is not possible. You will need a Russian eVisa and the Tourist Invitation Letter allows you to apply for it.
How does the Russia Tourist Invitation Letter look like?
This is how the Russia Tourist Invitation Letter looks like:
What do I need to do after I receive the Invitation Letter?
After you've received your invitation, you need to go to the Russian embassy to have your interview. Before doing so, you need to find out which documents you need. We recommend you give the embassy a call before you go. After the interview, the embassy will issue your Russia visa if approved.
How much does the Russia Tourist Visa Cost?
The Russian tourist visa costs $160.00 which does not include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee. Please Note: There may be cheaper Russia Tourist visas available depending on your nationality. Enter your nationality into the visa checker to see all available visa types.
What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?
If we already submitted your application, then you can NOT make any changes and you will have to apply again but we will NOT charge you another service fee. If this is the case, let us help you by contacting one of our customer representatives.
Is it safe to use iVisa to get my Russia Invitation Letter?
Many people think that information online leaks and that it can get into the wrong hands. However, that is not the case with our services. We provide maximum safety for your personal data, confidentiality, and we invest a lot in the security of our database. Your personal information could not be safer. You can check what hundreds of happy customers say about us here.
I have more unresolved questions, where can I find more info?
Click here and start chatting with one of our customer service representatives if you have specific questions. Alternatively, you can find more info and FAQs here.
FAQs
How to get a Russia tourist visa? ›
Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter. iVisa.com can make things easier for you by helping you get your invitation letter quickly.
Is it difficult to get a Russian tourist visa? ›Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter. iVisa.com can make things easier for you by helping you get your invitation letter quickly.
Can US citizens get a tourist visa to Russia? ›Entry Visas
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
After submitting your visa application, you will get your Russian visa within 3 to 14 days (depending on the fee you pay). Consular Fees: You will need to pay the consular fee and the visa processing fee, which depend on the type of visa, the country where you apply, and your citizenship.
Can I apply for Russian tourist visa online? ›eVisas allow visitors to apply for their Russian visa entirely online in minutes, from anywhere in the world. Passport copies, online application form, and other documents required for the visa can be submitted online.
How much does a Russian visa cost for US citizens? ›Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will now block Russian tourists with EU visas from visiting their country. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland brought in a ban on Russian nationals with tourist visas from entering their countries amid Russia's war in Ukraine.
Is Russia visa on arrival? ›A visa on arrival is not available for the Russian Federation. Eligible foreign citizen can obtain an electronic visa through an online application for a short period of stay in select Russian territories in an easy and comfortable way, without having to apply in person for an embassy visa.
Is there a tourist visa for Russia 2023? ›Beginning March 6, 2023, only nationals of the following 19 countries will be able to obtain a tourist visa valid for six months based on a booking confirmation from a hotel or other accommodation facility in Russia: Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, North Korea ...
Are there flights to Russia from USA? ›There are direct flights from the United States to Russia. Direct flights usually depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Miami International Airport.
How early can I apply for a Russian tourist visa? ›
Submit the invitation, the form, your passport, a passport photograph, and the processing fee (money order or cashier's check only) to the Russian Embassy. Applications are accepted anywhere from 30 to 60 days before departure (figure on two to four weeks for processing from the time your application is received).
What documents do I need for a Russian tourist visa? ›- Application. 1.1 A completed and signed Schengen visa application form. ...
- Travel Documents. 2.1 A passport or other travel document. ...
- Evidence of legal residence. ...
- Photo. ...
- Proof of travel. ...
- Proof of health insurance. ...
- Visa. ...
- Payment.
The Russian Invitation Letter is a requirement if you want to obtain the Russian Tourist or Business Visa. The document comes in A4 format and is evidence that you have been invited to Russia by an accredited Russian travel company or hotel.
What is the easiest visa to get to Russia? ›Russian tourist visa is the cheapest and the easiest visa to get. This type of visa is ideal for a short-term trip to Russia (for up to 30 days). On average, tourist visa can be issued in 10 days and for 50–200 EUR.
How much money required for Russian visa? ›Russia Visa: Apply for Russia Tourist Visa @ Rs. 4,999 for Indian Tourists | Akbar Travels.
Can US citizens get a 3-year visa to Russia? ›Tourist visa period of validity for US citizens
US citizens are eligible for a 3-year multi-entry tourist visa to Russia with an uninterrupted stay up to 180 days in a row. A break between the stays may be as short as one calendar day.
Citizens of visa-free countries do not require visa to enter the Russian Federation, but in most cases duration of their stay in Russia is limited. Visa is required to enter Russia for a longer period. Period of stay not more than 90 days within 180 for non-commercial purposes. Period of stay not more than 90 days.
Why would a Russian visa be denied? ›If the applicant does not have a genuine reason to travel. If there is already an immigration problem in the country the applicant intends to visit. If the applicant is asking for a resident's visa and has no visible means of support. If the applicant has a criminal record.
What countries don't allow Russians? ›Which Countries Are Russian Passport Holders Not Allowed to Enter? Russian passport holders are not allowed to enter Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.
Has Russia suspended visas? ›On 25 Feb. 2022, the European Council adopted measures to partially suspend the facilitation of the issuance of visas with Russia. Diplomats, Russian officials, and businesspersons for the Federation of Russia will no longer be able to benefit from the visa facilitation provisions.
Is it safe to go to Russia right now? ›
Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia.
Can tourists still go to St Petersburg? ›There have been reports of explosions and fires at or near military bases and key infrastructure in Western and Southern Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg. The FCDO advises against travelling to regions adjoining the Ukraine/Russia border or where there are military bases or military activity.
Is St Petersburg open to tourists? ›Travelers can soon get a Russian visa to visit St. Petersburg and the rest of the country. Foreign nationals will be able to apply online for a visa valid across the whole Russian territory. The application process is 100% online with no need to visit a Russian embassy.
How to get 3 year tourist visa to Russia? ›The Russian Federation offers U.S. nationals the opportunity to apply for a three year multiple entry visa. To be eligible for consideration, the traveler must have a passport valid for at least three and a half years beyond date of first entry into Russia with at least two blank pages.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Russia? ›Top tips for finding cheap flights to Russia
High season is considered to be February, March and April. The cheapest month to fly from India is November.
How much does it cost to fly from the United States to Russia? The average price for the plane ticket from the United States to Russia is US$1,837 round trip from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Vnukovo International Airport.
What airlines fly to Russia from us? ›- United Airlines.
- Lufthansa.
- Alitalia.
- Eurowings.
- Delta Airlines.
- Air France.
- Turkish Airlines.
- Finnair.
An invitation for a tourist or business visa online can be arranged in 5 minutes, while a private or work visa invitation will take 30 to 50 days, respectively, to process.
How much is the Russian invitation letter? ›Cost of tourist invitation letter is €9.99. cost of business invitation letter is €41.99.
How can I open visa for Russia from USA? ›- Get the Invitation (Visa Support). This is the first step you should make to get a visa to Russia. ...
- Complete the online application form. ...
- Collect the required documents. ...
- Apply in Person at a Russian Consulate / Russian Visa Processing Center. ...
- Get the immigration card. ...
- Register your visa.
What is the success rate of visa in Russia? ›
However, the students often wonder about getting a hands-on visa to travel to Russia. Well, no worries, as the success ratio of student visa applications to Russia is nearly 100%.
Is bank statement required for Russian tourist visa? ›Bank statements are usually a mandatory requirement by the Schengen embassies/consulates in Russia and cannot be omitted. Your visa is at a higher chance of being rejected if you do not provide your bank statements along with other supporting documents showing that you have sufficient means.
Which country has the toughest visa process? ›- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Western Sahara.
- Somah2a.
- North Korea.
Tourist visa period of validity for US citizens
US citizens are eligible for a 3-year multi-entry tourist visa to Russia with an uninterrupted stay up to 180 days in a row. A break between the stays may be as short as one calendar day.
Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia.
How to get a invitation letter for a tourist visa in Russia? ›Your Russian Invitation will be sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Ministry of the Interior, directly to the embassy or consulate issuing your visa. You will not receive a copy of this document. Your invitation will be stored electronically with the Russian government.
How to buy a Russian invitation letter? ›You can get a Russian tourist visa invitation from visaexpress.com. It is mandatory that a tourist visa invitation letter issued by a travel agency should contain the following: The data on the passport of the foreign person. The travel destinations such as the various cities, in which the foreigner will visit.
How much is it for an invitation letter from Russia? ›Rush processing – your invitation letter is ready within 36 hours, and you must pay USD $116.49. Super Rush processing – you receive your Russian invitation letter in just 36 hours, but you need to pay USD $179.49.