Most of the foreign nationals, with the few exceptions, who whish to travel to Russia on any purpose - need an entry clearance or simple visa. And all Russian visas require an invitation (aka Visa Support Letter) from Russia.
Before you may apply for Russian Visa you have to obtain a Support Letter from Russian Company – if you travel on business or from the travel agent – if you are visiting.
There are two types of invitations. First type is the Hard Copy invitation printed on a sealed paper and issued by the Russian Foreign Office (MID) and the second type – telex.
Telex is the set of numbers which you have to remember and put on your application form for the Russian visa authorities to process your visa promptly. Generally speaking telex is just a code used to allocate you in the Embassy. Visa can not be processed without invitations and unfortunately there are no exceptions.
Before your application will be accepted by the Russian Consulate you need an Invitation.
Of course you can do it yourself via Russian Consulate in the place you live however it will take longer and more paperwork needed but the price will be the same. If you want to save your time and avoid hassle just ask professionals or simply request one.
We will do our best to get you one.
So when you get a Visa Invitation for the visa, go to the Russian consulate with the Visa Invitation on hand and Russian Visa application form. You can also have a local agent do all this for you. Be careful, however, because some agents and hotels "lock" people into a fixed itinerary or limit their visa validity to the period they're staying at the particular hotel.
So once again work with professionals.
Use our step-by-step guide below to get your Russian visa online. It is designed for independent travelers who want to have a flexible itinerary and be free of any hotel commitments. We also provide some insider's info on the Russian consulates, so that you know how to increase your chances of getting the visa.
Step 1: Get a Visa Invitation First, you need an invitation (aka visa support letter) to apply for a Russian visa. You can get it online.
There are few common details about the visa processing time and periods of visa validity.
Option 1: Tourist Voucher
- Period of stay: 1 to 30 days
- Entries: Single- or Double entry
- Flexibility: Hotel reservations required.
- Processing time: 1 to 24 hours
- Comprises: Fax or e-mail (scanned) copy of the Reservation confirmation and the Tourist voucher (usually a copy is sufficient to get the visa)
These are all the documents needed to get a Russian visa. Originals can be sent by post if required by the consulate.
- Price: $40 (24 hours processing) $50 (urgent processing)
Option 2: Business Visa Support Letter (Invitation)
- Period of stay: 1 day to 12 months
- Entries: Single, Double or Multiple entries
- Flexibility: No hotel reservations, no business in Russia required
- Processing time: 1 to 18 business days
- Comprises: Fax or telex of the official invitation from Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, itinerary & cover letter (upon request). Originals can be sent by post.
- Price: $80 to $250
If you're not sure which type of visa you need, just ask us.
Step 2: Prepare the Documents
Once you have your invitation (Russian visa support), you need to prepare the following documents to apply for your Russian visa:
- Your Passport (Should be valid at least 3 months after your Russian visa expire and contain at least one clear page - for the visa sticker)
- Passport-size Photograph (2 pcs Should be recent and good quality)
- Visa Application Form (Available at the Russian consulate where you apply)
- Consulate-Specific Documents (Almost all consulates will require an HIV certificate if you are traveling to Russia for more then 3 months or for a multiple-entry visas.
- In case you apply for a business visa, some consulates may require a letter from your employer
Step 3: Apply for a Russian Visa
Finally, you need to submit all your documents, including your visa support letter, to the Russian Consulate in the city you live or the nearest one. You can either do it by yourself, or through a local travel agency.
Travel agencies usually charge from $30 to $80 for their services but allow you to save your time and usually know the consulate's requirements very well, so you won't have to research that.
Personal appearance at the Russian Consulate
Step 1: Download the latest visa application form from the Russian consulate's website in your country and fill it out.
Step 2: Prepare all the documents above and check with the consulate website if that is enough.
Make sure whether the consulate accepts a copy of invitation (visa support) or needs an original.
Step 3: Apply to the consulate in person or by post. You will need to pay the consular fee and present (send) the documents and the invitation (visa support).
Step 4: Get your visa and have a nice trip to Russia!
Timing: The whole process will take you approximately:
1 day (research)
1 day (queue at the consulate - if you apply in person)
1 hour to 15 working days (depending on your visa type and how much you pay)
Get your Russian Business Visa Support Letter here
Our Service Fees are:
- One Month Business Visa Singe Entry - 1800 RUR / 50 EUR / 80 USD
- Three Months Business Visa Double Entry - 2400 RUR / 65 EUR / 110 USD
- Six Months Business Visa Multiple Entries- 3600 RUR / 100 EUR / 150 USD
- One Year Business Visa Multiple Entries- 4500 RUR / 125 EUR / 200 USD
Visa Support Letter Processing Time: 14 to 21 Business Days
Step 4: Once in Russia, Register Your Visa
with Us
When you obtained your Russian visa, finalize your travel arrangements, and now arrive to Russia. By Law you required to register your visa in Russia within 3 business days. If you have hotel reservation, then hotel will do it for you, if not then our office can get you registered within one business day. Please note: It is imperative that you have your visa registered on time to avoid problems with Russian Police.
Visit Our office and we will for the small fee negotiate with your landlord and prepare all nessesary paperwork and mail it to Immigration Services.
