Russia Tourist visa

Required Documents for Russia Visa

For e-visa applications

• Passport
  • Machine-readable
  • Valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application submission
  • An empty space for the purpose of stamping at border crossing
• Digital copy of the passport details page in JPEG format
• Digital passport-sized photo
  • The photo must have no frames or borders and must be rectangular with a 35x45 aspect ratio. The photo must have a neutral color scheme with natural skin tone, clear, in focus and well-defined.
  • Taken within the last 6 months, taken in full-face view with the person looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The mouth should be closed, eyes looking into the camera.
  • Religious headcovers are allowed to be worn but they should not conceal any facial features. The face must be clearly visible from the top of the head to the chin. Eyeglasses are allowed but no tinted lenses and the frames should not cover the eyes.
  • The photo must have a light-colored background with no shadows. The photo must show the top of the head and the top of the shoulders. The head must be in the center of the photo and shown fully from top of the hairline to the tip of the chin. The face must take up 70% to 80% of the photo.
• Medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation for the entire stay period

For sticker visa applications

• Passport or other identity documents
  • Valid for at least 6 months from the visa’s date of expiry
  • With at least two blank pages for the visa
• Passport-sized photo
  • Black and white or colored photo with a size of 3.5 x 4.5cm with the applicant’s face in clear view. No tinted glasses or headdresses are allowed except for headdresses worn for national or religious affiliations.
• Completed visa application form (filled out electronically)
  • The visa application form can also be printed and filled out by hand in the absence of technical capabilities
• Medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation for the entire stay period
• Confirmation that the applicant has been admitted by a tour operator in Russia
• Other documents confirming the applicant’s purpose of travel to Russia

NOTE: Some applicants may be asked to submit additional documents on a case-to-case basis.

Russia Visa Application Steps

For e-visa applications

• Prepare the required documents.
• Fill out the Russia visa application form.
  • Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to check if you are eligible for e-visa application.
  • Fill out the Russia visa application form, if eligible.
• Submit your Russian visa application form online.
• Pay the visa application fee online.

The outcome of your application, as well as detailed instructions on how to proceed from thereon will be sent to the email address provided when the application was submitted.

For paper applications

• Prepare the required documents.
• Fill out the Russia visa application form.
  • Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to fill out the Russia visa application form.
  • Choose the country where you will apply for a Russian visa, the language you would like to use when filling out the form, and proceed.
  • Copy the application ID on the upper right-hand corner of the page.
  • Create a password and proceed
  • Follow the instructions on filling out the form as stated on the website.
  • Print the completed visa application form.
  • Affix your passport-sized photo on the application form, indicate the date, and sign the form.
• Schedule a Russian visa appointment.
  • Contact the Russian consulate, embassy or VAC to check if you need to schedule a Russian visa appointment and how to schedule a Russian visa appointment.
• Submit your Russian visa application.
  • Submit the completed and signed Russia visa application form, Russia visa requirements and supporting documents to the relevant Russian consulate, embassy, or VAC.
  • NOTE: Different Russian consulates/embassies/VAC may have different procedures for submitting Russian visa applications. Contact the consulate, embassy, or VAC in your country of citizenship or residence to get the most accurate information.
• Pay the visa application fee.
  • After the documents are submitted and the visa fee is paid, the applicant will be given a receipt which indicates when the visa will be ready for collection. The receipt must be presented during visa collection.

Russia Visa Fees

Visa fees for Russian visa applications will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. Children below 6 years old can apply for a visa-free of charge. E-visa fees can be paid online using debit or credit cards and payment can be made through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through the mobile application. Please note that there might be other fees, such as processing fees, that are added to e-visa applications. All fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

When to Apply

Applicants for Russian e-visa are advised to apply for their visa not later than 4 days before the expected travel date but not earlier than 40 days from the expected travel date.

Where to Apply

Applications for a Russian sticker visa can be submitted personally or through a representative to Russia’s diplomatic representations.

E-visa applications can be submitted online through the official electronic e-visa portal. If your country is not eligible for an e-visa, you should call the nearest Russian consulate or embassy to enquire about the Russia visa application process.

Russia Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Russian unified e-visa is 4 calendar days. However, there might be instances when the processing times takes longer than 4 calendar days. The processing time for Russian sticker visas is from 4 to 20 business days.

For approved visa applications

Applicants with approved e-visa applications should print the visa and save an e-copy to a mobile device or tablet as it needs to be presented to the officer at Border Control. It is important to check the details on the visa and ensure that they match the information on the passport. If and when necessary, the visa must be returned immediately to the Russian consulate, embassy or VAC for any amendments.