How to get
your Russian Visa
Any seemingly complicated process becomes much simpler when you divide what is to be done into easy steps.
Application form
 Russian visa application form
Russian visa application form (US citizens)
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Step 1
Apply for your tourist visa invitation
Before applying for your Russian Visa you will first require a Visa Invitation, this paper contains your invitation and also details of your booking with the hotel (sometimes referred to as a hotel voucher). The invitation can be faxed or emailed to you by us within 24 hours.
We arrange the visa invitation for our guests at just E15 per person. People wanting an invitation who will not reside at our hotel can get an invitation quickly by going to Visaable.com
We would require the following information for each person:
- Passport number:
- Full name:
- Birth date:
- Citizenship:
- Date of issue:
- Expiry date:
- Date of Arrival in Russia:
- Date of Departure from Russia:
- Place(city) where you will apply for your visa:
- Your Fax No:
Step 2
Obtain and fill in a current and valid visa application form
Visit Russian Embassy web site and download the visa application form, these forms can also be obtained from most travel agencies.
Please note: This form is not always the most current or valid edition, so you may need to check with a travel agent or with your Russian Consulate by e-mail or phone. Please beware crazy and costly automated phone systems!)
Also on this website choose your country of origin and it will give you the address of your nearest Russian Embassy/Consulate Visa Section where you will make your application.
Then visit the website of your nearest Russian Embassy/Consulate Visa Section and check on their requirements for Visa Application as this can differ slightly from country to country.
Step 3
Decide how you would like to apply for your Visa
Applying in person
An option if you live in or near the city in which the consulate is situated but bare in mind the following:
- The visa sections are usual only open in the morning until lunch time.
- It is unlikely that you will get your visa the same day (unless they offer this service which could be expensive) which means you will have to visit them again to pick up your visa when ready.
Applying by post
- A good option using recorded delivery post and including a recorded delivery return envelope.
- Usually takes between 8 and 12 working days but can take longer in peak season, check the consulate web site to see if this service is available and how long it would take.
Applying using a Courier
- There will be a number of companies in the city where the consulate is situated who specialize in taking many applications at once and may receive special attention.
- This works if you need your Visa in more of a hurry
- You send your documents to them, they go to the consulate on your behalf and return to the consulate to pick up your visa when ready, and then post it back to you.
- The added advantage to this service is that they can check all your documents before going to make sure all is in order and will contact you if anything is amiss.
- For London in the UK we highly recommend a company called Scotts Tours, we have used them many times and never been disappointed.
Tips
- Don't worry, its just procedures
- Read and follow what the websites tell you, but don't let them scare you.
- You've got your accommodation, you've got your invitation, you've filled in the application form, supplied the pictures, if you've included everything they have asked for.
“YOU'LL GET YOUR VISA”
- Allow as much time as you can to obtain your visa and if you are pushed for time, pay to get it quicker.
And that's just about all there is too it!
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