Russia is the largest country in the world and is beckoning you to discover its enormous mountains, it's natural and cultural heritage which is spread across 9 time zones. All the countries, except for South America and few countries of the Middle East and Asia, require a Russia visa to enter into the territory of the Russian Federation. If you are planning to visit Russia, here is the list of necessary documents required and the process of Visa application in detail.
Documents Required for Russia visa
- Please keep your old passport, if you have any, also handy along with your latest original passport.
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 more months after the visa’s expiry date and should also have at least two blank pages
- A photocopy of the first and also the last page of your passport.
- You should also submit the confirmed return air tickets to India.
- Two copies of the Visa application form. It should be filled and signed by you.
- 2 recent passport-size photographs in colour with 80% of your face in the picture, taken against a white background.
- A covering letter mentioning your itinerary, your contact details along with expense ownership details.
Note: Address written on the cover letter should match the address of the submission jurisdiction.
- A Tourist confirmation letter. Either a faxed or a scanned copy can be submitted, stating that you are going to be hosted by a local Russian Organisation which is authorised to carry out tour operations and is also registered in the Unified Federal Register of Tour Operators with a unique reference number. The letter should also include all the essential information about travellers. – your name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of entry and exit from Russia, number of entries granted by the visa, full title of the Russian tour operator you are visiting, its unique reference number (MVT) and the itinerary, and also the signature of the head of the tour agency along with the official seal of organisation.
- Confirmation details with name and number of the hotel where you will be staying.
- Your Visiting card if any
- If you are applying for a business visa, you need to have the following documents as well
- The original and a copy of an Invitation for entry into Russia issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; Or
- Visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Or
- The original and copy of the letter of invitation from any of the following national associations of manufacturers and entrepreneurs, if you have been invited to Russia by them:
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCI of Russia)
- All-Russian public organisation "Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs" (RSPP)
- All-Russian public organisation of small and medium enterprises “OPORA RUSSIA”
- The non-profit organisation "Russian Union of Manufacturers (Employers)”
Note - We do not provide Business or Work visa.
Steps for Russia visa Application
Below are the detailed steps for you to follow when applying for a Russian visa. You can also avail our visa application services for your visa requirements. Applying for the Russian visa and gathering all the required documents takes some time. It is a good idea to start 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time.
- Apply and pay visa fees.
- share your documents with us.
- It can take a few days to receive the response. Once the response is ready, you need to submit the receipt and collect your Visa along with your passport.
Points to remember
- Make sure you are aware of what type of visa you are applying for- tourist, business, student or work permit.
- Decide your Itinerary. You Visa application needs to include entry and exit date to the country, the details of the places you visit, your flight information. You may have to think over if you need a single entry or double entry Visa.
- Please provide your e-mail ID and phone number on your application form in case you need to be contacted by the visa officer.
- The Consulate of Russia is operational only on the following days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Another important point to remember, is that after you arrive in Russia, you need to register your Visa. This can be done by the Hotel which you choose to stay in.
Visa Services provided by Musafir
Why choose Musafir for Russia Visa
Musafir.com has been a part of more than one million travel dreams since we launched our services in India in 2010. It is our continuous effort to provide premium travel experience to our customers. Here’s a breakdown of the visa application process. Let us take a look