Russian Visa Requirements

The following documents should be submitted to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to obtain visa to enter Russia. Iris Tours can assist with and lodge all documents.

 

Russian Tourist Visa

  1. Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages. (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
  2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
  3. One passport-size photo signed on the back.
  4. If Tour Group or Cruise Passenger: Letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from authorised Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
  5. If Individual Travel: Confirmation of hotel arrangements from authorised Russian travel company, or directly from the Russian hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa.

 

 

Russian Business Single, Double and Multiple-Entry Visa

  1. Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
  2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
  3. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.
  4. For stay exceeding 3 months, or multi entry visa, a HIV test required.
  5. Official invitation from an organization authorised to invite business visitors to Russia.

The Invitation to Russia must be from the Russian Foreign Minstry or its regional representatives; The Ministry of Interior or its local offices; or other authorised Russian Agencies. The letter must contain: official seal and legal address of the agency, signature and name of official authorised to invite foreigners to Russia. The Embassy reserves the right to request the original invitation. eff. 4/15/99

 

 

Russian Private or Homestay Visa

  1. Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
  2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
  3. ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.
  4. Visa entitlement certificate (IZVESHENIYE) from the local OVIR in Russia. Your host must obtain this certificate for you and send the original certificate to you. Your host will need to know:
    • Your Full Name;
    • Address;
    • Nationality;
    • Passport Number and Date of Birth;
    • Your Date of Arrival/Departure in Russia.. Allow 4-6 weeks for OVIR's approval).

Please Note:
Travellers who are departing Russia by train should be aware that if they board a train on the last day of a visa's validity, Russian immigration officials may consider the visa to have expired if the train crosses the international border after midnight on the day of expiry. The Embassy and Consulates General are aware of cases in which travellers have been detained at border crossings, unable to leave Russia, because their visas were expired by a matter of hours or minutes.