Home to over 141 million inhabitants, Russia is responsible for some of Europe’s most impressive and dynamic history. First an empire united under Imperial rule, Russia was later included in the communist Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR.) The USSR dissolved in 1991, and Russia has stood alone since as the Russian Federation. Currently Russia maintains diplomatic relations with 178 countries with 140 embassies around the globe.

Russia Visa / Entry Requirements
Russian Visas are not offered at arrival in the country. Russian visas must be obtained in advance to travel, and Schengen visas do not apply for travel in Russia.
 

Russian Tourist Visa

To apply for a Russian tourism visa, an applicant must submit a completed one page application along with a valid passport. The passport should have at least two clear visa pages. The application to be completed is simple, but has space for a passport sized picture which must be included. Be sure to note that there is a separate visa application form for US Citizens.

In addition to the application with photo and passport, an applicant must also submit a standard tourist confirmation from an authorized Russian travel agency or hotel along with a voucher from the same source. All information must be packaged with a cover letter containing:

• The applicant’s name
• Dates of travel*
• Points of entry and exit
• Means of transportation
• Travel itinerary
  

* A Russian tourist visa can not extend past one month.

Russian Business Visa

For a Russian business visa, a completed application along with a stapled passport sized photo must be submitted. A business visa application must also include an official letter of invitation from the hosting organization. The organization must be registered with the Russian Ministry of the Interior or the Russian Foreign Ministry. The invitation is acceptable sent via fax, but originals should be retained as they may be requested.

 

A cover letter must accompany your business visa application. The letter may be from the company or from the traveling individual. It should include information about the traveler, the destination, terms and purpose of the trip. If the applicant for the Russian business visa is planning on a applying for a visa longer than three months, he must also submit an HIV/AIDS test certificate.

Application Process

Once all required application items have been assembled in a packet, the items must be sent to the Russian consulate in your country. For addresses in specific countries see the resources below. The application packet should include a self addressed, stamped envelope or a prepaid waybill, such as Federal Express (FedEx),    
 
It is also possible to apply personally by visiting a Russian embassy or consular in your home country.
 
The final item to include is a cashier’s check or money order payable to the Russian embassy to cover processing fees. Fees increase as the length of requested processing time decreases. The processing fees are nonrefundable and processing does not begin until all application items are submitted. See resources below for fees in specific countries.

 

Other Visa Information

A Russian visa should be registered within 72 hours of arrival in the country. This can be done in the hotel, through a travel agency or through business offices for those with business visas. Visitors may also register at an immigration office.

A qualified visa agent or travel agency can complete the bulk of the application process on behalf of the visitor, often with a small fee.

Russian Visa Resources

Official Russia tourist website:    http://www.russiatourism.ru
Official Russian Visa Information in the United States: http://www.russianembassy.org/
Official Russian Visa Information in the United Kingdom:  http://www.rusemblon.org/
Official Russian Visa Information in Australia: http://www.russia.embassy.gov.au/
Official Russian Visa Information in Canada: http://ottawa.rusembassy.org/en/ottawa/rusvisa.html