All foreign nationals from non-CIS countries (in other words, countries outside the old Soviet Union) are required to have
a visa to travel to the Russian Federation. While it is not a difficult process, it can be somewhat confusing and time-consuming
the first time you apply for a visa from Russia.
We here at Moscow Apartments 4U can help you throughout the visa application process.
There are three things that you must do to acquire a Russian visa and keep it in good standing:
- Order Visa Invitation
- Apply for Visa
- Register Visa When in Russia
1. Order Visa Invitation
The first step to getting a Russian visa is obtaining an official invitation. This document must be issued by a licensed company
authorized by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for tourist visas) or the Russian Interior Ministry (for multiple-entry
business visas).
We at Moscow Apartments 4U are now able to offer these important documents at an extremely competitive price.
- Tourist Invitation and Voucher: Most casual travelers will use this type of invitation. The visa allows for
either one or two entries into the Russian Federation over a period of 30 days.
- Business Invitation: The business invitation is used for travelers who expect to be conducting official
business activity while in Russia. The visa covers multiple entries into the Russian Federation over a six-month or 12-month
period.
2. Apply for visa
Your official invitation / voucher will enable you to apply directly to the nearest Russian embassy or consulate for your visa.
You can call the consulate directly or check its website for its list of required information.
Your visa will be added to your passport.
The following is a typical list of required information for your visa application:
- Your invitation and/or voucher. Most Russian consulates in Western countries accept fax copies for tourist
visas, but require original copies for business visas.
- Completed visa applications (two per person), signed by the applicant. All entries on the form must be typed
or printed in block letters in English or Russian. Incomplete visa application forms will not be processed. (Please note:
Effective April 1, 2004, US citizens are required to submit a new visa application form to Consulate. The new form replaces the
previous Standard Application Form and Supplemental Form.)
Application forms can be downloaded here:
Visa application form for US citizens
Visa application form for non-US citizens
- Valid national passport. Your original passport is required, and it should have at least two clear (empty)
pages. It must be valid no less than six months after the visa expiration date. Holders of travel documents other than passports
(for example, a Permit to Re-Enter the United States of America, Travel Document, etc.) must submit a valid Permanent Resident
Card.
- Two passport-size pictures of the applicant. Pictures can be black and white or color, full face, stapled to
the upper-corner of an application. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Money Order or Certified Bank Check payable to the Russian Consulate for visa processing.
Please note that the consulates does not accept cash, personal or company checks.
- A prepaid return self-addressed envelope. The envelope should be from a registered delivery service such as
FedEx.
3. Register Visa When in Russia
Russian law requires visitors to register their visas within three business days of their arrival. The end result of registration
is a stamp on the back of the migration card that is given to visitors as they enter the country.
Failure to obtain registration can potentially lead to problems with local police or passport control when you leave the country,
sometimes resulting in a small fine. Real-life examples include fines ranging from EUR1 to EUR20.Regardless of the size of the
fine, it's advisable to follow the Russian laws as much as possible regarding visas and registration.
There are three ways to get your visa registered:
- Large hotels will register you when you check in.
- For those staying in private rental apartments, smaller hotels that don't have registration privileges, or private families,
visitors can register through hotels or notary offices. Moscow Apartment 4U has a number of such registration contacts available
and is always ready to help with your registration.
- For those staying longer than 3 months have options to register through local hotels, notary offices or the local police
department in charge of such issues.