Russia Visa Process Made Simple

Here is a complete list of documents you'll need when applying for a Short Term Visa to visit Russia for various purposes, such as holidays, visiting friends/family, attending a wedding, and more.

1. Invitation Documentation:

• Official invitation from a Russian host, either an individual or an organization. The invitation should include:
  • Full name(s) as per passport
  • Date of birth, gender, passport number, and citizenship
  • Date of entry into and exit from the Russian Federation
  • Number of entries and purpose of visit
  • Itinerary and accommodation details
  • List of paid services (transport, accommodation, etc.)
  • Name and full address of the host organization or individual
  • Reference number if applicable
  • Signature, title of authorized employee, and seal of the organization, along with the date of issuance.

2. Original Passport:
   • Must have at least 2 blank pages for visas.
   • Valid for 6 months from the date of expiry of the visa.
   • Provide a high-quality copy of pages containing the photo and address on the same page of an A4 sheet.
3. Visa Application Form:
   • Complete the visa application form as per the requirements.
4. Colour Photograph:
   • Follow the specified requirements for the color photograph.
5. Flight Itinerary:
   • Provide a copy of your round-trip flight itinerary as proof of your intention to leave Russia after your visit.
6. Accommodation Confirmation:
   • Include confirmation of your accommodation arrangements in Russia. This could be a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host if staying with an individual.
7. Financial Proof:
   • Show evidence of your financial ability to cover the costs of your stay in Russia. This could include bank statements, salary slips, or a letter of sponsorship if applicable.
8. Travel Insurance:
   • Obtain travel insurance that covers your entire stay in Russia. The insurance should meet the requirements specified by the Russian authorities.
9. Visa Fee:
   • Pay the applicable visa fee. Check the embassy or consulate website for information on fees and payment methods.

Note:

• It is always best to check with the Russian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
• You can also find more information on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before sending your documents by post or visiting the visa center, make sure to have them pre-checked. Click here to take advantage of this service.

Purpose of Visit Documents:

Note: Please note that these checklists are general and may vary depending on the specific requirements of the Russian embassy or consulate. Always refer to the official website of the relevant Russian diplomatic mission for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.

Russia Unified E-Visa (UEV) Application Portal

Before filling out the form, make sure you have:

• Ensure you have a web browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.
• Have a PDF viewer, preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Keep your valid passport handy.
• Prepare a digital photo of your passport and face in JPEG format.
• Have a bank card ready for the visa fee.

Note: Get your e-visa in just 4 days, even on weekends. No invitations needed—just fill out the application online. It's convenient; you can apply 24/7 without visiting the consulate, saving your time.

Russia Visa Application Form

Before filling out the form, make sure you have:

• An internet browser with 128-bit encryption and JavaScript. Use Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, or Mozilla Firefox 3.6 and above for our site.
• A PDF viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• An inkjet or laser printer for the visa form.
• Your valid national passport.
• Any additional documents based on your trip's purpose and duration.

IMPORTANT: If you pause for over 20 minutes while filling the form, your session will expire. Save your application number or draft to avoid restarting from the beginning.

The process for applying for Russian visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Go to the E-Visa Website: First, go to the official Russia E-Visa website: https://electronic-visa.kdmid.ru/. Click on "Fill in an e-visa application form" and agree to the terms. Then, click "Fill out a new application form." If you're new, sign up; if not, log in.
2. Share Your Info and Apply: Fill in the application with your details. Add a photo that follows the rules and attach a copy of your passport's main page. Double-check everything, then click "Submit."
3. Pay for Your Visa: After you submit, you'll be directed to a payment page. Choose how to pay, follow the steps, and you'll get an email confirming your payment.
4. Wait for Your Visa: It takes about four days to process. They'll let you know through email or the website. If they say yes, you'll get a happy message with your e-visa details.
5. Print or Save Your E-Visa Notice: Print the e-visa notice or save it on your phone. It has important info and a QR code you'll need later.
6. Show Your Notice to the People at the Airport: When you're getting on your plane to Russia, show your e-visa notice to the airline staff. They'll check it, and if everything's good, you can get on the plane.
7. Show Your Notice to the Border People: When you arrive in Russia, show your passport and e-visa notice to the border guard. They'll check your info before saying you can come into the country. Keep these papers easy to reach for a smooth entry.

Processing time:

• An e-visa is issued within 4 calendar days, including week-ends and bank holidays.

Important notes:

• No invitation or additional documents are needed.
• It allows for private/business visits, tourism, and participation in various events. If your purpose doesn't fit these categories, apply for a regular (not electronic) visa.
• Movement is allowed throughout Russia, excluding special permit areas.
• It's a single-entry visa valid for 60 days, with a maximum stay of 16 days.
• The 16-day stay doesn't mean 384 hours; arrival and departure days each count as two days. Use the visa calculator for accurate stay duration.

To read all the information thoroughly before completing the unified electronic visa (e-visa) application form, please click here

There are two options for visa processing through the visa application center: in-person and by post.

The process for applying for Russian visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify Visa Category: Begin by determining the specific category of visa that aligns with your travel purpose, whether it be tourism, business, study, or work. Various Russian visas cater to different needs, and detailed information can be found on the official website of the Russian embassy in India.
2. Complete the Online Visa Application: After determining the appropriate visa category, proceed to fill out the online visa application form available on the Russian embassy's website in India. Provide essential details such as personal information, travel itinerary, and financial information.
3. Schedule a Visa Appointment: Depending on the visa type, you may need to book an appointment either at the Russian Visa Application Centre or the Russian Embassy/Consulate. Check the specific requirements associated with your chosen visa category.
4. Visit the Visa Application Centre: Attend the scheduled appointment at the designated Visa Application Centre or the relevant Russian diplomatic mission. Submit all necessary documents, including the completed application form, passport, photographs, and any supporting documentation.
5. Track Your Application: Stay informed about the progress of your visa application by utilizing the tracking system offered by the Visa Application Centre. This tool allows you to track the status of your application and ensures you are kept abreast of any updates.
6. Retrieve Your Passport: Once the visa processing is finalized, retrieve your passport containing the stamped visa. This can be done either at the Visa Application Centre or through delivery, depending on the options provided by the Russian Embassy/Consulate.

The process for applying for Russian visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Complete the Online Form: Go to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and fill out the visa application form online. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents required for the type of visa you are applying for. These may vary depending on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, private matters, humanitarian reasons, studying, working, or transit. Check our website for the specific list of documents needed.
3. Pay the Fees: Access our payment portal and pay the required visa fees. Make sure to provide accurate details, including your mobile number, email ID, and the address where you want your passport to be returned. Don't forget to attach the payment confirmation to your set of documents.
4. Send Your Application: Once you have completed the online form, gathered all necessary documents, and paid the fees, send your application package to the Russia Visa Centre. You can use postal or courier services for this. After processing, your passport with the visa will be sent back to the address you specified via courier.

Processing time:

• When you apply for a visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate General, they usually decide within 10 working days after receiving all your documents and fees.
• Sometimes, they might ask for more documents, invite you for an interview, or take longer to process the visa.
• If you really need your visa quickly, they can speed up the process in urgent situations, and you might get your visa in just 3 working days.
• But in some cases, especially if they need more time to check your application thoroughly, it could take up to 30 days.

Important notes:

• When you fill out the visa application form, make sure to choose the right Russia Visa Application Centre where you plan to apply. If you don't, they might ask you to fill out a new form.
• If a company, like a travel agency, wants to get visas for customers or employees going to Russia, they have to use Visa Centers.
• But if you're an individual from another country, you can go to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to get your visa.
• If you have a multiple-entry tourist visa, you can stay in Russia for up to 90 days in every 180 days. Each visit should be no longer than 30 days. Breaking this rule could stop you from entering Russia again.
• Getting a visa comes with a fee, and it depends on your citizenship, the number of times you'll enter Russia, and how quickly you want your visa.
• You can pay this fee in cash or by card at the Russian Visa Application Centre. Just remember, once you pay, you can't get your money back.

To obtain more information about Russian visas, please click here

Buy the best travel medical insurance for your family's security in Russia online. Click here to make your purchase.

Before sending your documents by post or visiting the visa center, get them pre-checked. Click here to use this service