Visa processing for foreign citizens to Russia

Countries with visa-free entry to Russia  

(as of January 21, 2025)

Countries with a visa regime for entering Russia 

(as of January 21, 2025)

Europe (all EU countries and associated states)

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Africa

Oceania

Validity of visas and purposes of travel 

The validity of a Russian visa directly depends on the purpose of entry of a foreign citizen. 

The main categories of visas and their validity periods:

Number of entries of visas:

• Single entry – valid only for one entry and exit; 

• Double - allows one return; 

• Multiple entry visa (multiple-entry visa) is possible if the need is confirmed (business activity or employment contract). 

It is important to note that the validity of a visa is not equal to the period of stay in the Russian Federation. For example, in the case of a multiple-entry business visa for 1 year, the total allowable stay in Russia is limited to 90 days in each 180-day period, unless otherwise specified. 

Some visas can be extended already on the territory of Russia if there are legal grounds (continuation of studies, extension of an employment contract).

Features of visa issuance for citizens of "unfriendly" countries 

After the introduction of retaliatory measures against sanctions, since 2022, Russia has tightened the rules for issuing visas for citizens of "unfriendly" countries. These include, in particular, all EU countries, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and other states officially included in the list approved by the Government of the Russian Federation. 

Visa processing for citizens of these countries is accompanied by a number of additional requirements and procedures. 

Increased requirements for documents:

• An invitation is mandatory for all categories of visas, tourist vouchers from private tour operators who have not been accredited are not accepted; 

• invitations issued by legal entities are subject to mandatory approval by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. 

• The validity of the invitation is limited. 

Coordination at the level of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

For a number of countries, all visa documents are automatically approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. This increases the consideration period - up to 20 working days, in some cases longer. It is also possible to conduct an additional check of the host party and the purpose of the visit. 

Ban on issuing visas through simplified schemes

Simplified procedures for citizens of some other countries (e-visa, hotel reservations) do not apply to "unfriendly" states. The exception is humanitarian and state visits through official channels. 

Limited work of consulates

In many EU countries, in Canada and the United States, visa offices operate in a limited mode. In some cases, visa centers do not accept documents, and submission is possible only through the consulate in person.

Visa procedure 

1. Determination of the purpose and type of visa

It is necessary to determine the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, private visit, work, study, etc.). It depends: 

• a list of required documents; 

• the need for an invitation; 

• the validity of the visa; 

• Possibility of extension. 

2. Receiving an invitation

For most visas (except for transit visas and some tourist visas), a prior invitation is required from: 

• an individual (private invitation); 

• a legal entity registered in the Russian Federation; 

• university or employer; 

• state or humanitarian organization. 

The invitation is issued through the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in some cases). The processing time is from 7 to 20 working days.  

For citizens of "unfriendly" countries, the invitation is mandatory and must undergo additional verification. 

3. Filling out the visa application form

The questionnaire is filled out on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. 

4. Preparation of a package of documents

The standard package includes: 

• a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip; 

• one or two photographs (depending on the consulate); 

• Questionnaire; 

• original invitation or tourist voucher; 

• medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation; 

• Proof of accommodation and return ticket reservation (optional). 

The consulate may also require additional documents. 

5. Submission of the application

Submission is carried out in person at the consulate of the Russian Federation or through an authorized visa center (VFS Global, Pony Express, etc., depending on the country). 

Biometrics (fingerprints) may be required. 

6. Payment of the consular fee

The amount of the consular fee depends on: 

• countries of filing; 

• the number of entries of the visa (single/multiple); 

• urgency of registration. 

For example, in the EU from 35 to 80 EUR, in the USA from 160 to 250 USD, an urgent visa at double the rate. 

7. Visa Processing and Obtaining

The standard consideration period is from 4 to 10 working days, in complex cases - up to 20 working days. The finished visa is passed into the passport and issued personally to the applicant or his representative.

List of required documents 

The list of documents required for a visa to Russia depends on the purpose of the trip, the type of visa, the country of submission and the specific requirements of the consulate. 

Required documents:

Additional documents at the request of the consulate:

Consulates of the Russian Federation have the right to request any other documents at their discretion. Documents drawn up in a language other than Russian must be accompanied by a translation certified by a notary (in a number of countries).