Required Documents

The documents a Consulate official will want to see depend on the type of visa you apply for. Visa processing starts only after the consulate has collected all the necessary documents.

Documents needed for a Tourist Visa
• A valid and signed original passport with at least one blank page, and which is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your stay.
• Two copies of the Russian visa application form (questionnaire), completed (all questions need to be answered) and signed. Print out now >>>
• A passport-size photograph (some consulates ask for two copies, signed on the reverse)
• A Tourist Invitation. Order now >>>

Documents needed for a Business Visa
• Your original, valid and signed passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages, and which is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
• Two copies of the Russian visa application form, completed and signed. Print out now >>>
• A passport-size photo, signed on the back.(some consulates ask for two photographs)
• An original HIV Certificate proving a negative result is required for any stay of more than 3 months.
• An official invitation from an organization which is authorized to invite business visitors to Russia. Order now >>>

Documents needed for a Private Visa
• An original, valid and signed passport with at least one blank visa page which is valid for 6 months beyond the end of your stay.
• A photocopy of the vital information pages of your valid passport (showing Name, Birth Date, Passport Number and Expiry Date)
• A copy of the Russian Visa Application Form, completed and signed. Print out now >>>
• 3 passport-type photographs
• A Russian visa entitlement certificate (“IZVESHENIYE”) from the local OVIR in Russia (this must be the original – copies are not accepted).
• An original HIV Certificate proving a negative result is required for stay of more than 3 months.
• All visa documents must be accompanied by a cover letter specifying the purpose of your visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached once on Russian territory.

Documents needed for a Student Visa
• An original, valid and signed passport with at least one blank visa page which is valid for 6 months beyond the end of your stay.
• A copy of the Russian Visa Application Form, completed and signed. Print out now >>>
• 2 passport-type photographs, signed on the reverse.
• A letter of invitation from a university/school in Russia which can be issued only by the local Visa Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (OVIR) .
• An original HIV Certificate proving a negative result is required for any stay of more than 3 months.
• A copy of your diploma or exam results from your previous or current place of study.
• A copy of the invoice issued by the university in Russia proving that you have already paid for tuition.

Documents needed for a Transit Visa
• An original, valid and signed passport with at least one blank visa page which is valid for 6 months beyond the end of your stay.
• A copy of the Russian Visa Application Form, completed and signed. Print out now >>>
• 2 passport-type photographs, signed on the reverse.
• A copy of your airline ticket.
• You must have a visa in your passport for your final destination if one is needed.

It’s worth keeping in mind

• Photos must be matte-finished, not glossy, in order for the consulate stamp to properly adhere! The usual size required is 3 x 4 cm or 1,5 x 2 inches.
• The passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the Russian Visa!
• Some Consulates require a photocopy of the vital pages of your passport in addition to the original, together with the personal data of the bearer (including amendments, passport validity extension, the bearer’s name change, etc.)
• A visa application form is different for US citizens Print out now >>> and non-US citizens Print out now >>>
• Citizens from either a Shengen State, Estonia, Finland or Israel must send a ’Card of Insurance’ with their visa application.
• For some types of visas, and for citizens of some countries, Consulates may demand additional documents such as proof of medical insurance, work or residency permit, or proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Russia. Failure to provide the correct details could lead to the refusal of your visa.
• It is always best to consult your local Russian Consulate to find out whether any additional documentation is required.