Citizens of most states of the former USSR (with the exception of Georgia, Turkmenistan and the Baltic countries) and a number of other countries of the world do not need a visa to Russia. But there are also many for whose passport holders a visa is a prerequisite for entering the country. In this case, you will have to contact the nearest Russian consulate in the host country.
It is necessary
- - passport for traveling abroad;
- - two copies of the completed visa application form;
- - a document confirming the purpose of the trip;
- - color photograph 3, 5 by 4, 5 cm;
- - money to pay the consular fee.
Instructions
Step 1
Depending on the specific country and citizenship of the applicant, the requirements for the set of documents and the amount of the consular fee may differ. For example, there is a special visa application form for US citizens. It is better to clarify the nuances regarding the procedures in a particular country in the one located in your country by phone or on the official website of the consulate. The latter usually has versions in Russian, English and the language of the host country.
Step 2
The most difficult question for an independent tourist is confirming the purpose of the trip. Although rooms in many hotels can be booked online or otherwise, visa confirmation is usually not accepted as a basis for issuing a visa. You need an original confirmation of admission of a foreigner from a Russian travel agency registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, or a voucher from a local travel agency. For a private trip, you need an original invitation from a resident of Russia, issued by the Federal Migration Service, and for a business trip, a similar document from the host organization or company. a transit visa will need tickets for all segments of the route through Russia and a passport or visa of the country that serves as the final destination of the trip.
Step 3
You will also need a completed visa application form. Its form for filling out by hand or in electronic form can most often be downloaded on the website of the Russian consulate in a particular country. However, its form is the same for everyone except for US citizens. A special questionnaire for the latter can also be downloaded from the websites of most Russian consulates.
The questionnaire can be completed on a computer, on a typewriter, or by hand in capital block letters. You can fill out in Russian and English, and in some cases in the language of the country where the consulate is located. The application form must be filled in two copies. One 35 x 45 mm photograph must be attached to the set of documents, color, on a light background.
Step 4
The passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiration of the visa.
You will also have to take out insurance for the entire duration of the requested visa. This is a mandatory requirement for citizens of the European Union and Schengen countries. The rest may not be required, but it is better to check with the consulate.
For citizens of a number of countries, originals and copies of tickets to and from Russia may be a prerequisite.
If you are applying for a visa valid for more than 90 days, you must also get tested for AIDS. The medical certificate will be valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Step 5
Having collected the necessary documents, you can visit the consulate during office hours. Check the schedule of its work and the procedure for admission (by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis) by phone. Do not forget to take the money to pay the consular fee. Its size depends on the citizenship of the applicant. For example, for citizens of Schengen countries 35 euros. The money is usually deposited in cash at the consulate's cash desk. But in some it can be accepted through the bank after checking the documents for a visa.
Step 6
After accepting your documents, the visa section employee on duty will issue a receipt for payment of the fee. It usually indicates the date and time when you should come for a visa. In this case, you will have to present an insert to the receipt, which, after depositing money, remains in your hands. Or a receipt for payment if it is made by bank transfer. The standard visa processing time is 10 working days. Urgent visas - three working days.
