How to obtain a Russian visa step-by-step?

Step 1. Get an invitation

First, you need an invitation to apply for a Russian visa. Invitation can be tourist or business.

There are also private and student invitations. The first one should be arranged only by a private person in the Passport Visa Service in Russia, and another by Russian educational institutions.

Step 2. Prepare documents for consulate

In order to apply for Russian visa you will need:

1. Filled-in visa application form
2. Passport or other travel document
3. Passport size photo
4. Russian tourist or business visa invitation
5. Insurance
6. Almost all consulates will require an HIV certificate if you are traveling to Russia for more than 3 months

NOTE To avoid possible problems you should obtain Russian tourist visa in the country of your citizenship. If you are a resident of another country, please contact your local Russian consulate for advice on your specific situation.

In most cased consulate requires scan, e-mail or fax copy of the Russian tourist or business visa invitation.

Rules of application and list of the documents required may vary from country to country, it is always wise to check with your local consulate.

Step 3. Obtain a Russian visa

Finally, you have to submit all your documents to the Russian consulate. You can easily do it by yourself, or ask a local travel agency for reasonable charge.

Step 4. Travel to Russia

With the Russian visa in your passport you can travel to Russia according to your trip's plan. Do not forget to get your migration card while crossing the border. If for some reason nobody gave it to you, please ask for it by yourself. It is your document as well as passport and visa in it.

Step 5. Arrival and registration

In first 3 business days you should be registered in the city you are staying in. Click to learn what is Russian visa registration and why you should register your Russian visa. Want to know how to register your Russian visa, just follow the link.

Your Visa To Russia specializes on Russian tourist and business visa invitations, click here to apply for Russian tourist or business visa invitation →

You might also be interested in:

1. What is Russian tourist visa invitation?
2. What is Russian business visa invitation?
3. What is Russian visa registration?
4. What if I am requesting a Russian tourist visa invitation from migration risk country?