Tourist visa to Russia for foreigners

Less than 15% of the countries in the world have bilateral agreements with the Russian Federation, which give citizens of these countries the right to enter the Russian territory visa-free. The exact number varies from year to year, depending on the political and socio-economic relations in the world.

Currently, the majority of foreigners need a visa to visit Russia. Let us see how to obtain a tourist visa in the Russian Federation.

The main document required for obtaining a tourist visa to Russia is a tourist invitation.

The cost of a tourist invitation to Russia

Applying for a Russian tourist visa for foreigners

Applying for a Russian tourist visa for foreigners

The process of obtaining a tourist visa to Russia for foreign citizens is not particularly difficult; however, you have to consider some particular points in more detail. Remember, that foreign citizens who wish to come to the Russian Federation should apply to any Russian consulate for a visa. To issue a tourist visa in the territory of Russia is impossible. As a rule, to obtain a tourist visa to Russia, the following documents are required:

• passport;
• application form;
• photographs;
• medical insurance (upon request);
• tourist invitation.

Usually, the first items on the list do not raise questions from foreign guests and they can prepare documents on their own in their country of residence. For a tourist invitation, which is the main document for obtaining a Russian visa, guests should contact a travel company, which has a valid reference number in the Unified Federal Register of Tour Operators. Travelmart is registered in the Registry of Tour Operators, so you can feel free to contact us for a travel invitation, which our specialists will prepare as soon as possible in accordance with all international requirements and standards.

Sample Tourist Visa to Russia

Photo Tourist Visa to Russia

The cost and time of issuing a Russian tourist visa:

The full cost of obtaining a tourist visa to Russia compiles the consular fee and the cost of a tourist voucher/invitation. The size of the consular fee may vary in different countries, so we recommend checking it on the website of the particular consulate where you are planning to apply in order to issue a tourist visa. Information on most Russian consulates abroad can be found on the website.

Time of issuing may also vary depending on the place. Our company issues tourist invitation, which is the main document for a visa. It will be ready on the same day you pay for it, as quickly as possible for your convenience.

When to apply for a tourist visa:

• First of all, when a foreigner plans to visit the Russian Federation as a tourist for a short period (for up to 1 month).
• Often, a tourist visa is a perfect alternative to a private visa to Russia, which should be issued at the invitation of an individual, as it is easier, cheaper and quicker to get.
• In some cases, a tourist visa to Russia is issued instead of a business visa, when a foreign citizen needs to visit the Russian Federation once and is not planning to stay long.

Summary:

• A tourist visa to the Russian Federation is issued at a Russian consulate abroad.
• The main documents for issuing a tourist visa is a voucher and confirmation of hosting, in other words - a tourist invitation.
• Tourist invitation is the only document that a Russian host is required to provide to a foreigner.
• You should find complete and accurate information on other necessary documents, terms for obtaining a visa, the size of the consular fee and the need to provide confirmation of hotel bookings and original invitation on the websites of specific consulates.
• Consulates of different countries may have different requirements for the deadlines for applying for a visa. If you are going to apply ahead, check with the consulate how far in advance they can accept your documents.
• A tourist visa can be a convenient alternative to a private or business visa to the Russian Federation.

See also: Tourist invitation for a Russian visa