WHAT IS A VISA?

A Russian visa is an official mark in the form of a stamp or endorsement, which is put in your passport by a Russian Embassy or Consulate official. This gives you permission to enter, pass through, stay in or leave Russia during a certain period of time specified in the visa.  A Russian visa lists:
• The traveller’s personal data (name/ surname written in both Russian and Latin characters)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Citizenship/ nationality
• Passport number
• Visa Issue date
• Entry/ exit dates;
• Visa type (for example, a tourist visa or business visa)
• Number of entries allowed (i.e. single entry, double entry or multiple entry)
• Purpose of visit (e.g. work, tourism)
• Information of the host organisation in Russia
• The number of the Russian visa invitation.

To get a Russian Visa, please, stick to the following step-by-step visa obtaining guidance:
• Choose the visa type you need
• Obtain the visa invitation to Russia
• Contact your local Russian Consulate to find out their requirements for obtaining visa
• Prepare the required package of documents
• Apply for the visa at the Consulate
• Pay the Consular Fee (this varies from country to country)
• Pick up your visa and check to make sure that the information is correct.
The Consulate is not responsible for any misprints or errors in the visa which are not brought to its attention before your departure from the country.

Required documents 

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.
• A passport-size photograph (some consulates ask for two copies, signed on the reverse)
• A Tourist Invitation.
 
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.
• 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.