VISA TYPES

Russian visas are differentiated by the number of entries and purpose of travel.

Number of Entries

1. A Single-entry Visa - you are allowed to enter Russia only ONCE on this visa. It’s only valid for a visit to Russia on the specified dates of arrival and departure.
2. A Double-entry Visa - you are allowed to enter Russia ONCE or TWICE on this visa. ALL arrival and departure dates must be indicated.
3. A Multiple-entry Visa - you are allowed to enter Russia MANY times on this visa. It is issued only upon authorisation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The validity period shown in a visa indicates the length of time the foreign citizen may spend in Russia. An original of the invitation is required.

Purpose of Travel

A Tourist Visa
1. Is the cheapest and easiest to obtain
2. Is the best visa type for short visits
3. Is issued for tourist purposes only
4. Is valid for one entry and a maximum of thirty days
5. Is issued on the basis of documents provided only by authorised Russian tourist companies
6. Is for tourists who have booked accommodation in Russia or confirmed transit information for every night of their stay in the country
7. Is non-extendible – if you wish to stay in Russia for longer, you must leave the country in order to obtain a new replacement visa.
8. Is recommended instead of the Private or Homestay Visas, which are much harder to obtain.

A Business Visa
1. Is more flexible than a tourist visa
2. Is strictly speaking issued to foreigners who wish to enter Russia temporarily for business purposes (e.g. as representatives of foreign governments, members of official delegations, temporary workers, cultural or sports exchange visitors, religious workers). However, many tourists also use this type of Russian visa if they intend to stay in the country for longer than thirty days.
3. Is often the best choice for tourists who are visiting friends and don’t need a hotel, or who are looking to spend an extended period of time in Russia, especially those who want to travel independently or extensively
4. Is issued on the basis of a business invitation from a Russian company
5. Is valid for up to 12 months with either a single entry, a double entry or an unlimited number of entries (Multiple-entry Visa).

Other types of Russian Visa
Other types of Russian Visa include Private or Homestay Visa, a Transit Visa, a Student Visa, a Family Member Visa, an Employment Visa, visas for diplomats, sailors, and for humanitarian and religious purposes, etc.