Обзор

Tourist visas are issued to US citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless persons whose purpose of travel involves cultural events, excursions, sightseeing, and/or general tourism.

It is issued on the basis of a confirmation that the foreign tourist is going to be hosted by a Russian travel agency.

Regular tourist visas are either Single or Double entry, for a period of no more than 30 days. But in accordance with the simplified visa formalities agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States, US citizens are now able to obtain either a 3-year Multi-Entry Tourist visa upon request which exceed the 30 day stay limit.

It is recommended that US citizens apply for a 3-year, multiple-entry Tourist visa though the applicant should be concerned that processing time takes approximately 8-9 business days and such visa type can’t be expedited, number of entries or period of stay indicated in the Confirmation of Hosting a Foreign Tourist issued by a hotel or tourist operator registered with the Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Ministry of Culture.

In order to apply for a 3-year multiple-entry Tourist visa, please indicate the full three year period as the length of stay in the Russian Federation when filling out the visa application. (ex. Date of Entry 25/10/2016 until Date of Departure 24/10/2019-minus one day)

Double-entry tourist visas are only issued when the second country shares a land border with Russia or those that require return transit through Russian territory, such as China and Mongolia, etc. Airline tickets with the detailed itinerary are obligatory.

In order to obtain a double-entry visa, the arrival city to be visited in the second country must be written in the travel itinerary and in the confirmation issued by the tour operator.

The maximum length of stay while traveling on a Single or Double-entry tourist visa is 30 days.

Visa Fees

Please note that the certain visa fee amount is payable for each particular visa type. Visa fees vary depending on the nationality of the applicant, visa type, number of entries, and processing time.

$550 for Postal applications (For US citizens)

$550 for Walkin application

Additional shipping fee for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico + $10

Additional shipping fee for Saturday delivery + $20

Payment method

For in person submission: We only accept cash for in person submission.

For postal submission: we accept only money order or cashier’s check payable to KRSP USA Corporation

Please note!

Consular fees and processing times for foreign nationals and stateless persons are determined by the Consulates of the Russian Federation.

The Consular Fee and the Processing Fees are non-refundable.

For Non US Citizens please check the Visa fees here .

Documents required

• Visa Center in Washington
• Visa Center in New York
• Visa Center in Houston

Visa Center in Washington

List of Documents Required for a Single, Double, or Multi-Entry Tourist Visa:

• Invitation To apply for a tourist visa it is required that you present as invitation a tourist voucher (visa support document) issued by a hotel in or a tourist agency/operator registered with the Federal Tourism Agency. Such a voucher must contain: 1) applicant’s passport information: Full Name 2) confirmation number 3) reference number from the Federal Register of tour operators 4) type of visa (TOURIST), purpose of visit (TOURISM), number of entries (SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-ENTRY), and requested period of entry (FOR THE LENGTH OF UP TO 30 DAYS) 5) name and address of the host organization 6) location of intended stay of the applicant in Russia (NAME OF HOTEL AND FULL ADDRESS, Private and AIRBNB addresses are not accepted ) 7) Stamp and signature. The information in your tourist voucher must fully correspond to the information in the applicant’s passport. Invitation containing errors will not be accepted. Please note information in tourist voucher has to be either in Russian or in English. Notice: Get more information about confirmation, see samples and check your tour operator registration – click here. Choosing purpose of travel in the online application The purpose of travel is indicated on your tourist voucher. If you travel for the general purpose of tourism please choose “ COMMON TOURISM ”. Please note that according to the law visiting friends or family in Russia is a private purpose and in this case you must apply for a private visa. Information for U.S. citizens It is recommended that US citizens apply for 3-year multiple-entry tourist visas regardless of the dates, number of entries and period of stay indicated in the tourist voucher.

When filling out the application online, please indicate a full three year period of stay (e.g. 15.07.2020-14.07.2023) starting from the date of entry in your tourist voucher. 3-year multiple tourist visas are issued with “ COMMON TOURISM ” purpose of travel only.

Validity period Single or double-entry tourist visas are issued for up to 30 days. The dates are indicated in your voucher.

2. Signed passport with at least two clear visa pages valid for at least 6 more months after the expiration date of the requested visa. If the validity condition is not fully met, your visa validity period will be shortened to allow 6 months of passport validity after the visa expiration date. ;

3. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru , signed by the applicant; Electronic/scanned signatures will not be accepted. Questions 14, 26 and 27 must be answered. If you answered “yes” for question 21, an explanation letter required along with submission.

4. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2″by 2″ in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);

5. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Center in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to KRSP KUSA Corporation . Personal checks will not be accepted.

6. Medical insurance

Citizens of China, Iran, Ireland, Israel, as well as citizens of the countries of the European Union and the Schengen zone (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania , Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) must present medical insurance certificates valid in Russia or guarantee of medical coverage from a Russian hosting organization for the whole period of stay. Medical insurance certificates must contain a Russian contact phone number for emergency or assistance.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

Please click here for more information about insurance.

Information for citizens of the EU and Schengen area countries

According to the Russia-EU Visa Facilitation Agreement as well as bilateral visa agreements citizens of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

are eligible for the following visa application fees:

– $40 – 4-10 business days;

– $80 – 3 business days.

Holders of diplomatic passports of the countries of the European Union and the Schengen zone do not need a visa to enter Russia for 90 days.

Please note these provisions do not affect citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

7. Non-US citizens must provide proof of legality of their stay in the United States (US resident alien/permanent residency status (green card), U.S. visa, form I-94 etc.).

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Additional information:

• If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least one of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• If applying for a spouse, please provide a copy of Marriage Certificate;
• If applying on behalf of another person, please provide a notarized authorization letter;
• if a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees please provide a letter from company/organization.

Please be advised that a person cannot hold two or more valid Russian visas at the same time. In this case, the older valid (unexpired) visa must be canceled before a new visa is issued.

In accordance with the Russian law, citizens of the Russian Federation regardless of any other citizenship they may have, must travel to Russia on valid Russian documents only.

We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation”, children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

When applying for a Russian visa, it is necessary for former citizens of the USSR to provide documentation that he or she no longer possesses Russian citizenship. Here is a list of documents which are acceptable to prove that you are eligible to apply for a Russian visa:

1) Copy of USSR passport with a stamp stating that you left for “permanent residence abroad”, dated prior to February 6th, 1992

2) Copy of a “Visa to Israel” issued prior to February 6th, 1992

3) Certificate of naturalization issued prior to 1996

4) Document confirming renunciation of USSR citizenship

5) A copy of the main pages of a passport of a former USSR state, issued after February 1992

Visa Center in New York

List of Documents Required for a Single, Double, or Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa:

• Invitation To apply for a tourist visa it is required that you present as invitation a tourist voucher (visa support document) issued by a hotel in or a tourist agency/operator registered with the Federal Tourism Agency. Such a voucher must contain: 1) applicant’s passport information 2) confirmation number 3) reference number from the Federal Register of tour operators 4) type of visa (TOURIST), purpose of visit (TOURISM), number of entries (SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-ENTRY), and requested period of entry (FOR THE LENGTH OF UP TO 30 DAYS) 5) name and address of the host organization 6) location of intended stay of the applicant in Russia (NAME OF HOTEL AND FULL ADDRESS) 7) Stamp and signature. The information in your tourist voucher must fully correspond to the information in the applicant’s passport. Invitation containing errors will not be accepted. Please note information in tourist voucher has to be either in Russian or in English. Choosing purpose of travel in the online application The purpose of travel is indicated on your tourist voucher. If you travel for the general purpose of tourism please choose “ COMMON TOURISM ”. Please note that according to the law visiting friends or family in Russia is a private purpose and in this case you must apply for a private visa. Information for U.S. citizens It is recommended that US citizens apply for 3-year multiple-entry tourist visas regardless of the dates, number of entries and period of stay indicated in the tourist voucher. When filling out the application online, please indicate a full three year period of stay (e.g. 15.07.2020-14.07.2023) starting from the date of entry in your tourist voucher. 3-year multiple tourist visas are issued with “ COMMON TOURISM ” purpose of travel only. Validity period Single or double-entry tourist visas are issued for up to 30 days. The dates are indicated in your confirmation and voucher.
• Originally signed passport with at least two clear visa pages valid for at least 6 more months after the expiration date of the requested visa. If the validity condition is not fully met, your visa validity period will be shortened to allow 6 months of passport validity after the visa expiration date.
• A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru , originally signed by the applicant; Electronic/scanned signatures will not be accepted.
• One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2″by 2″ in the US), with a light background, no shadows, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
• Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Center in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order payable to KRSP USA Corporation . Personal checks will not be accepted.
• Medical insurance Citizens of China, Iran, Ireland, Israel, as well as citizens of the countries of the European Union and the Schengen zone (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania , Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) must present medical insurance certificates valid in Russia. For example, insurance letter must state that it covers “worldwide”, or “for traveling outside of US”, or “for traveling to Russian Federation”. Also insurance letter must indicate the exact dates of coverage and cover the whole visa duration. US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA. Please click here for more information about insurance. Information for citizens of the EU and Schengen area countries According to the Russia-EU Visa Facilitation Agreement as well as bilateral visa agreements citizens of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland are eligible for the following visa application fees: – $40 – 4-10 business days; – $80 – 3 business days. Please note these provisions do not affect citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Non-US citizens must provide proof of legality of their stay in the United States (US resident alien/permanent residency status (green card), long term U.S. visa (tourist visas not accepted), form I-94 etc.). Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application. Additional information: If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate and both parents’ copies of passports; If applying for a spouse, please provide a copy of Marriage Certificate; If applying on behalf of another person, please provide a notarized authorization letter; If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees please provide a letter from company/organization.

Visa Center in Houston

• Invitation To apply for a tourist visa it is required that you present as invitation a tourist voucher (visa support document) issued by a hotel in or a tourist agency/operator registered with the Federal Tourism Agency. Such a voucher must contain: 1) applicant’s passport information 2) confirmation number 3) reference number from the Federal Register of tour operators 4) type of visa (TOURIST), purpose of visit (TOURISM), number of entries (SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-ENTRY), and requested period of entry (FOR THE LENGTH OF UP TO 30 DAYS) 5) name and address of the host organization 6) location of intended stay of the applicant in Russia (NAME OF HOTEL AND FULL ADDRESS) 7) Stamp and signature. The information in your tourist voucher must fully correspond to the information in the applicant’s passport. Invitation containing errors will not be accepted. Please note information in tourist voucher has to be either in Russian or in English. Important! The hotel booking confirmation is not a visa support document. Please note that according to the law visiting friends or family in Russia is a private purpose and in this case you must apply for a private visa. INFORMATION FOR US CITIZENS It is recommended that US citizens apply for 3-year multiple-entry tourist visas regardless of the dates, number of entries and period of stay indicated in the tourist voucher. Multiple tourist visas for US citizens are valid for up to 3 years and allow bearers to stay in Russia for up to 180 days per visit. PLEASE NOTE : Tourist voucher can be only for a single-or double-entry for the length of up to 30 days. When filling out the application online, please indicate a full three year period of stay (e.g. 15.08.2021 – 14.08.2024) starting from the date of entry in your tourist voucher. 3-year multiple tourist visas are issued with “ TOURISM ” purpose of travel only.

Validity period Single- or double-entry tourist visas are issued for up to 30 days. The dates are indicated in your voucher.

3. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru , signed by the applicant; Electronic/scanned signatures will not be accepted.

4. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2″by 2″ in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo) taken within 6 months ;

5. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Center in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to KRSP USA Corporation . Personal checks will not be accepted.

6. A copy of your passport’s ID page.

7. Medical insurance

Citizens of China, Iran, Ireland, Israel, as well as citizens of the countries of the European Union and the Schengen zone (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania , Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) must present medical insurance certificates valid in Russia. Insurance letter must indicate the exact dates of coverage and cover the whole visa duration . Medical insurance certificates must contain a Russian contact phone number for emergency or assistance.

Please click here for information about insurance.

8. Non-US citizens must provide proof of legality of their stay in the United States (US resident alien/permanent residency status (green card), long term U.S. visa (tourist visas not accepted), form I-94 etc.).

Photo specifications

Note : The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be:

• 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2″by 2″ in the US), taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling (without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background).
• Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.

Processing time

Normal applications: 10 business days minimum.

Urgent applications: 3-5 business days minimum.

Important notice: Processing time is a minimum and may vary from case to case. Your visa application processing will start from the day your application was dispatched to the Consulate. Therefore please add few more days to the indicated timings, depending on whether you will apply at the Russia visa application centre in person or by post.

The Russia Visa Centre is not involved in the process of assessment of visa applications, or their grant or refusal, and shall not be liable or responsible for any delay by the Consulates or the Embassy of the Russian Federation in USA, in assessing, granting or refusing any visa application.

Download forms

Important notice:

All questions in the visa application form must be answered in full, including the contact details of the applicant (full address with postal code, telephone and e-mail) and other questions that are not marked with a “*”, otherwise you will be asked to fill in these questions after arrival in the visa center.

Please note : If in your online visa application you answered “NO” to questions about previous places of work and educational institutions, you must attach a signed cover letter confirming that you did not really have previous jobs or studied in educational institutions.

Please note that if your application form requires any corrections or if you did not have a possibility to complete an online application form before visiting the Visa Application Centre, our team members will be happy to help. The cost of this service is $ 30 USD (Taxes included).

Please make sure that at the end of the electronic visa application you have chosen the visa application center that you are planning to visit. If you do not, the visa center staff may have to ask you to fill out a new visa application form.

To avoid confusion when choosing a passport category in the application, note that a diplomatic passport is issued to a civil servant who travels internationally for official state affairs. An official passport (service passport, as well as a special passport) is issued to the civil servant for travel related to work, and accompanying dependents. A tourist or ordinary passport is a document issued by the national government for the purpose of international travel, which certifies the identity and citizenship of its owner.

After completing your application form, please print it, sign it and submit it to the Russian Visa Application Center along with all supporting documents, payment and passport. Make sure that the signature on your application form is identical to the signature in your passport. We would like to assure you that we pay special attention to the processing of your personal data. By sending us your visa application, you confirm that you have accepted our Terms and Conditions .

To fill out the electronic visa application form click here .

Подача документов по почте.

Срок рассмотрения документов по почте составляет до 3-4 недель.

Перед подачей заявления выберите необходимый вам тип визы, ознакомьтесь со списком документов, требованиями к их оформлению и подготовьте необходимый пакет документов.

Всю неоходимую информацию вы можете найти по ссылке Типы виз.

Вам необходимо заполнить визовую анкету на сайте Консульского департамента МИД России. Анкета должна быть распечатана и подписана лично заявителем.

Визовые анкеты, заполненные другими способами, к рассмотрению не принимаются.

Анкету вы можете найти на сайте.

Подготовьте правильный платеж.

Оплата производится платёжным поручением (money order) или сертифицированным банковским чеком (cashier’s check) на имя компании: “Artionis USA Corporation”. Личные чеки не принимаются.

• Общая стоимость – $550 (для граждан США), для НЕ граждан США вы можете скачать Итоговая сумма – $550 на каждого заявителя.

Итоговая сумма – $550 на каждого заявителя.

*Дополнительный почтовый сбор для Аляски, Гавайев и Пуэрто-Рико + $ 10

*Дополнительный почтовый сбор для доставки в субботу + $ 20

Узнайте больше о наших дополнительных услугах здесь.

Полный пакет документов нужно отправить в Визовый Центр любой почтовой службой или запросить prepaid shipping label. Адреса Визовых Центров можно найти по ссылке

Запрос на prepaid shipping label отправляется на электронную почту [email].

В письме необходимо указать следующую информацию:

• Полное имя отправителя.
• Номер телефона.
• Почтовый адрес в США.
• В какой визовый центр будут отправлены документы.

Пожалуйста, заполните дополнительную форму

для обратной отправки ваших документов. Форму приложите вместе с полным пакетом документов.

Личное обращение.

Оплата производится в Российском визовом центре в долларах США наличными, основными кредитными или дебетовыми картами, платёжным поручением (money order) или сертифицированным банковским чеком на имя компании: “Artionis USA Corporation”. Личные чеки не принимаются.

• Итоговая сумма – $451 (Для граждан США) скачать полный список.

Пожалуйста, принесите в Российский Визовый Центр распечатанную и подписанную анкету вместе со всеми необходимыми документами в зависимости от выбранной Вами категории визы.

Обратите внимание, что при подаче документов на визу помимо оплаты Консульского сбора необходимо уплатить и процессуальный сбор визового центра.

Адреса Визовых Центров можно найти по ссылке

Полезные ссылки

Посольство Российской Федерации в США

Главное управление по миграции Министерства внутренних дел России

Генеральное Консульство Российской Федерации в Нью-Йорке

Генеральное Консульство Российской Федерации в Хьюстоне

Министерство Иностранных Дел Российской Федерации

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