Russian Visa - online checking
Your Passport
United States
Travelling to
Russian Federation
How to check and get Russian visa
A visa is usually needed to enter into Russia from most foreign countries. Citizens of United States,United Kingdom, Canada,Australia and several other European countries are required to apply for a visa to Russia since they cannot be accursed with Visa on arrival
Update April 2025: Uni e-Visa has been implemented for citizens of over 50 countries in Russia to apply online for short term visits as fast as possible.
Use the form below to make sure the traditional visa or e-visa is applicable for your nationality.
Types of Russian Visas (8)
Russia has different visa categories for various types of travel — tourist, business, private, work, student, transit, humanitarian and e-Visa. All of which have their own rules and times. Specifically, here is one long table of visa types, what they are for and also what will be needed to enter.
Visa requirement for countries
Determine if Citizens of your country requires a visa to go to Russia and the visa options exist depending on their nationalities. In this section we will specify the entry rules and visa categories that are applicable, as well as requirements for each country. Policy updated regularly in accordance to the advice from our Russian embassies.
Last update: April 10, 2025.
Visa-free countries
Requiring an e-visa countries
Requiring offline visa countries
Russian Visa Requirements
General Requirements
All applicants must ensure the following before applying:
1. Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and contain at least two blank pages
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
2. Photographs
Recent, high-quality passport-size photos that meet Russian specifications.
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
3. Complited visa application form
Should be filled out strictly according to the sample, without mistakes and corrections.
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
4. Payment of visa fee
The amount of the fee depends on the type of visa and the country of destination.
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
Specific Requirements by Visa Type
General info
Validity:
16 days
Type of entry:
single
Processing time:
4 calendar days
State fee
$52
Required documents
Valid passport: Your passport must be machine-readable, valid for at least 6 months, issued by your country, and have space for border stamps - otherwise, your e-visa application will be rejected.
Passport-size photos: A recent (≤6 months) full-face photo on a light background, showing only you with a neutral expression and clear, unobstructed features—framed 70–80% in a 35×45 format.
General info
Validity:
up to 3 months, up to 1 year
Type of entry:
single, multiple, double
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $542
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide the original or printed invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
General info
Validity:
up to 3 months, up to 1 year
Type of entry:
single, multiple, double
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $542
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide the original or printed invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
General info
Validity:
up to 3 months, up to 6 months
Type of entry:
single, multiple, double
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $542
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide confirmation from a registered tour operator or proof of booking at a classified hotel or accommodation.
General info
Validity:
up to 3 months, up to 1 year
Type of entry:
single, multiple, double
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $542
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide the original or printed invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
General info
Validity:
for the period of study
Type of entry:
single
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $184
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide the original or printed invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Health certificate: Certificate of absence of HIV infection (valid for 3 months).
General info
Validity:
for the period of work
Type of entry:
single
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $184
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
Invitation letter: You must provide the original or printed invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Health certificate: Certificate of absence of HIV infection (valid for 3 months).
General info
Validity:
no more than 3 days
Type of entry:
single
Processing time:
4-20 business days, 1-3 business days
State fee
from $29 to $184
Required documents
Valid passport: Original & with valid, blank edge pages
Completed visa: The visa application form must be completed electronically, or, if not possible, in handwritten or printed form.
Passport-size photos: 3 recent color photos (no glasses) with white background
russia visa information
How to Apply for Your Russian Visa
Follow these five easy steps to complete your application through our online platform:
📝 Step-by-Step Process (Traditional Visa)
Step 1: Determine visa type
Tourist, work, study or other. The list of documents, the amount of the fee and the filing procedure depend on it.
Step 2: Fill out online application form at visa.kdmid.ru
Fill out the form on the website, providing all the required data accurately and without errors. After filling out the form, print it out and sign it.
Step 3: Gather required documents
Collect all necessary documents according to the type of visa. Check validity dates, signatures and compliance with the requirements.
Step 4: Schedule appointment at Russia Visa Center / Embassy
Make an appointment to submit documents at a Visa Center or Russian Consulate. Choose a convenient date and time by following the instructions on the official website.
Step 5: Submit documents, pay fee, and provide biometrics
At the reception hand over all documents, submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Make sure you have a receipt for the fee.
Step 6: Wait for processing & collect passport with visa
The application process takes 4-10 days depending on the type of visa and the workload of the center.
📝 E-Visa Application (Online Only)
Step 1: e-Visa form from official website or with Visabot
Enter personal details, a trip itinerary and photo of an individual that can be duly uploaded.
Step 2: Attach Passport Scan and Photo
Your scan passport (First page, no shadows or highlights) and photo. Photo is 3,5×4,5 cm on white background no glasses/ hats
Step 3: $40 fee online
Online payment through a secured payment gateway of your visa fee All the data is encrypted and the transaction follow all internationally allowed security measures.
Step 4: Visa by mail
This usually takes ~ 4 working days. Review all data in visa that's been finished before traveling.
✅ With Visabot skip paperwork and mistakes - we handle the application process for you.
Russian Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Goverment Fee | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torist visa | $50 - $100 USD | Up to 30 days | Varies by nationality |
| Business Visa | $50 - $160 USD | 30-365 days | Single/multi-entry |
| Student Visa | $50 - $100 USD | Course length | Usually renewable |
| Work visa | $50 - $300 USD | 1 year | Employer sponsors fee |
| e-visa | $40 USD | 60-day validity | Online only |
📌 Service fee may apply when applying through agents or platforms like Visabot
Russian Visa Processing time
| Visa Type | Standart Processing | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| Torist visa | 7 - 10 working days | 1-3 days |
| Business Visa | 10 - 20 days | 3 - 5 days |
| Student/work Visa | 20+ days | N/A |
| e-visa | ~ 4 working days | No expedited option |
❗️ Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
Russian Visa Rejection reasons
Factors that can get your visa rejected:
1. Expired Passport
Applying with a passport that has expired or expires within 6 months
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
2. Criminal Record
Having a criminal history that disqualifies you from obtaining a visa.
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
3. Previous Visa Violations
Having overstayed or violated the terms of a previous visa.
Source: official website of the embassy of russia
Why Choose Visabot
Official-level guidance. To the level of human supervision.
🛡️ Acceptance of many thousands of travelers globally
Thousands of applicants from numerous countries worldwide are each month getting their Russian Visa with Visabot – 100% secure and on time month after month.
📄 Foundation on official requirements
Real-time updates based on the most up-to-date Russian Foreign Ministry and embassy requirements Our forms are never outdated.
⚖️ Bureaucracy free and accuracy at embassy level
We all follow the multi-level validation for all applications to pass embassy requirements. We help reduce #1 cause of rejected visas is human mistake.
🤖 99.8% approval rate [AI + Human Base]
Visabot leverages automated checks and human review. Our visa experts ensure that your application is well-prepared, correct and applicable for submission.
📩 Official invitation letters (if any)
We make it possible for you to get authentic invitation letters from approved Russian offices - instant, legally.
💬 Support from actual humans
Questions? Our multilingual support team is available 7 days a week. We speak visa.
🔒 The Security of Government Grade Encryption
Financial and government related data is protected with the same security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to go for a Russian Visa?
Most foreign nationals in Russia need visa — Yes. Citizens of certain countries and peoples with diplomatic or service passports are exempt from visa requirements. Always see the current entry requirements for your nationality.
What countries enter visa-free to Russia?
No. Most travelers from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia need a visa to enter Russia (the Schengen Area).
Can I get Russian visa on arrival ?
No: Visa on arrival is not available for most travelers to Russia. Visitors from all countries must apply for a visa before arrival in Russia, be this through a specific consulate, visa center or official e-Visa platform.
Explanation for What is Russian e-Visa?
Its a single unified e-Visa that enables citizens from 50+ countries to apply online for short visits (up to 16 days). Electronic, with photo valid for tourism/business/humanitarian and does not require you to travel to embassy. Typically takes 4 calendar days
Which countries can apply for a Russian e-Visa?
E-Visa is for those countries like India, China, Turkey and many other countries citizens who can apply for visa. You can find the complete list on official e-Visa portal of Russia
How to Application for Russia Visa
The basic requirement is a current valid passport, fully completed application form, one passport size photograph and travel insurance (depending on visa type you might require invitation letter, proof of accommodation or work / study permit)
Russian visa processing time is how many days?
- e-Visa: ~4 calendar days
- Tourist visa (business visa): 7 to 20 working days
- Work/Student visa 20+ working days.
Some visa types have an additional expedited processing.
What is the Russian visa price?
Types of Visa and fees differ by type, country of issuance.
- e-Visa : $40 USD
- Tourist visa: 50 –100 USD
- Business: $100–160 USD
- Permit work: $150–300 USD
You will pay agency fees, if you are going through an agency.
How many days can I stay in Russia with visa?
- e-Visa: 16 days
- Tourist visa — up to 30 days
- Definition of a business visa is 90 days (can be multiple entry and up to a year)
- Work/Student visas: per contract or duration of enrollment
Can I get a Russian visa extension once inside Russia?
Normally a visa cannot be extended unless it is for your health or other special cases. You need to apply for the correct time frame Well in advanced
What is an invitation letter and do I need one?
You will need invitation (visa support) a letter for most non-eVisa applications It must be issued by a Russian hotel, company, university, person and is mainly used to confirm the purpose of your trip. e-Visa applicants do not need VISA.
Where do I have to send my visa application?
For a regular visa, applications need to be made at Russian Consulate or Visa Application Centre(VFS,IFC) in your Country. e-Visa is submitted directly at the official portal or some authorized platforms.
How to apply for a Russian visa online?
Only e-Visa can be submitted online fully. Other visa submittals you have to do online but go to a visa center in person and fill out the application form.
Can I come to Russia with a Schengen Visa/ UK or US
No Russia does not recognize third-country visa for admittance. You will need to get a Russian visa.
What happens if I do not exit Russia within my valid visa expiry?
And overstaying is a big deal — violator, fine / deportation / disallow entry Ver get always leave Russia before your visa expires.
Is it a good idea to book flights and hotels before I get visa?
Get ready, it is suggested to have tentative bookings or refundable reservations especially for tourist visas. A confirmed hotel or an invitation is usually needed to apply, but don´t expect paid flight.
Ivan Smirnov
Visa Consultant & travel document expert
🎓 Certified Expert
🏆 10+ years of experience
✍️ Author of 100+ articles
Additional Resources & Support
For further information, please visit:
Offline way to get Visa
You can apply to the consulate. Applying to the consulate guarantees the correctness of the application and its timely submission.
Official e-visa website
If you're eligible for the Unified e-Visa, you can apply online without visiting a visa center. Go to the official e-Visa website:
Apply online with VisaBot
We are always ready to help you find a solution to your questions about visas, documents and the application process.
Start Your Russian eVisa Application Today
Apply for your visa online with VisaBot today —
it's secure, simple, and reliable. Start your
journey with confidence!
© 2024-2025 VisaDay. Application for easy processing of official e-visa to any country.
Online service works in the automated mode of filling out applications for issuance of electronic visas to any country through a single window. Information about the requirements for authorization documents for entry into the country is of informational nature. This website is not responsible for erroneous information or for the decision of the consul of the country of application.