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Excepting the citizens of some CIS countries, any non-Russian national wishing to enter the Russian Federation must bear a valid Russian visa. If you book a tour through a travel agency back home, then you shouldn't have to worry at all about visas and registration. If, however, you're traveling independently, then you have a number of more or less complicated and expensive options to choose from in order to get a valid visa for your trip. A number of private companies abroad offer visa processing services for Russia, which can save you the trouble of organizing an invitation, queuing at your local consulate and dealing with often surly consular officials. These services do not normally come cheap, however.
Below you will find full explanations of how to obtain the three main types of Russian visa, plus information on visa registration and migration cards. Our step-by-step visa guide will take you through the whole visa process, from obtaining the relevant visa support to registering your visa once you arrive. You will also find links to companies offering visa support online, to databases of Russian consular departments, and to downloadable visa application forms. In short, everything you could possibly need to get a Russian visa.
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Tourist visas
A tourist visa is the easiest and cheapest (it's all relative?) type of Russian visa to get. It is a single entry/exit visa valid for the specified duration of your stay in Russia, up to 29 days. ›››
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Private visas
A private or homestay visa, valid for up to 90 days, is designed for those who wish to visit family or friends in Russia. However, an invitation is difficult to obtain. ›››
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Business visas
If you wish to stay in Russia for more than three months, if you are planning to work while in St. Petersburg, or if you need a multi-entry/exit visa, you will have to apply for a business visa. ›››
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Dictionary of Terms
Unsure what "visa support" actually means? Check here for an explanation of all visa-related terminology. ›››
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