Get a Russia Visa

1. When is the best time to apply for my Russia visa? The best time to apply for your Russia visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.
2. Do I have to send you my passport to get a Russia visa? Is it safe to send a passport? You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Russia visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa requests cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application and passport to CIBTvisas in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, Express Mail or Certified Mail.

Business Visa Application Requirements for a Russia Visa

1. Entering via Vladivostok

   A visa may be obtained on arrival at Vladivostok International Airport (VVO) for a stay of up to 8 days. Immigration officials hold the right to refuse entry to anyone for any reason. We strongly recommend that you obtain your visa prior to departure. Should you choose to obtain your visa upon arrival, you will need to inquire with your airline if boarding is allowed without a visa. If you wish to obtain your visa prior to departure, then please refer to the requirements listed in this kit.

2. Passport

   The applicants actual passport. The passport must:

   • Be in good condition. Not be damaged in any way
   • Be valid for six months beyond visa expired date
   • Have at least two adjacent blank visa pages 

3. Photograph(s)

   You must provide one colour, passport type photograph that meet the following criteria:

   • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
   • Be taken against an all white background
   • Be 35 mm by 45mm in size
   • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
   • You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes
   • Your photos should not be affixed to your application and they may not display evidence of adhesive or staples
     
     

4. Letter of Invitation

   A letter of invitation from the Russian institution or company is required. This letter must:

   • Be on company letterhead paper
   • Include the name and passport number of the applicant
   • Specify the purpose of journey
   • Include an acceptance of financial responsibility for the applicant
   • Be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional representatives or by an appropriate Russian Federation Migration Service Branch.
   • Bear company's seal and signature
     

5. Copy of ID

   A copy of the applicant's valid ID (IFE or INE)

6. Visa Application Form

   One fully completed and signed application form

   CIBTvisas can assist the traveler in completing the online application form. In order to facilitate this, please complete the CIBTvisas Russia Document Preparation Questionnaire  which can be found within the CIBTvisas Application Pack. All questions must be answered as they are mandatory fields on the Russian Embassy website.

   Once CIBTvisas have completed your online application we will send it to you for your signature. An original signature is required so you will need to return the form to us by post or courier once signed
   

7. CIBTvisas Order Form

   Complete and submit with your other materials one CIBTvisas Order Form.

Tourist Application Requirements for a Russia Visa

1. Entering via Vladivostok

   A visa may be obtained on arrival at Vladivostok International Airport (VVO) for a stay of up to 8 days. Immigration officials hold the right to refuse entry to anyone for any reason. We strongly recommend that you obtain your visa prior to departure. Should you choose to obtain your visa upon arrival, you will need to inquire with your airline if boarding is allowed without a visa. If you wish to obtain your visa prior to departure, then please refer to the requirements listed in this kit.

2. Visa Validity

   Russian tourist visas are issued for 30 days maximum with specific start and expiry dates according to your "Visa Confirmation Letter". Travel must be completed within those dates, and completed visas cannot be changed or extended once they have been issued

3. Passport

   The applicants actual passport. The passport must:

   • Be in good condition. Not be damaged in any way
   • Be valid for six months beyond visa expired date
   • Have at least two adjacent blank visa pages 

4. Photograph(s)

   You must provide one colour, passport type photograph that meet the following criteria:

   • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
   • Be taken against an all white background
   • Be 35 mm by 45mm in size
   • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
   • You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes
   • Your photos should not be affixed to your application and they may not display evidence of adhesive or staples
     
     

5. Proof of Travel Arrangements

   A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

6. Proof of Travel Insurance

   A copy of actual travel insurance policy certificate [email not accepted]. The certificate must state:

   • Full name of the applicant
   • That the policy is valid for the duration of the entire trip

7. Tourist Voucher and Confirmation

   This must be provided as a copy of a Russia Tourist Voucher and Russia Tourist Confirmation. This must:

   • Include passport number, full name and date of birth as in the passport
   • Be stamped and signed by an authorised person from the Russian Foreign Ministry
   • Be issued for stay of 30 days or less
   • Bear the exact entry and exit dates required by the applicant and as stated on the visa application form  

8. Copy of ID

   A copy of the applicant's valid ID (IFE or INE)

9. Visa Application Form

   One fully completed and signed application form

   CIBTvisas can assist the traveler in completing the online application form. In order to facilitate this, please complete the CIBTvisas Russia Document Preparation Questionnaire  which can be found within the CIBTvisas Application Pack. All questions must be answered as they are mandatory fields on the Russian Embassy website.

   Once CIBTvisas have completed your online application we will send it to you for your signature. An original signature is required so you will need to return the form to us by post or courier once signed
   

10. CIBTvisas Order Form

    Complete and submit with your other materials one CIBTvisas Order Form.