VISA INFORMATION

To apply for and obtain a Visa* to enter the Russian Federation as well as to get necessary information, we highly recommend to contact Consular Offices of the Russian Federation or Visa Centres that are located all over the world (please see the list of Russian Consulates or Visa Centers by countries).

Generally, you are free to apply up to 90 days prior to the date of travel. The Embassy recommends that you apply at least 3 weeks prior to your date of travel to accommodate any unforeseen processing delays.

Documents necessary to apply for a visa:

1. Passport.
2. A filled-out Visa Application Form.
3. One 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph.
4. Proof of payment of the consular fee.
5. Documents depending on the purpose of the visit and the visa category. For tourist visa the documents are:
   1. letter of invitation (also called visa support or tourist confirmation document). The confirmation that you are going to be hosted as a tourist by a Russian tour operator, which is registered in the Unified register of tour operators. You can ask for it directly from the hotel or get it on your own through an authorized Russian tour operator.
   2. travel insurance**. You can buy and download the Policy provided by the Russian company Cherehapa directly online.

You can also contact VFS Global services to get comprehensive information.

* FYI: According to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, citizens of 27 states that hold all types of passports are eligible for visa-free entrance to Russia for a period of 30 to 90 days (depends on a state). These countries are: Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Ukraine, Uruguay, Fiji, Chile, Ecuador, Cuba, Seychelles, Mauritius, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, South Ossetia.

** If you travel a lot you may already have travel insurance, so you may not need to make a new insurance. You must verify that it is valid in Russia and that it meets the requirements established by the Consulate.