Types of visa

Types of visa and requirements

All visa applications must be submitted to the Consulate in person or through tourist\visa processing agencies only.

Sorry, no applications by mail

Business visa

Humanitarian visa

Private (Homestay) visa (type 1)

Private (Homestay) visa (type 2) for the relatives of the Russian Citizen

Tourist visa

Student visas (short term or long term)

Work Visa

Transit visa

Business visa

Single-entry and double-entry business visas can be valid for the period of no longer than 90 days.

Multiple Entry Business visa can be valid for 1 year or 3 years depending on the invitation submitted.

(Please note that Multiple Entry Business visa is NOT a Residence Permit. You can use it NOT for staying in Russia but for multiple business re-entries only.

According to the Russian Migration Law foreign citizen with Multiple Entry Visa (valid 1 year) can stay in Russia only 90 days within each 180 days period.

Documents required for all type of business visas:

1. Official invitation (sample) issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or its regional offices. Or six digit reference number of your visa support information (MFA telex #) sent directly to the Consulate. This type of invitation or reference number can be obtained by you from your Russian business partner. (The official invitation must contain: official seal and legal address of the agency, document registration number, date of registration, signature and name of an authorized official, travel itinerary, dates of stay, names of persons invited. We reserve the right to request originals of any invitation).

Copy of invitations for multiple business visas are not accepted - please submit original only.

2. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least two blank pages marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned. Passport must be valid no less than six months after visa expiration date.

Applicant's passport will be in the Consulate's possession within the whole period of visa processing.

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

Each applicant has to fill out visa application form online, print it on your printer at home or in your office and submit to the Consulate in person or through tourist\visa processing agencies along with other documents required.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

No blank spaces must be left. If a question does not apply, please type "N/A". If the answer is none, write "None". Kindly ensure that the dates of your entry and exit, as entered in the application form, match with the period specified in your invitation. The form should bear the original signature of applicant and must be well readable. Please note that all dates in your application form must be written in European style (date, month, year). Please state clearly your contact telephone number (office, home). Incomplete forms, forms with no signature, forms with corrections, forms filled out illegibly or NOT FROM THIS Special OFFICIAL WEB SITE will be returned to the applicants unprocessed.

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

For multiple entry visa please attach two original Standard Application forms + 2 photos.

5. Cover letter from your company (or from yourself if you are traveling individually) with information about the traveler, destination, terms and purpose of the trip, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

6. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

Напоминаем, что в соответствии со статьей 12 Закона Российской Федерации "О гражданстве Российской Федерации" дети, рожденные у двух граждан России, независимо от места рождения, автоматически являются гражданами России. В этой связи российские визы таким детям не оформляются, им необходимо зарегистрировать наличие российского гражданства, вписать их данные в российский заграничный паспорт одного из родителей или оформить отдельный паспорт. Более детальную информацию можно найти здесь - ГРАЖДАНСТВО.

7. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

8. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.

9. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Method of payment. Visa processing fee is payable to the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco by money order, cashier's check only. Cash, company check or personal checks are NOT acceptable.

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Please, don’t forget to enclose completely filled prepaid FedEx envelope or prepaid FedEx US Airbill with your FedEx account number. For international delivery (US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico etc.) please, enclose completely filled prepaid International Air Waybill with your FedEx account number. If you want Consulate to send your documents back by mail and you fail to follow the above-mentioned requirements your visa application will not be processed until we receive from you prepaid FedEx envelope\ Air Waybill with your FedEx account number.

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

If you stay in Russia more than seven business days upon arrival you have to register as a foreigner. This registration is mandatory and required by the Russian Law that regulates entry/exit and stay of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation. Registration process is varied from registering in a hotel to registering at the Passport and Visa Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or Russian Federal Immigration Service depending on which type of visas you have in your passport. It is important for you to apply for the right type of visa, the one that corresponds to the purpose of your trip, in order to enjoy your visit to Russia without legal problems, should it be a tourist journey, a home stay with a relative or friend, a business trip, or a transit.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

The Consulate may request additional documentation. Visa processing starts only after we have collected all necessary documents. All paperwork once submitted is not subject to any change of the announced visa processing period or the period of stay in Russia indicated in valid invitation available at the moment of submission. If applicant needs to make changes in submitted paperwork before visa is processed, all documentation will be returned to applicant for resubmission. Visa-processing fee paid is not refundable. In case applicant requests correction in visa due to any reason other than computer misprint, applicant will have to reapply for a new visa. It is not possible to expedite visa processing after your documents have been accepted by the Consulate. The Consulate will not bear any responsibility for the errors in visas, which were not brought to our attention before departure from the USA and beforehand, within time allowing to review such visa. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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Humanitarian visa

Humanitarian visa can be issued for the foreign citizen traveling to Russia with sport, cultural, scientific-technical, public, religion, charity or humanitarian purposes.

Single-entry and double-entries Humanitarian visa can be valid for the period of no longer than 90 days.

Multiple Entry Humanitarian visa can be valid for 1 year only.

(Please note that Multiple Entry Humanitarian visa is NOT a Residence Permit. You can use it NOT for long term staying in the Russian Federation but for multiple re-entries only.

According to the Russian Migration Law foreign citizen with Multiple Entry Visa can stay in Russia only 90 days within each 180 days period.)

Documents required for all type of Humanitarian visa:

1. Official invitation (sample) issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or its regional offices. Or six digit reference number of your visa support information (MFA telex #) sent directly to the Consulate. This type of invitation or reference number can be obtained by you from your Russian partner. (The official invitation must contain: official seal and legal address of the agency, document registration number, date of registration, signature and name of an authorized official, travel itinerary, dates of stay, names of persons invited. We reserve the right to request originals of any invitation).

Copy of invitations for multiple visas are not accepted - please submit original only.

Applicant's passport will be in the Consulate's possession within the whole period of visa processing.

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

Each applicant has to fill out visa application form online, print it on your printer at home or in your office and submit to the Consulate in person or through tourist\visa processing agencies along with other documents required.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

For multiple entry visa please attach two original Standard Application forms + 2 photos.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

9. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

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Private (homestay) visa (type 1)

If you have relatives or friends in Russia (Private citizens) you may apply for this type of visa submitting a standard Private (Homestay) Invitation. It can be obtained by your Russian relatives or friends from a local office of Russian Federal Migration Service located in the Russian Federation only.

Private (homestay) visa (type 1) can be valid for single or double entries for the period up to three months only.

Documents required:

1. Standard invitation (original only) (sample).

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

5. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

6. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

9. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

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Private (Homestay Visa) (type 2)

for the relatives (husband, wife, minor child) of the Russian Citizen who has residency in US

If your wife or husband is a Russian Citizen with valid Russian Foreign Passport and US residency and you intend to travel to Russia together on the same flight (crossing Russian boarder simultaneously) she\he may submit special application to the Consulate to issue Private (Home Stay) Visa (type 2) for you or (and) your joint minor child.

In this case Standard Invitation from the Russian Federal Migration Service or any other invitation is NOT required any more.

Visa processing time for this type of visa application is not less than seven working days (no express service).

This type of visa can be valid for single or double entries (depending on air tickets information) for the period up to three months only.

Russian Citizen - applicant must submit application to the Consulate in person only

(no mail or visa processing agency).

Presence of the family members who are going to travel is NOT required.

Documents required:

1. Special application to the Consul General of the Russian Federation in San Francisco from the Russian citizen requesting visa for his\her relative-foreign citizen (form can be found here click );

2. Copy of the valid Russian Foreign Passport of the applicant-Russian citizen and copy of the document confirming her\his US residency (Green Card, US Passport);

3. Your Passport (original) and\or passport of your joint minor child. Passport must contain at least two blank pages marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned. Passports must be valid no less than six months after visa expiration date. Applicant's passport will be in the Consulate's possession within the whole period of visa processing.

4. Copy of your husband\wife and\or your joint child passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

5. Standard Visa Application form from the relative of the Russian citizen with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

Each visa applicant must submit separate application even for minor child (including newborn or enfant).

6. Original or copy of Marriage Certificate or Child's Birth Certificate.

7. Original or copy of Russian or US Court Decision with full custody over the child has to be submitted only if visa applicant-Russian Citizen is not a biological parent.

8. Copy of round trip air tickets for applicant - Russian Citizen and his family - Foreign Citizens.

9. Notarized non-objection letter from another parent – Foreign citizen that he\she permits his\her child to travel abroad with his\her parent-Russian citizen. Sample of the letter can be found here in PDF file LETTER-PDF and filled online. Please, don't forget to print it at home and notarize it by US Public Notary before applying for visa. This statement is required in all cases (parents intend to travel together with their child or one parent-Russian citizen is traveling alone with his\her child – Foreign citizen).

This statement is NOT required if your child is a Russian Citizen. In this case no visas is required for him\her (he\she must travel with valid Russian Foreign Travel Passport only).

10. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

11. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

12. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

13. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.

14. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Method of payment. Visa processing fee is payable to the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco by money order or cashier's check only. Cash, company check or personal checks are NOT acceptable.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

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Tourist visa

ATTENTION CRUISE SEA SHIP PASSENGERS !

According to the Russian Immigration Law

if you travel on an International Cruise Sea Ship and follow below- mentioned conditions:

1. During your stay in the Russian Seaport you have accomodations on the the Shipboard in the same Sea Port;

2. You have group tourist program organized by a local tour operator or your Cruise company in the same city.

You don't need tourist visa for the period of up to 72 hours.

This special immigration regulation does not apply to individual Sea Cruise tourists without organized tourist program, river board cruise passengers and travelers coming to Russia on package tours.

For this type of travelers please see Consulate's visa requirements below.

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All other applicants have to apply for tourist visa.

Standard tourist visa can be single-entry or double-entry and can be issued for no longer than 30 days only.

Documents required:

Standard "Tourist Confirmation" and "Tourist Voucher" from Russian travel agency . Travel Agency should be duly registered as a tourist company with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and assigned a special reference number. This reference number should be indicated on the Confirmation Letter.
In order to simplify the process it's recommended to contact any tourist\visa processing agency located in US to verify how to obtain Russian tourist visa support documents.

- If you intend to stay in the Russian hotel (without visa support from the travel\visa processing agency located in the US) ask your Russian hotel management to send you by fax or e-mail "Hotel Confirmation" and "Hotel Voucher" (just let them know that you need visa support documents). For all reliable hotels it's standard procedure and they will assist you in this matter promptly.

Please note: payment confirmation or reservation voucher can't be accepted by the Consulate for your visa processing.

- Cruise sea (river) ship passengers without organized group tourist program are required to submit a letter from the Cruise Company and a Cruise Confirmation Letter from the Cruise company’s partner agency in Russia (ask your cruise operator for a copy of that letter prior to applying for a visa).

2. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least two blank pages marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned. Passport must be valid no less than six months after visa expiration date.

Applicant's passport will be in the Consulate's possession within the whole period of visa processing.
3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).
4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

Each applicant has to fill out visa application form online, print it on your printer at home or in your office and submit to the Consulate in person or through tourist\visa processing agencies along with other documents required.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

No blank spaces must be left. If a question does not apply, please type "N/A". If the answer is none, write "None". Kindly ensure that the dates of your entry and exit, as entered in the application form, match with the period specified in your invitation. The form should bear the original signature of applicant and must be well readable. Please note that all dates in your application form must be written in European style (date, month, year). Please state clearly your contact telephone number (office, home). Incomplete forms, forms with no signature, forms with corrections, forms filled out illegibly or NOT FROM THIS Special OFFICIAL WEB SITE will be returned to the applicants unprocessed.

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

5. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

6. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

Напоминаем, что в соответствии со статьей 12 Закона Российской Федерации "О гражданстве Российской Федерации" дети, рожденные у двух граждан России, независимо от места рождения, автоматически являются гражданами России. В этой связи российские визы таким детям не оформляются, им необходимо зарегистрировать наличие российского гражданства, вписать их данные в российский заграничный паспорт одного из родителей или оформить отдельный паспорт. Более детальную информацию можно найти здесь - ГРАЖДАНСТВО.

7. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

8. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.
9. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

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Assistance can be provided by:

Student visas (short term or long term)

Short term student visa (valid for up to three months)

(requirements for long stay student visa you can find below)

Short term student visa can be issued for the foreign students traveling for "Short term study", "Russian language courses", "Courses", "Short term student exchange program" etc.

Short term student visa can be valid for single or double entries.

Documents required:

1. Official Invitation issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional offices. (sample)

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

5. Original or copy of the letter from Russian University, Institute or College confirming that applicant is traveling for short term study for the period of up to three months.

6. Original or copy of applicant's current diploma, educational certificate or official transcript from his\her university\college.

7. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

8. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

9. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

10. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.

11. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Long term student visa (valid for more than three months)

(requirements for short stay student visa you can find above)

Long term student visa can be issued for the foreign student who intend to study as full time student in Russia for the period of more than three months (usually one or more years) and has educational contract with Russian University or Institute.

Long term student visa can be valid for single entry only.

Documents required:

1. Official Invitation issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional offices. (sample)

3. Your current US diploma or educational certificate, certified by the State or Federal authorities.

4. Official hospital HIV (AIDS) Test Certificate. This certificate is valid for 3 month only (HIV blood test should be taken not earlier than 3 months before applying for a visa).

5. Confirmation of the payment and contract for your education course received directly from the Russian University, Institute or College you are going to study at.

6. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

7. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

9. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

10. For the former Soviet citizens only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

Напоминаем, что в соответствии со статьей 12 Закона Российской Федерации "О гражданстве Российской Федерации" дети, рожденные у двух граждан России, независимо от места рождения автоматически являются гражданами России. В этой связи российские визы таким детям не оформляются, им необходимо зарегистрировать наличие российского гражданства, вписать их данные в российский заграничный паспорт одного из родителей или оформить отдельный паспорт. Более детальную информацию можно найти здесь - ГРАЖДАНСТВО.

11. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

12. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.

13. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

*****************************************

Work Visa

Work visa can be valid for single or multiple entries.

Multiple Entry Work visa can be valid for 1 year or 3 years depending on the invitation submitted.

Documents required:

1. Original letter of Invitation from the Russian Federal Migration Service (sample).

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

In case of multiple entry visa

2 copies of visa application form and two photos are required.

Each applicant has to fill out visa application form online, print it on your printer at home or in your office and submit to the Consulate in person only along with other documents required.

Application for this type of visa must be submitted to the Consulate in person only

(no mail or visa processing agency).

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

5. Original HIV blood test (AIDS) Certificate. This certificate is valid for 3 month only (HIV blood test should be taken not earlier than 3 months before applying for a visa).

6. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

7. For the former Soviet citizens (Russian citizens) only: При подаче документов на визу необходимо предоставить один из документов, подтверждающий отсутствие у заявителя на настоящий момент российского гражданства (копия выездной визы СССР, копия заграничного паспорта СССР или паспорта государства СНГ, с которым вы выезжали, копия свидетельства о натурализации США до 1997 года, иной документ). В соответствии с действующим российским законодательством российские визы гражданам России в том числе, имеющим просроченные российские загранпаспорта, не оформляются. О порядке оформления новых российских загранпаспортов вы можете узнать здесь - Паспортный отдел

Напоминаем, что в соответствии со статьей 12 Закона Российской Федерации "О гражданстве Российской Федерации" дети, рожденные у двух граждан России, независимо от места рождения автоматически являются гражданами России. В этой связи российские визы таким детям не оформляются, им необходимо зарегистрировать наличие российского гражданства, вписать их данные в российский заграничный паспорт одного из родителей или оформить отдельный паспорт. Более детальную информацию можно найти здесь - ГРАЖДАНСТВО.

8. For Non US Passport holders only: You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card or long term non-immigration legal status in US valid not less than 6 months from the date of your Russian visa application. Please enclose the copy of this document or show it in your passport.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

9. For the holders of US Travel Document with Stateless or Refugee status only. You may apply for Russian visa in the Consulate only if you have US Green Card (in plastic version only), Health Insurance Certificate valid in Russia and confirmed round trip ticket. You are requested to enclose copy of these documents to your visa application form.

10. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

All documents should be submitted not less than 6 business days prior to the entry to the Russian Federation.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

*************************************

Transit visa

If you travel by airplane transit visa permits you to travel through the Russian territory without staying (depending on your tickets information). This type of visa can be valid for up to 72 hours only.

If you using other means of transportation (railway train, car, bus, ferry, etc.) or you apply for double transit visa (to the country of your final destination and back) it can be valid for up to 10 days only.

Important information for Transit passengers

If you apply for Russian transit visa you must have valid visa to the country of your final destination - where you are traveling to.

If changing terminals in the Russian Airport you have to cross Russian boarder through immigration control you have to obtain Transit visa prior to your travel.
If you stay in Airport Transit zone NOT crossing Russian boarder through immigration control Transit visa is NOT required for you.

Consulate highly recommend to contact your airline to verify it. Your airline is more familiar with particular airport terminals structure.

In all cases when airline can't verify this question Consulate recommend to obtain transit visa.

Documents required for Transit visa:

1. Passport (original) with valid visa of the country of your final destination. Passport must contain at least two blank pages marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned. Passport must be valid no less than six months after visa expiration date. Applicant's passport will be in the Consulate's possession within the whole period of visa processing.

2. Original and copy of the airway, railway or other ticket with "OK" status only.

3. Copy of the passport's vital pages (with personal data and photo).

4. Standard Visa Application form with one passport-size b\w or color photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form.

SORRY, NO MAIL APPLICATIONS

Visa application form can be found here -

Visa application form

5. Cover letter specifying purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached.

Напоминаем, что в соответствии со статьей 12 Закона Российской Федерации "О гражданстве Российской Федерации" дети, рожденные у двух граждан России, независимо от места рождения автоматически являются гражданами России. В этой связи российские визы таким детям не оформляются, им необходимо зарегистрировать наличие российского гражданства, вписать их данные в российский заграничный паспорт одного из родителей или оформить отдельный паспорт. Более детальную информацию можно найти здесь - ГРАЖДАНСТВО.

Applications from the holders of US tourist visas or short term visitors are NOT acceptable. You have to apply in the country of your residence only.

9. Visa fee and processing time information can be found here - Fees & Time schedules .

Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

After visa approval applicant has following choices:

1. Pick up passport with approved visa from the Consulate in person;

2. Authorize someone to pick it up on his behalf presenting Consulate's receipt;

3. Passport with approved visa can be sent back to the applicant by the Consulate

by registered mail.

Due to security reasons and in order to avoid delivery lost or delay

passport with approved visa can be sent back to applicant

by FedEx service ONLY using his FedEx account number ONLY

(NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS)

Any other ways of mail delivery from the Consulate are not accepted any more.

IF YOU STAY IN RUSSIA LESS THEN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED