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US citizens, nationals of a third countries, as well as stateless persons can address their questions of consular             nature to any of the consular posts of the Russian Federation on the US territory. 

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Applying for the right visa:

Each type of visa corresponds to the purpose of your visit to the Russian Federation.  

Upon arrival to Russia you will have to register as a foreigner. Registration is mandatory as 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, 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.

It is a courtesy of any country to allow entrance on its territory.  Permission to enter the Russian Federation is as well a courtesy of the State. In accordance with the International Law, the Consulate in certain cases reserves the right to consider your visa applications for as long as it deems necessary. The Consulate may request additional documentation. Personal interview with an applicant can be requested by Consular official.  Visa can be denied if the Consulate has reasons to believe that the Applicant's visit to the Russian Federation is not desirable. Disclosure of the reason for denial can be withheld.  Visa processing fees received from the applicant are not   refundable.

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TOURIST VISA

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

   Documents required:

1. Standard "Confirmation" and "Tourist Voucher" from Russian travel agency, Russian hotel Receiving organization 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.
   Cruise-ship passengers are required to present 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 one blank page marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned.
3. Copy of the passport's vital page (s).
4. Standard Application form (must be filled out completely with all information requested, must have original signature and dated), with one passport-size photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form. To download   application form for US citizens click: Visa Application Form for US citizens To download application form for non US citizens or individuals with no citizenship click:  Visa Application for non US citizens   ("Adobe Acrobat Reader" is required to open the file).  
5. Visa processing fee made payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only (see fees and time schedule below). Please do not send cash or personal checks. 
6. All visa documents must be accompanied by a 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.  If you want to receive you passport back by mail rather than picking it up at the Consulate, pre-paid self-addressed envelope is required (registered mail only - click If you are applying by mail for mailing rules). If you submitted your application in person and you intend to pick up your passport with visa at the Consulate in person, please bring the Receipt issued to you by consul when you were submitting the documents.
8. Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

    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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Migration Card: Besides having any valid Russian visa in their valid passports, foreign nationals going to Russia are required to fill out Migration Card at the port of entry and hand it over to the Russian Border Control Officer along with their other travel documents (please note that the arrival/departure card that the Consulate inserted into your passport along with your visa is different from the Migration Card, and you have to contain both cards in your passport). You should present your Migration Card when you register yourself in the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 days after your arrival to the point of destination or within 1 day if you stay in hotel (this rule is applied for all foreign nationals except those who are the subject of registration by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Have your Migration Card with you until you pass through the departure passport control procedure while departing Russia. If you lose your card, please report to the office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation immediately to avoid further legal actions. Migration Cards should be available on board of airplane and at port of entry to Russia.

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BUSINESS VISA

Single-entry and double-entry business visas can be issued for  no longer than 90 days, multiple re-entry business visa can be issued for 1  year. Documents required:

1. Official invitation issued by the Russian Ministry of the Internal Affairs of Russia, its local offices or the Russian Foreign Ministry, its regional offices,  or any other authorized Russian agency. The letter 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. Copies of multiple business invitations are not accepted - please submit original of multiple invitation.  
2. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least one blank page marked  "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned.
3. Copy of the passport's vital page( s).
4. Standard Application form (must be filled out completely with all information requested, must have original signature and dated), with one passport-size photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form. To download   application form for US citizens click: Visa Application Form for US citizens  . To download application form for non US citizens or individuals with no citizenship click:  Visa Application for non US citizens   ("Adobe Acrobat Reader" is required to open the file).
5. Official hospital HIV (AIDS) Test Certificate is required along with your paperwork if you apply for a visa valid for more than 3 months.  
6. Visa processing fee made payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only (see fees and time schedule below). Please do not send cash or personal checks. 
7. A 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.
8.  If you want to receive you passport back by mail rather than picking it up at the Consulate, pre-paid self-addressed envelope is required (registered mail only - click If you are applying by mail for mailing rules). If you submitted your application in person and you intend to pick up your passport with visa at the Consulate in person, please bring the Receipt issued to you by consul when you were submitting the documents.
9. Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

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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PRIVATE(HOMESTAY)VISA                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Valid for single entry.                                                                                                                                                                                     Documents required:

1. Standard invitation (original only) issued by a local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (former OVIR). You should ask your relative or friend to obtain one from a local Passport and Visa Service office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
2. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least one blank page marked "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned.
3. Copy of the passport's vital page (s).
4. Standard Application form (must be filled out completely with all information requested, must have original signature and dated), with one passport-size photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form. To download application form for US citizens click: Visa Application Form for US citizens  . To download application form for non US citizens or individuals with no citizenship click:  Visa Application for non US citizens   ("Adobe Acrobat Reader" is required to open the file).  
5. Visa processing fee made payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only (see fees and time schedule below). Please do not send cash or personal checks.
6. All visa documents must be accompanied by a 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.  If you want to receive you passport back by mail rather than picking it up at the Consulate, pre-paid self-addressed envelope is required (registered mail only - click If you are applying by mail for mailing rules). If you submitted your application in person and you intend to pick up your passport with visa at the Consulate in person, please bring the Receipt issued to you by consul when you were submitting the documents.
8. Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

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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TRANSIT VISA                                                                                                                                       Transit visa permits to travel through the Russian territory without stay depending on your tickets, it is issued for up to 72 hours, you travel by air, or for up  to 10 days, if using other means of transportation.                                                                                          Documents required:

1. The visa of the country of destination and a copy of the air, railway or other ticket with “OK” status.
2. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least one blank page marked  "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned.
3. Copy of the passport's vital page (s).
4. Standard Application form (must be filled out completely with all information requested, must have original signature and dated), with one passport-size photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form. To download application form for US citizens click: Visa Application Form for US citizens  . To download application form for non US citizens or individuals with no citizenship click:  Visa Application for non US citizens   ("Adobe Acrobat Reader" is required to open the file).  
5. Visa processing fee made payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only (see fees and time schedule below). Please do not send cash or personal checks. 
6. All visa documents must be accompanied by a 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.  If you want to receive you passport back by mail rather than picking it up at the Consulate, pre-paid self-addressed envelope is required (registered mail only - click If you are applying by mail for mailing rules). If you submitted your application in person and you intend to pick up your passport with visa at the Consulate in person, please bring the Receipt issued to you by consul when you were submitting the documents.
8. Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.

 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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STUDENT VISA  

This attributes to the "long-term" students requesting entry visas. Short-term student projects' participants should refer to the business visa regulations. Documents required:                                                                                                                

1. Official Invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional offices.
2.  Your current diploma or educational certificate, certified by the State or Federal authorities
3. General health certificate on your current health condition (must be certified by Apostil at the local office of the Secretary of your State and translated into Russian, then certified by the Consulate)
4. Official hospital HIV (AIDS) Test Certificate (must be certified by Apostil at the local office of the Secretary of your State and translated into Russian, then certified by the Consulate).
5. A confirmation of the payment arrangement directly from the University, Institute or College you are going to study at
6. Passport (original). Passport must contain at least one blank page  marked  "visas", otherwise the passport and documents will not be accepted and will be returned.
7. Copy of the passport's vital page (s).
8. Standard Application form (must be filled out completely with all information requested, must have original signature and dated), with one passport-size photo glued or stapled at the place for photo on the application form. To download application form for US citizens click: Visa Application Form for US citizens  . To download application form for non US citizens or individuals with no citizenship click:   Visa Application for non US citizens   ("Adobe Acrobat Reader" is required to open the file).  
9. Visa processing fee made payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only (see fees and time schedule below). Please do not send cash or personal checks.                                                
10. All visa documents must be accompanied by a 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. If you want to receive you passport back by mail rather than picking it up at the Consulate, pre-paid self-addressed envelope is required (registered mail only - click If you are applying by mail for mailing rules). If you submitted your application in person and you intend to pick up your passport with visa at the Consulate in person, please bring the Receipt issued to you by consul when you were submitting the documents. 
12. Please read important Additional rules and information which might apply to specifically to you.                                                                                                             

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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PROCESSING FEES AND TIME 

ATTENTION US CITIZEN!

As of January 1, 2008 the U.S. State Department raises the fee for American visa from 100 USD to 131 USD.

On the basis of reciprocity the fee for Russian visa (standard processing time 6-10 business days) is also raised to 131 USD, effective from January 14, 2008. The fees for expedited visa processing will however remain unchanged.

* “Not less than six business days” means that  it will take more than six business days to issue any type of visa (currently - two weeks, subject to change).  “Not less than three business days” means that it will take  more than three business days to issue any type of visa (currently - one week, subject to change), provided that your application is approved by the Consulate. The day when paperwork is submitted or received by mail does not count. We start to review your application after we receive complete set of required documents. Same day and next business day processing is possible only if current volume of work allows. 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 fees paid are not refundable. Please get your visa before purchasing an air transportation ticket.

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Method of payment: visa processing fee is  payable to the Russian Consulate General by money order, cashier's check or company check only. Please do not send cash or personal checks. Penalty fee a bounced company check is $20.

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ADDITIONAL RULES AND INFORMATION

Why a special form for US citizens? Effective April 1, 2004, US citizens applying for Russians visas should submit to the Consulate a new application form. The new form is implemented on the basis of reciprocity with the US side and replaces the previous standard application form and the supplemental form. For your convenience, you can download the the new form for US citizens and the form for non US citizens:

      Visa Application Form for US citizens         Visa Application for non US citizens

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How to arrange your documents before you submit them to the Consulate in person or by mail: before submitting your documents please check our instruction about type of visa you are requesting and if you have complete set of documents, have them arranged in the following order beginning from the top:                                                               

1. Money order/company check

2. Passport

3. Valid invitation (business/tourist/private)

4. Cover letter

5. Application form (with one photo glued or stapled to the place for photo) 

6. Copy of passport's vital page (s)   

7. Prepaid self-addressed return registered mail envelope (if applying by mail)      

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It is a common knowledge that it is a courtesy of any country to allow entrance on its territory.  Permission to enter the Russian Federation is as well a courtesy of the State. In accordance with the International Law, the Consulate in certain cases reserves the right to consider your visa applications for as long as it deems necessary. The Consulate may request additional documentation. Personal interview with an applicant can be requested by Consular official.  Visa can be denied if the Consulate has reasons to believe that the Applicant's visit to the Russian Federation is not desirable. Disclosure of the reason for denial can be withheld.  Visa processing fees received from the applicant are not   refundable.

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If you are applying by mail you should follow the usual rules and in addition submit a self-addressed pre-paid envelope,  showing you both as shipper and recipient. Otherwise, your visa will not be processed. We do not mail passports by regular mail. To expedite delivery and to avoid your correspondence being lost in mail, such services as provided by FedEx, DHL or Airborne Express are accepted. Envelopes marked "Bill Sender", "Bill Credit Card", "Collect", "Bill Recipient" or C.O.D. ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  Please send a pre-paid envelope of any above mentioned registered mail OR  indicate your account number with FedEx, DHL or Airborne Express which will be billed by those mail carriers, make sure it is valid, otherwise there will be a delay in order to verify it. Please, do not tear off the top sheet of air-bill (i.e. “Senders Copy”).  The Consulate will not be responsible for any loss or mishandling of the mail by regular Postal Service or any other delivery & mail carriers.

Sorry, no copy, photo or other printing or computer-related services.

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VISAS FOR EU CITIZENS

A facilitated visa agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation became effective on June 1, 2007.

The agreement applies only to citizens of the European Union (except Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark) and sets a uniform fee for EU applicants.

The visa fee for EU citizens irrespective of purpose of travel is $50 for single and multiple entry visas. The fee for express visas which are issued within 3 business day is $100.

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Guests of the employees of the Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Russia are advised to obtain an invitation or verbal note from the Mission addressed to the Russian Consulate in San Francisco. The invitation must be dated and carry a seal and a registration number. (Sometimes, Foreign Missions in Russia prefer to process their invitations through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this case, the invitation or the verbal note is not required).

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German citizens on the basis of reciprocity may apply for Visa to Russia at the Russian Consular Missions in the US only if they have a US Permanent Resident or US Resident Alien status ("green card"). In all other cases they have to apply for Russian Visa at the Russian Consular Missions in Germany.

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Children apply for separate visas if they travel on their own passports. If parents do not accompany their child during the trip, they must confirm in an affidavit their consent for their child's travel. If the child's surname differs from that of his (her) parents, a copy of the child's birth certificate must be enclosed.

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Double-entry Visa is issued for two entries if indicated in invitation. All arrival and departure dates must be indicated.

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Applicants who used to be citizens of the USSR or of the Russian Federation and then emigrated from the USSR or from Russia must submit: one of the documents which confirms that they are no longer citizens of the Russian Federation (so called "Visa to Israel" or stamp in their passport saying that they left for "permanent residence abroad" before the 6th of February, 1992 or official document certifying that their Russian citizenship was abrogated), otherwise the applications will not be accepted.

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Official hospital HIV (AIDS) Test Certificate is required along with your paperwork if you apply for a visa valid for more than 3 months. 

No medical insurance is officially required for the US citizens, unless they stay in Russia for 6 months or more. Prior to your visit, consult your medical insurance issuer for details.   Mandatory medical insurance on the basis of reciprocity is required for the citizens of Estonia, Israel and Finland, as well as for the citizens of Schengen Agreement Member-States (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and other Schengen states).

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                                                 

1. Why do I have to submit original passport, and not only a copy?
   Russian visa is a sticker on one of the pages in your original passport. BACK TO VISA MENU
2. I cannot open and print out application form using my internet browser.
   Please, check if you have program called Adobe® Acrobat Reader (version 4.0 or higher) installed in your computer. If not, download it for from Adobe web-site, install it and try to open the application form link again. That should solve the problem.
   If, having installed Adobe Acrobat Reader, you are still unable to open application link, please right-click it once, choose SAVE TARGET AS... option from drop-down menu, save it on your hard disk and open it from there with Adobe Acrobat Reader. BACK TO VISA MENU
3. How much money in foreign currency can I bring to Russia? Are there currency exchange offices in Russia?
   You can legally bring to Russia any amount of cash, however you are required to declare a sum that is more than $1500.
   You can legally bring out of Russia only $1500 in cash. If you have more, the rest of the sum must be accompanied by a special certificate from a Russian bank called "Raz-resh-enih-ye na vy-voz va-lyu-ty" (Permission to export currency). Yes, there are currency exchange offices in Russia - you can legally exchange foreign currency in Russian banks. BACK TO VISA MENU
4. Are there any restrictions on travel checks (Thomas Cook, American Express,Visa, etc.) or credit cards in Russia?
   No, there are no restrictions. Credit cards and travel checks are not to be declared and can be used freely. Russian banks can cash your travel checks. You can also buy travel checks in Russian banks. BACK TO VISA MENU
5. I have radio or electronic equipment equipment (i.e. walkie-talkie, GPS, radio transmitter, etc.). Is it legal to bring it to Russia?
   To avoid any inconveniences, you are strongly advised to declare that equipment at the Customs Control and consult a Customs officer. If it is forbidden in Russia, it will be put in Customs storage and returned to you when you leave Russia. BACK TO VISA MENU
6. I want to bring my dog or cat (a pet) with me. What are the veterinary requirements?
   Prior to arrival to Russia, all dogs and cats must be put in quarantine for 21 days in the US. During last 14 days (but not earlier) they must get vaccination (please, consult your veterinarian) and animal’s transportation container must get special sanitary treatment. Upon completing these procedures, the veterinarian issues a certificate, which you have to get authorized at your local Office of the Department of Agriculture (or similar local official authority) and, then, translate into Russian. Please, note that in some cases Russian quarantine authorities may require the animal to be put in quarantine in Russia for additional 30 days.
7. BACK TO VISA MENU
8. I have an invitation to visit a city in Russia. Having received my visa, shall I be able to visit other cities in Russia?
   Yes.  BACK TO VISA MENU
9. We adopted a child in Russia and now we want to take a trip to Russia togethe. Do we have to get Russian visa for the child?
   No, you do not. Children, adopted in Russia, remain Russian citizens till they are 18 years of age (when they can choose their citizenship themselves) and are issued a Russian passport upon adoption. Russian Law does not forbid them to be US citizens at the same time, however, requires them to travel to Russia on their Russian passports as Russia, as many countries, does not recognize dual citizenship. BACK TO VISA MENU
10. I need a double-entry visa. What documents do I have to submit?
    Same documents as for a single-entry one, however, your valid invitation must indicate a request for double-entry Visa. BACK TO VISA MENU
11. How do I get a multiple-entry visa?
    Your partners in Russia must apply on your behalf to the offices of Passport and Visa service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. Then, this invitation can be either cabled to the Consulate by the Russian authorities or handed out to your inviting Russian partners who should send the original to you. Once we receive it, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa at the Consulate. BACK TO VISA MENU
12. How do I invite my friends or relatives FROM RUSSIA to the United States?
    We cannot help you with that. You have to contact your district Office of US Immigration and Naturalization Service, US Department of State or US Embassy and Consular Missions in Russia. BACK TO VISA MENU
13. I came here from the former Soviet Union (USSR) or Russia and right now I am US citizen. Why do I have to confirm the absence of Russian citizenship in order to get Russian visa?
    If you are a citizen of Russia and receive US citizenship, it does not mean that you automatically lose your Russian citizenship, because, according to the Russian Law, no person can be deprived of his/her citizenship, but on his/her stated (i.e. put officially in order) will. Russian Law does not forbid you to have several citizenships, however, considers you only a Russian citizen and does not recognize dual citizenship, and therefore, requires you to travel in and out of Russia on your Russian passport. The Consulate General as federal organization enforces the Law of the State, so, every person, whose foreign passports or travel documents indicate his/her place of birth as "Russia" or "USSR", or one of the states, which was a republic or a part of the former USSR, will be required to present a proof of absence of Russian citizenship. BACK TO VISA MENU
14. Although my passport says that I was born in the Soviet Union (USSR) or Russia, I knowfor sure that I am not a Russian citizen, but all the documents which confirm this fact got lost long time ago. What do I do? You can send a special request for confirmation of the absence of Russian citizenship to the Russian authorities through the Consulate. It takes time (approximately 1-6 month), so, please apply in advance. Upon receiving the answer, the Consulate will issue you official document confirming that you are no longer a Russian citizen. Look for instructions at Passport and Legal page of our site (www.consulrusia.org). BACK TO VISA MENU
15. I want to obtain or restore or give up Russian citizenship. What do I do?
    Please, apply with our Passport and Legal Department of the Consulate (see our Passport and Legal page). BACK TO VISA MENU
16. What are the visa requirements for the citizens of the former republics of the Soviet Union (USSR)
    No visa required for: citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Byelorussia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldavia, Tajikistan, Ukraine,Uzbekistan.
    Visa required for: citizens of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkmenistan.  BACK TO VISA MENU
17. When in Russia, can I change my visa status (i.e. from tourist to business or from business to educational and vice versa)?
    No, you cannot change your visa status being in Russia. In order to do that, you have to leave the country and re-enter on different visa.BACK TO VISA MENU

  18.While in Russia what do I do in case of emergency? In emergency, please, contact the nearest Consular Office or the Embassy    of your country or Russian authorities. In fire, crime or health emergency you should contact the following emergency services: Fire Department - dial 01, Police Department - dial 02, Paramedics - dial 03. BACK TO VISA MENU

 
 THANK YOU

.

03/03/08