Going to Russia and need to know the latest Russian visa requirements, Russian visa application processing time or need to make a Russia visa appointment? Use the links on this Russia visa website to learn more.
Russian Visa Requirements
Whether you need a Russian visa will depend on the travel document you are using to travel to Russia and your nationality.
Generally speaking, if you are a national of a country that is on the visa free country list for Russia, then, you do not require a visa for a short trip such as tourist purpose.
If your country of nationality is not on the visa free country list, then you need to apply for a Russian visa at the nearest Russian embassy or consulate or visa processing office at your country of permanent residence.
Generally, if applying for Russian visa as a family, all family members must provide their own individual documents. Every applicant who is submitting documents is expected to attend an appointment in person at the visa office of the embassy or their appointed visa aaplication center.
Russian Visa Processing Time
When applying for a Russian visa, make sure you submit your application within the given time frame.
The time frame given below is a guide only as visa rules change according to your nationality and personal cirumstances.
Please contact the Russian visa office to get more info the visa process time for visa :
- The earliest: Three months before the date of your planned departure to Russia.
- The latest: Two weeks before the intended date of travel to Russia.
- Recommended: at least 3 weeks prior to your trip, so you can avoid any possible delay at the embassy.
Russia Visa Appointment
Making visa appointment with the Russian embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done by yourself.
Please contact the Russian embassy or visa application center in your home country or vist the Russian embassy website to book visa appointment.
Click here for Russian embassy contact details and websites around the world.
Please Note: In individual circumstances, you may be asked to produce additional documents. Russian embassy procedures and policies can and do, alter overnight. We take no responsibilty for any such changes or any transaction initiated directly between an applicant and the Russian embassy.
Steps to Applying for Russian visa To apply for a Russian visa follow the steps given below:
- Check if you need to apply for a Russian Visa.
- Know when is the right time to apply!
- Figure out what type of Russian visa you need.
- Find out where you should lodge your application.
- Fill in the right Russian visa form.
- Collect the documents required for Russian visa.
- Make a visa appointment.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee.
Please Note: Please consult Russian embassy in your country as visa regulations for Russia can and often change overnight. In individual cases, additional documents required for Russian visa. We accept no responsibility as we have no affiliation with the embassy of Russia or their visa section.
Going for a visa interview at the embassy? The visa officer at the Russian consulate will look over your application and ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything. It is best to answer these questions honestly.
Typical questions asked at the Russia visa interview include:
- What is your purpose of your trip to Russia?
- Do you know anyone living in Russia?
- What is your current occupation?
- How long have you been in your current occupation?
- If you are a student, when will the studies finsh?
- How will you suuport yourself whilst in Russia?
- Have you ever travelled to other countries?
- Who will pay for your trip to Russia?
- What are your plans when you return from your trip?
- What will you do if your visa application is rejected?
- What is your marital status?
- Will you be involved in business whilst in Russia?
Common reasons why your Russian visa application got rejected include:
- Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip Russia and you must provide documents to show that you can.
- Proof of accommodation not provided – you must be able to show where you will be staying in Russia and you can easily do this by providing a hotel reservation in Russia.
- The visa officer thinks you will not return to your home country – you must make it clear that you intend to leave Russia and return to your home country before the expiry of your visa. You can do this by providing documents that show you have ties where you live, such as an employment letter or proof that you own your home etc.
- No proof of residence – you must be able to prove that you can live in the country of your residence legally, so you must provide proof of residence.