Russian embassies generally ask for documents that seem confusing, especially to travelers that apply for the first time for a visa.
A visa letter of invitation Russia is among the documents that most first time visa applicants have difficulties understanding its purpose.
Visa Invitation Letters for Russia
A Visa Invitation Letter for a Russian is a letter that the applicant has to submit to the Russian embassy or consulate where they are applying for a visitor visa and needs to be addressed either to the applicant or to the consular officer, confirming that they will accommodate the applicant in their home for the whole period of their stay in the country where the host lawfully resides.
What are the important details which should be in a Visa Invitation Letter?
The visa invitation letter must contain the following information about the host:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Occupation
- Type of home (owned / rent house / flat / room)
- Host’s residential status in the host country
- Signature
On the other side, the letter must also include the following information about the guest:
- Full name as shown on their International Passport
- Date of birth
- The person’s address and telephone number
- Relationship between the host and the guest
- The purpose of the trip (friendly visit, holiday, wedding, birthday party.)
- Exact entry date and exit date
- If the letter is addressed to the guest do not make it sound too official. It is better if it sounds more personal and friendlier rather than formal, so that the consular officer can have a better sight of the relationship between the host and the guest.
Who can provide a Visa Invitation Letter?
The person providing the visa inviation letter must fulfill the following requirements in order for the letter of invitation to be valid:
- Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the Russia
- Must be your family member / relative or friend, boyfriend / girlfriend
- Must have a registered place (appartment or house) in Russia
- Must have enough room for the applicant or the applicant and his or her family members if the applicant is travelling to Russia with his or her family
- On some occations, the Letter of Invitation is not required by the Russian embassy, but it is strongly recommended to submit one even if not required.
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 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.