Visas

If you are traveling to Russia, you need to have a visa. A Russian visa is normally organised by the travel company that is organising your tour or, if you are travelling individually, you must obtain it from your local Russian Consulate or Russian Embassy. There are several types of Visas for Moscow depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in the capital. Below is a brief description of the various Russian visas available. Please note that the below is just a guideline and it is best to check with a reputable Visa support company for the most updated legal procedures.

Russian Tourist Visa

The Russian Tourist Visa is issued to foreigners who have booked accommodation in Russia for non-business related reasons. These kind of visas are issued for a maximum of 14 to 30 days (but please confirm with your local Russian Embassy or Consulate). The Russian Tourist Visa is meant for leisure tourists who know exactly for how long and where they will be staying (for example, one week in Moscow at the Marriott Grand Hotel).

To get a Russian Tourist Visa you must have confirmed accommodation for every night staying in Moscow or transit information.

Russian Private or Homestay Visa

If you are planning to visit your friends or relatives in Moscow you can apply for a homestay or visitors visa. This type of Russian Visa will allow you to stay in Russia for up to 90 days. Relatives or friends who will be hosting you during your stay in Moscow will need to obtain a visa invitation for you from a local OVIR (office of visas and registrations). Russian Consulates worldwide accept only original OVIR invitations, therefore this official invitation must be mailed to you. Obtaining an OVIR invitation can be a very lengthy and troublesome procedure, and you would better apply for it early if you are not able to get a tourist or business visa instead.

Russian Business Visa

The Russian Business Visa is issued for travelers whose purpose of visiting Russia is private business or an official visit. Business visas are best for travelers who want to stay in Russia for longer than 30 days, need to enter Russia frequently or who don't know exactly their itineraries. Business visas to the Russian Federation may be issued with up to two entries and for up to 90 days. There are also multiple-entry business visas valid for 6 or 12 months with unlimited entries/exits.

Russian Transit Visa