Russian Visa Requirements

In order to obtain a visa for a business/tourist trip to Russia, the following paperwork should be submitted to our office:

Completed visa application form (one per person) which can be obtained from the Consulate or travel agencies. All entries must be typed or printed in block letters. Incomplete visa application forms shall not be processed.
Copy of the passport pages which contain personal data of the bearer, or originals of other travel documents. Diplomatic passport holders are required to submit the originals.
Three (3) standard passport-size pictures of the applicant (one only for the diplomatic passport holders going on an official trip). Please, sign on the back.
a) For business visas: Invitation from a duly registered Russian organization.

Note: Traveler's name, as well as dates and itinerary of his trip should be stated in the invitation in a clear and precise manner. Those who plan to stay as guests of persons employed by foreign diplomatic missions, news agencies, or Russian-based foreign companies should have their hosts apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. The Ministry will instruct us accordingly.

Multi-entry visas can be issued only upon authorization of the Russian Foreign Ministry based on a request of hosting Russian organizations.

b) For tourist visas: copy of a telex/fax message from the Russian tour operator with appropriate reference and confirmation numbers that can be obtained through your local travel agency.

a receiving hotel or a joint venture in Russia. The receiving organization must be duly registered as a tourist company in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Moscow and be assigned a special index. That index and a tour reference number must be indicated in the confirmation.

Cover letter (see enclosed form).
Visa processing fees are not refundable.
Self addressed and stamped envelope or prepaid air bill, if process visas are to be returned by mail.

Important notes:

a) The Consulate General reserves the right to invite any applicant for an interview.

b) Since we process visas by computers, all paperwork should be presented in the following pattern. Copies of the passport pages should be trimmed to the size of the original and stapled to the upper-left corner of the application form. Two pictures of the applicant should be stapled to the copy of the passport page and one -- to the specially marked place in the upper-right corner of the application form.

Paperwork submitted in the manner different from the above, or incomplete set of documents, shall not be processed and may be returned to the applicants.

c) When a traveler applies for a visa in person, a numbered pick-up slip is issued by the visa officer. The slip should be presented to the visa officer when the visa is claimed by the applicant.

d) After visas are received, they should be checked and returned to us, if necessary, for corrections. The Consulate shall not be responsible for any discrepancies which were not brought to our attention before departure from the USA.

e) The validity of the visa can be extended provided it is supported by a new invitation from the same hosting organization.

"I have read and understood the visa requirements, and would like to apply for:	Tourist Visa
	Business Visa

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Last modified: September 19, 2001