Going to Russia for leisure or visiting family or frineds and need to know the latest Russian tourist visa requirements, Russian tourist visa processing time or need to make a Russia visa appointment? Browse this Russia visa website to learn more.
Russia Visa Types
There are several types of Russian visas available and the visa type for Russia you need to apply depends on the purpose of your trip to Russia.
Finding out what type of Russia visa you need to apply for is actually a pretty easy process. You can apply for Russian visa if you are traveling for one of the following purposes:
- Russian Tourist Visa - Russia visa is issued to foreigners that wish to visit Russia, for a shorter period like 30 days within a 3-month period
- Russian Visitor Visa - Make it possible for non-Russian family members and friends that live outside of Russia to come to Russia and meet their parents, children, spouse or friends.
- Russian Business Visa - To participate in business related activities including attending or conducting meetings or conferences or training, installing equipment or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate or branch office in Russia.
- Russian Transit Visa - To transit through the airport or port in Russia
Other Russian Visa Types
There are other types of Russian visas available for non-Russian citizens to apply:
- Student Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Permantent Resident Visa
- Work Visa
- Official Visit Visa
- Cultural, Film Crew & Sports Visa
- Merchant Seaman Visa
Russian Entry Visa Types
Single Entry visa for Russia: A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter Russia only once, within the given period of time, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits the territory of Russia or visa region associated with Russia, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spend in Russia the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa.
Double Entry visa for Russia: In general, a double-entry visa applies the same way as the single-entry visa explained above. The sole difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the second gives you the chance to go once more back to Russia
Multiple Entry visa for Russia: This type of visa allows the holder of the visa to enter Russia mutiple times with visa validity period.
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.