Visas and Documents Required for Travel in Russia

Russia is for sure one of the most interesting countries to visit. Stretching from the east end of Europe to the Pacific, it offers some of the most amazing views in the whole world, and some of the greatest cities to visit. The country is not expensive at all and this makes it the perfect destination for all budgets. However, getting a visa is extremely difficult due to all the red tape – it can take up to a month, depending on the type of visa and country, and you will have to fill out an application form, which you can normally find at the consulate in your country or online.

The Correct Documents

In order to facilitate getting your visa you must, first of all, make sure that your passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your visa expires and that there are at least two blank pages left for the visa and stamps. You will also need at least one passport-sized photo. Take some extra photos as some Consulates ask for two. The photos should be 3 x 4 cm (1.5 x 2 inches) and the surface should be matte, otherwise the official stamp will not stick to it and it will be rejected by most consulates. Make sure that all your facial features can be seen.

If you want to go as a tourist, you need an invitation. This can be very easily obtained from the hotel or travel agency, but this usually means that you will have to book some nights of accommodation there. Another great way to get the invitation is to at one of their NGOs.

The Types of Visas

Students and non-business travelers need a health certificate to prove that they do not have HIV, though this certificate is only required if you plan to stay in Russia for more than three months. Speaking of health, there are also some specific visas that require you to prove that you have valid health insurance. Students in particular must make sure that they have all the official papers from the school or university where they are going to study and any certificates from their previous educational institution.

A business visa requires an invitation from the host company and the length of your stay. These are usually not that difficult to obtain but the papers have to be very clear. For a transit visa you will need an airplane ticket in order to prove that the visa requested is just for transit. There are many travel agencies that are willing to do all the paperwork for you – obviously, for a fee that can be as high as $100. Take into consideration that the consulate also has its own fees, so try to budget for a bit more than you thought. Be sure to double check the exact visa requirements at your local Russian consulate as the terms and conditions vary depending on your country.

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