Russia private (guest) visa

Unless your nationality is visa-exempt, holders of ordinary passports enter Russia on a visa issued under Russian law. Nationals of the 64 countries on the official e-visa list can replace the consular visa with the unified e-visa for private, business or tourist trips of up to 30 days; other nationals should ask the Russian mission responsible for their country of residence which rules apply to their passport.

The invitation is arranged at the request of a Russian citizen, a foreign citizen holding a Russian residence permit or a legal entity; it is issued by the migration authorities. In exceptional cases the head of a consular post can issue the visa on your written application. Close relatives of Russian citizens can obtain a private visa for up to one year on a decision of the consular post, with the right to stay throughout and to extend it for up to one more year.

The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries (single, double or multiple) and the processing time you choose; urgent processing costs more than standard processing. Check the fee table published by the Russian mission where you apply and confirm it when you book.

Regular visas are applied for at the Russian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. Each mission publishes on its website how to book an appointment and where to hand in the file. Complete the Foreign Ministry's electronic visa application form first, then lodge the file in person.

The data entered online must match the documents exactly. The decision to issue or refuse the visa always rests with the Russian consular post that examines it.

A private visa of up to three months can be issued for emergency medical treatment or because of the serious illness or death of a close relative, on a decision of the Foreign Ministry or a consular post.

Within seven working days of arriving at your place of stay, the receiving party (a hotel, landlord, employer or university) must notify the migration authorities of your arrival under the Law on Migration Registration. Keep the tear-off part of the notification and your migration card, which you receive at the border, until departure. Overstaying or working outside your visa purpose can lead to fines, expulsion and an entry ban.