VISA TO RUSSIA

TOURIST VISA

If you plan on doing sightseeing, visiting museums, theaters and other things that travelers usually do for fun, you will need to apply for a TOURIST visa. Tourist visa is the most popular type, it is also the easiest and the fastest to get.

Depending on your nationality, you may choose between a single entry visa valid for up to 30 days, a double entry visa valid for up to 30 days, or a multiple entry visa valid for 3 years.

To apply for a TOURIST visa, you should have a voucher from a tourist agency registered with the Ministry of Tourism of the Russian Federation. As an accredited travel management company, Go To Russia Travel provides free tourist voucher with full visa service, so you won't have to do a thing to secure one.

Russian tourist visas can not be extended and must be registered if you stay in Russia for more than 7 business days.

BUSINESS VISA

If you are traveling to Russia to meet with business partners, take part in negotiations, sign a contract, visit trade shows, exhibitions, or conduct other business related activities you need to apply for a BUSINESS visa.

Business visa has a lot of sub-categories depending on the activities you plan to do while in Russia. The most common business visa types are COMMON BUSINESS or COMMERCIAL. Other categories that fall under Business Visa are DRIVER, CREWMAN, TECHNICAL SERVICE, NEGOTIATIONS, INSPECTOR, MEDICAL TREATMENT, ADOPTION, LECTURER, MASS MEDIA BUSINESS TRIP, MASS MEDIA/REPORTER, MASS MEDIA/TECH, FAMILY ATTENDANT. Depending on your nationality and category of your business visa you can apply for single, double or a multiple entry visa (valid from 30 days to 5 years). You require a letter of invitation from your Russian host organization obtained through Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, or an Original letter of Invitation from your Russian host in order to apply for a business visa. Go To Russia Travel can provide you with the letter of invitation if you need one.

Russian business visas must be registered if you stay in Russia for more than 7 business days.

TRANSIT VISA

Depending on your means of travel, TRANSIT visa is issued for up to 72 hours (if you travel by air), or for up to 3 months (if you use other means of transportation and require two entries with your itinerary). You can stay up to 72 hours in Russia on a transit visa. In order to apply for a transit visa you must provide a copy of your detailed itinerary.

PRIVATE STAY VISA

Private visas are issued based on the letter of invitation from relatives or friends inviting you to visit them in Russia. Depending on your nationality you can apply for a private visa valid from 30 days to 3 years. US citizens can apply for a 3 year multiple entry private visa with the letter of invitation or a notarized written statement from the hosting individual. Other nationals need to have their hosting party to obtain a letter of invitation via Russian Migration Service Office. In either case an original invitation is required.

Russian Private visas must be registered if you stay in Russia for more than 7 business days.

HUMANITARIAN VISA

If you are traveling to Russia to be part of scientific, cultural or sporting event or program, or you are going there as a missionary, charity worker, etc. you need to apply for a HUMANITARIAN visa. There are quite a few types of Humanitarian visas (SPORT RELATIONS, YOUTH RELATIONS, CULTURAL RELATIONS, SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL RELATIONS, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES, PILGRIMAGE, CHARITY, HUMANITARIAN HELP, ATTENDANT, FAMILY ATTENDANT). To apply for a humanitarian visa you need to have a letter of invitation from your hosting organization in Russia. Depending on your nationality and on the nature of your trip, your humanitarian visa can be valid for up to 3 years and can allow single, double, or multiple entries.

Russian Humanitarian visas must be registered if you stay in Russia for more than 7 business days.

STUDENT VISA

If you are going to Russia to study, you need to apply for STUDENT visa. For this visa type an original letter of invitation is required from your Russian University. The Russian Consulate requires an HIV test completed within three months of the date of entry for all student visa applicants.

Student visa can be extended and you are not required to leave the country in order to extend this visa type.

WORK VISA

If you are going to Russia to work, you need to apply for WORK visa. For this visa type an original letter of invitation is required from your Russian prospective employer. The Russian Consulate requires an HIV test completed within three months of the date of entry for all work applicants.

Work visa can be extended and you are not required to leave the country in order to extend this visa type.