How to get a Russian visa in the U.S.
U.S. citizens need a visa for any trip to Russia. We explain where and how to obtain one in our article.
What kind of visas are there for Russia?
If you want to visit Russia, you first have to understand what kind of visa you need.
- Tourist (read more about it here)
- Business (read more here)
- Humanitarian (for cultural and scientific exchange, participation in sports events)
- Private (to visit relatives)
- Work and student (read more here)
- Transit (read more here)
U.S. citizens are usually issued a 3-year multiple entry visa (except for transit and humanitarian visas, which are issued solely for travel). It allows you to stay in Russia for up to 180 days cumulatively over 365 days from the date of issuance.
What documents do you need for a Russian visa?
- You will need a passport for traveling abroad that has two free blank pages. The passport must expire at least six months after the visa expiration date. If the passport expires earlier, the visa period will also be shortened.
- If a private visa is required for emergency treatment or death of a relative, the passport must not expire before the visa expiration date.
- A copy of your passport's ID page
- Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photos (not older than 6 months) without glasses.
- An application form must be filled out on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia https://visa.kdmid.ru/ and printed out. Other questionnaires are not accepted by Russian consular offices.
- Depending on the type of visa, you will also need to provide documents that confirm the purpose of your trip. For example, for a tourist visa, you will need a hotel booking, for business, work and humanitarian visas, you will need an invitation from an organization, for a private visa, you will need a notarized invitation from a relative or friend, for a transit visa, you will need proof of airline tickets (other visas do not require them).
Medical insurance is not required for U.S. citizens, but it is required for citizens of other countries.
However, if you were born in Russia and the former Soviet Union, you must provide proof that you do not have Russian citizenship. For example, documents of departure from these countries before February 6, 1992 will do.
Where in the United States can I get a visa to Russia?
Documents must be submitted to a Russian Consular Division. In the United States, you can do this in Washington, D.C., New York and Houston in person after signing up on the website.
When you fill out the visa application form, you should specify at once which Consular Division you intend to give it to (if there is a different address, the form will not be accepted).
On the appointed day, you will have to go and hand over the package of documents and pay the fee. You will also be able to check the status of the visa on the website.
How much does a Russian visa cost?
The fee for U.S. citizens for any type of Russian visa is $185 and $36, if you need to reinstate it. For the cost of visas for citizens of other countries, please visit https://washington.mid.ru/en/consular-services/citizens-usa/visa-to-russia/visa_fees/.
If the visa is denied, the fee is non-refundable.
The Consular Division in Washington accepts Money Orders only, in New York – cash only, in Houston – cash, credit or debit cards.
How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?
Usually, the processing time for a three-year multi-entry visa is 10-20 days and, therefore, you should apply for a visa well in advance. Of course, if you need an urgent private visa, it can be processed in 1-3 business days, but it will most likely be a single-entry visa.
