How to get a Russian visa in the UK
To visit Russia for any reason, British citizens need a visa. Here, we explain where and how to obtain one.
What kind of visas are there for traveling to Russia?
If you want to visit Russia, you first have to understand what kind of visa you need.
- Private (for visiting relatives)
- Business
- Tourist
- Humanitarian (to take part in sports competitions, cultural events, etc.)
- Transit
Russian visas can be single or double-entry, which are issued for up to three months (90 days), as well as multiple-entry visas issued for up to 1 year (365 days). Transit visas can also be single or double-entry and are issued for up to three days if travelling by air and up to 10 days if travelling by train, bus or car.
Where to apply for a Russian visa in the UK?
Documents for most types of visas you need to apply at Russia Visa Application Centers in London and Edinburgh.
You should apply online at least a couple of days in advance.
However, if you wish to obtain a visa to move to Russia on the basis of traditional values, then you should submit your documents to the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in the UK in London.
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.
- A copy of your passport's ID page
- Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photos (not older than six months) without eyewear.
- An application form must be filled out on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia 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; and, for a transit visa, you will need proof of airline tickets (other visas do not require them).
- If you are applying for a multiple entry private visa for more than three months, you will also need a HIV-free certificate.
How much does a Russian visa cost?
Visa fees vary from £70 (for single) to £210 (multiple). Find out more here.
Along with the visa fees, there is a service charge applicable per visa application:
-£60.60 for standard applications (up to 20 business days) and
-£66.00 for express (up to 4 business days).
Visa centers accept cash, credit and debit cards (except American Express).
How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?
- Standard applications submitted in London can take up to 20 business days to get processed; in Edinburgh, it will take 7-10 business days.
- Urgent applications in London can take up to four business days to get processed; in Edinburgh, it will take 3-5 business days.
