How to get a Russian visa in Canada
A visa is required for all Canadian citizens wishing to travel to Russia. We explain where and how to obtain one in this article.
Types of visas
If you want to visit Russia, you first have to understand what kind of visa you need.
- Tourist visa – single and double-entry up to 3 months; multiple-entry up to 6 months.
- Business visa – single and double-entry up to 3 months; multiple-entry up to 12 months.
- Humanitarian visa (for cultural and scientific exchange and participation in sports events) – single and double-entry up to 3 months; multiple-entry up to 12 months.
- Private visa (visiting relatives) – single and double-entry up to 3 months; multiple-entry up to 12 months.
- Common private visa (shared values) – single-entry visa up to 3 months. When arriving in Russia, you must apply for the Temporary Residence Permit in Russia.
- Work and study visa – single and double-entry up to 3 months; multiple-entry up to 36 months.
- Transit visa – single and double-entry up to 3 days if you travel by plane, and up to 10 days if you travel by land.
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 be no earlier than 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 (no 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 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).
– Shared-values visa applicants must also fill out this application.
– HIV-negative test certificate (required for continuous stays in Russia exceeding 3 months).
– Payment document for the consular service (Money Order) issued to the 'Consulate General of Russia' (Consulat Général de Russie). Cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment are not accepted.
Medical insurance is not required for Canadian citizens, but is required for citizens of specific other countries.
Where in Canada can you get a Russian visa?
To apply for a visa, you need to book an appointment online in advance with the Consular Division of the Russian Embassy or the Consulate General.
Consular Division in Ottawa (52 Range Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8J5)
Consulate General in Montreal (3655, Avenue du Musée, Montréal, Québec, H3G 2E1)
Consulate General in Toronto (60 St. Clair Ave. East, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1N5)
How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?
The standard processing time for any type of visa is 4-20 business days. Urgent visas are processed within 1-3 business days.
How much does a Russian visa cost?
The visa fee in Canada depends on the number of entries to Russia.
Single-entry visas of any type (tourist, transit, private, etc.) cost 120 CAD (≈$87).
Double-entry visas cost 192 CAD (≈$139).
Multiple-entry visas cost 360 CAD (≈$261).
Processing urgent visas costs twice as much.
For the official information and latest updates, visit the official website of the Russian Embassy in Canada.
