How to get a Russian visa in Australia

Do you want to visit Russia? Regardless of the purpose of your trip (tourism, work, study), Australian citizens will need a visa. Electronic visas (e-visas) are not issued to Australians. 

Types of visas

If you want to visit Russia, you must first determine what type 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/scientific exchange and 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. Upon arrival in Russia, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit.
• 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 travelling by plane, up to 10 days if travelling by land.
  

What documents do you need for a Russian visa?

• You will need a passport for international travel with at least two blank pages. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the visa’s expiry date. If it expires earlier, the visa validity will be shortened. 
• For a private visa, due to emergency treatment or death of a relative, the passport must be valid at least until the visa expiry 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. 
• Application form – must be filled out on the official website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and printed. Other forms are not accepted.
  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.
• 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.

Note: Australian citizens do not need to provide proof of medical insurance to obtain a Russian visa, however, it is mandatory for entry into Russia. A valid medical insurance policy must cover the entire duration of your stay in the country. 

Where in Australia can you get a Russian visa?

You have three options for submitting your application for a Russian visa.

1. Via the authorized visa center

You can apply through ‘Travelvisa2go’, the only Officially Authorized Russian Visa Center by the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Australia. 

Advantages: You can lodge applications by mail, avoiding the need to book an appointment or visit the consulate in person. This service is available to citizens and residents in all Australian states.

Process: Prepare your documents, send them via mail to the Sydney office and pay the service fee. They will check your application and submit it to the consulate on your behalf. Your passport complete with visa will be returned to you by mail.

Important to note: When filling out the electronic visa application form on the visa.kdmid.ru website, please choose the place of submission as "Russian Visa Center (Sydney)".

2. In person at the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Canberra

This is the principal diplomatic mission for all consular matters.

Address: 78 Canberra Avenue, Griffith, ACT 2603, Canberra, Australia

Website

3. In person at the Consulate General of Russia in Sydney

Address: 7–9 Fullerton Street, Woollahra, NSW 2025, Sydney, Australia

Website

How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?

The standard processing time for any type of visa is 10 business days, urgent visas are processed within 3 business days. However, in spring-summer, normal processing time can take up to 20 days. 

How much does a Russian visa cost?

The visa fee in Australia depends on the number of entries into Russia. 

Single-entry visas of any type (tourist, transit, private, etc.) cost A$ 120 (≈US$ 86). 

Double-entry visas cost A$ 192 (≈US$ 137).

Multiple-entry visas cost A$ 360 (≈US$ 258).

For urgent visas, fees are doubled.

For more official information and latest updates, please visit the official website of the Russian Embassy in Australia.