top of page
R4888dec1f034f9fd3e99f55d8eff5257.jpg

Russian Tourist Visa

All U.S. citizens who wish to enter Russia for an excursion, sightseeing, cultural events, or other forms of tourism need a Russian Tourist visa.

 

Regular Russian visas can be single entry or double entry that grants a maximum stay of 30 days. However, the simplified visa agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation allows for a 3-year multi-entry Russian visa for Americans. As a result, Americans can take advantage of the 3-year multiple entry visas if they wish to enter and stay in Russia for a long period of time
 

Required Documents: Collect and Send the Following Documents to BCV For Russian Tourist Visa

1. Passport: You must send your actual passport, not a copy of it.

  • Your passport must be signed and be valid for at least 6 months beyond the validity of your requested visa, and The passport must have at least two blank visa pages (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used for a visa ). Passports must also be in good condition and not altered in any way.

  • To be eligible for a 3 Year Visa, your passport must be valid for 3 and half years from the date of your first entry into Russia.

If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact BCV for further instructions.

Non-US citizens must present proof of legal residency, such as a photocopy of either a green card, or valid visa issued by the United States government.

2. Official Invitation Letter from Russia:

  • This is the first document you need to start the Russia visa application process.
    After confirming your booking with a Cruise ship, a registered Russian Hotel, a rented apartment, etc. It is vital to request confirmation and a voucher. People staying in multiple hotels, cruise ships, etc., must request this document from every place they will visit. There are different formats of the documents since there is no specific standard format. It is primal to your Russian visa application. It’s not required if you order it through us.

  • The invitation letter, officially titled as a “Confirmation of hosting a foreign tourist”; must be issued by a Russian hotel or travel agency, registered with Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  • If you would prefer, we can obtain the invitation for you with extra charge of $35.00. Please call us for instruction to obtain the invitation letter.

 3. Visa Application Form:

The Russian Consulate requires the visa application to be completed online.

  • Click here to complete the application form online. When you start your application form online, It's very important to keep ID number (located top of web-page) and Password for your record. Your visa request cannot be processed if you do not complete the application form online.

Your completed application form must:

  • Provide all answers for all fields (handwritten changes are not accepted). If a question is not applicable to the applicant, he/she should put “N/A”;

  • Print out your application, sign it inside the signature box found directly below the section where we will attach your photograph

  • Be accompanied by a copy of your Application ID and password.

Notice: Last question on application form: “Select the location where you will apply for your visa”: please select VFS (Houston).

4. Passport-type Photo:

You must provide two color, 2x2 passport-type photos that be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper. DO NOT affix the photo to the application or trim the photo to fit the box on the application form. Please leave it loose in your package and we will handle the rest. Photos printed on regular papers are not accepted.

5. BCV order Form Complete BCV Visa Order Form.

This online form is essential for us to know your application is coming and your shipping address and contact information

 

Additional Required documents may apply to you. If you are

  • Former Russian Nationals Only: You must provide a cover letter stating the date that you renounced your Russian citizenship. The consulate will not issue a visa to former Russian nationals who do not supply this cover letter.

  • Minors Traveling to Russia. All minors must submit a copy of his or her birth certificate. Other conditions may apply:

    1. If the minor is traveling to Russia with only one parent or without both parents, he or she must submit a notarized original letter of consent providing permission from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian to travel to Russia on the specified dates of the trip.

    2. He/She signing this letter must provide copies of his or her driver license and passport information page

    3. If the minor is adopted, you must submit a copy of the adoption papers in addition to a copy of the birth certificate

    4. If the parents already hold a Russian visa, they must provide a copy of the Russian visa showing validity that covers the minor’s travel date

    5. If the parents are Russian citizens, they must provide certification of Russian citizenship

  • Former Soviet and Ukrainian Citizens: Click here for additional Requirement for former USSR country citizen and their children.

6. Total Cost: 

Visa fee: $245.00

BCV service: $199.00

Return shipping fee: $45.00

 Make one cash check or money order payable to BCV Visa and Passport Services. Only visa and master credit cards are accepted with 3% surcharge.

Shipping Address:

​

​

​

Anchor 1

International Museum of the Baroque

Russian Business Visa

​

All travelers to Russia on official or private business visits require a business visa.
There is a provision for single entry, double entries, or multiple entries for a business visa to Russia. ​

​

US citizens apply for a 3-year, multiple-entry Business visa regardless of the dates of entry and exit, number of entries or period of stay indicated in the invitation letter that is issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS) or the host organization.

​

In order to apply for a 3-year multiple-entry Business visa, please indicate the full three year period as the length of stay in the Russian Federation when filling out the visa application (ex. Date of Entry 25/10/2016 until Date of Departure 24/10/2019-minus one day ).

  • Be Aware! A Multi-Entry 1 Year Business visa is only good for a length of stay no longer than 90 days out of every 180.

  • Also, Multi-Entry 3 Year Business visas for US citizens are valid for only a 6-month stay per entry.

 

Russian Business Visa may be issued for various reasons, including:

  • Commercial or business purpose

  • Trips related to science and technology

  • Cultural exchanges

  • Forums and exhibitions

  • Marketing materials

  • Going into Russia with special equipment

  • Cultural relationships

  • American citizens attending conferences in Russia as official speakers are better off with a business visa.

​

Collect and Send the Following Documents to BCV For Russian Business Visa.

​

1. Passport: You must send your actual passport, not a copy of it.

Your passport must be signed and be valid for at least 6 months beyond the validity of your requested visa, and The passport must have at least two blank visa pages (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used for a visa ). Passports must also be in good condition and not altered in any way. To be eligible for a 3 Year Visa, your passport must be valid for 3 and half years from the date of your first entry into Russia.

  • If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact BCV for further instructions.

  • Non-US citizens must present proof of legal residency, such as a photocopy of either a green card, or valid visa issued by the United States government.

2. Business Invitation Letter

If you need a Russian visa for business purposes, it is essential to present an official invitation letter from Russia. This document is essential to the success of your visa application. You can consult us at BCV to get a Russian Business invitation letter for you. People with an invitation from the Russian government need to submit the original copy. However, this is not necessary if you have an electronic invitation. It is essential for people with a Telex to apply for a visa in the city where the Telex was approved. The city might not be the same as where your visa was processed, and this can pose some challenges.

People with direct invitations (who have their invites straight from the host company) in Russia must ensure that the document complies with the following structure and criteria:

  • The letter must be clearly written in Russia with the company’s letterhead paper

  • The letter must carry the official seal of the company

  • There must be the full name of the host organization with a complete and verifiable address. Besides, the full name of the signatory to the document must be present

  • If the host is a legal enterprise, the taxpayer identification number must be submitted

  • The document must request a 3-year multiple-entry Russian visa. It must list the applicant’s complete name, date of birth, passport number, gender, citizenship, proposed number of entries, the reason for travel, the intended destination, cities and places to be visited, and the period the applicant will stay in Russia

  • There should be the exact date (entry and exit) of the 36 months visa (for example, April 10, 2021, to April 9, 2024)

  • The Tax ID number of the Russian company displayed (INN number)

  • Have a signature, stamp, and date of the company’s director with the full name and post designation.

​​

3. Visa Application Form:

The Russian Consulate requires the visa application to be completed online.

  • Click here to complete the application form online. When you start your application form online, It's very important to keep ID number (located top of web-page) and Password for your record. Your visa request cannot be processed if you do not complete the application form online.

Your completed application form must:

  • Provide all answers for all fields (handwritten changes are not accepted). If a question is not applicable to the applicant, he/she should put “N/A”;

  • Print out your application, sign it inside the signature box found directly below the section where we will attach your photograph

  • Be accompanied by a copy of your Application ID and password.

Notice: Last question on application form: “Select the location where you will apply for your visa”: please select VFS (Houston).

4. Passport-type Photo:

You must provide two color, 2x2 passport-type photos that be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper. DO NOT affix the photo to the application or trim the photo to fit the box on the application form. Please leave it loose in your package and we will handle the rest. Photos printed on regular papers are not accepted.

5. BCV order Form Complete BCV Visa Order Form.

This online form is essential for us to know your application is coming and your shipping address and contact information

 

Additional Required documents may apply to you. If you are

  • Former Russian Nationals Only: You must provide a cover letter stating the date that you renounced your Russian citizenship. The consulate will not issue a visa to former Russian nationals who do not supply this cover letter.

  • Minors Traveling to Russia. All minors must submit a copy of his or her birth certificate. Other conditions may apply:

    1. If the minor is traveling to Russia with only one parent or without both parents, he or she must submit a notarized original letter of consent providing permission from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian to travel to Russia on the specified dates of the trip.

    2. He/She signing this letter must provide copies of his or her driver license and passport information page

    3. If the minor is adopted, you must submit a copy of the adoption papers in addition to a copy of the birth certificate

    4. If the parents already hold a Russian visa, they must provide a copy of the Russian visa showing validity that covers the minor’s travel date

    5. If the parents are Russian citizens, they must provide certification of Russian citizenship

  • Former Soviet and Ukrainian Citizens: Click here for additional Requirement for former USSR country citizen and their children.

6. Total Cost: 

Visa fee: $245.00

BCV service: $199.00

Return shipping fee: $45.00

Make one cash check or money order payable to BCV Visa and Passport Services. Only visa and master credit cards are accepted with 3% surcharge.

Shipping Address:

​

Anchor 2

 Instructions for Expedited Russia Humanitarian Visa Application

 

Humanitarian visas are issued to US citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless visas traveling to the Russian Federation with the intent of cultural or political exchange, sports events, scientific or technical purposes, religious purposes or missionary programs, charity events and organizations, or humanitarian relief.A Humanitarian visa is issued on the basis of the applicant having received an Original Official invitation issued by the Federal Migration Service (FMS) of the Russian Federation that has been applied for by the inviting organization.These visas may be issued for a Single or Double-entry period up to 90 days, or a Multi-Entry for up to 3 years. US citizens may apply for a 1 or 3-year multi-entry Humanitarian visa.It is recommended that the US citizens apply for a 3-year, multiple-entry Humanitarian visa regardless of the dates of entry and exit, number of entries or period of stay indicated in the invitation issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS) or the host organization.In order to apply for a 3-year multiple-entry Humanitarian Visa, please indicate the full three year period as the length of stay in the Russian Federation when filling out the visa application. (ex. Date of Entry 25/10/2016 until Date of Departure 24/10/2019-minus one day )Be Aware! A Multi-Entry 1 Year Humanitarian visa is only good for a length of stay no longer than 90 days out of every 180.Also, Multi-Entry 3 Year Humanitarian visas for US citizens are valid for only a 6-month stay per entry, from said date.

Anchor 3

Collect and Send the Following Documents to BCV For Russian Business Visa.

​

1. Passport requirement: You must send your actual passport, not a copy of it.

  • Your passport must be signed and be valid for at least 6 months beyond the validity of your requested visa, and have at least two blank visa pages (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used for a visa ). Passports must also be in good condition and not altered in any way.

  • To be eligible for a 3 Year Visa, your passport must be valid for 3 and half years from the date of your first entry into Russia.

  • If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact BCV for further instructions.

  • Non-US citizens must present proof of legal residency, such as a photocopy of either a green card, or valid visa issued by the United States government.

2. Official Invitation Letter from Russia

  • An Original Official Invitation, issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or

  • Decision to issue a visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on a Telex; or A written statement from the sponsoring organization, written in Russian (in the case of 3 Year Multi-entry visas)

  • In order to apply for a 3-year multiple-entry *Humanitarian* visa, please indicate the full three year period as the length of stay in the Russian Federation when filling out the visa application(ex. Date of Entry 25/10/2016 until Date of Departure 24/10/2019-minus one day.

3. Visa Application Form

The Russian Consulate requires a visa application completed the form online. Click here to complete the application form online.

  • When you start your application form online, It's very important to keep ID number (located top of web-page) and Password for your record. Your visa request cannot be processed if you do not complete the application form online. Your completed application must:

  • Provide answers for all fields (handwritten changes are not accepted). If a question is not applicable to the applicant, he/she should put "N/A";.

  • Display an original signature inside the box found directly below the section where we will attach your photograph

  • Be accompanied by a copy of your Application ID and password.

  • Notice: Last question on application form: "Select the location where you will apply for your visa": VFS (Houston)

4. Passport-type Photo

You must provide two color, 2x2 passport-type photos that be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper.

DO NOT affix the photo to the application or trim the photo to fit the box on the application. Please leave it loose in your package and we will handle the rest. Photos printed on regular papers are not accepted.

5. BCV order Form

Complete BCV Visa Order Form. This online form is essential for us to know your application is coming and your shipping address and contact information

 

Additional Requirements that may apply to you

  • EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

  • Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

  • US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

  • NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US: Green Card. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.

  • US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport and the invitations letter must be filled out according to the US passport.

  • Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, or ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

  • Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

    • Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.

    • In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).

    • Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

  • Additional Requirements for Humanitarian Visas:

  • Notarized non-objection letter (if you applying on behalf of another person) (a template may be found here);

  • Letter from company/organization (If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees) (a template may be found here).

  • Former citizens of the USSR: When applying for a visa it is necessary to provide documentation that you no longer possess Russian citizenship, such as:

    • Copy of USSR passport with a stamp stating you left for “permanent residence abroad”, dated prior to February 6, 1992;

    • Or a copy of a “Visa to Israel” issued prior to February 6, 1992;

    • Or a copy of a Certificate of Naturalization issued prior to 1996;

    • Or a document confirming the renunciation of your Russian citizenship;

    • Or a copy of the main pages of a passport of a former USSR state, issued after February 1992;

    • Or a written statement of explanation, in the case that you have no documentation (at discretion of the Consulate).

  • In accordance with Russian law, visas cannot be issued to Russian citizens with expired passports. We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law "On citizenship of the Russian Federation", children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

  • Australian citizens must provide a detailed autobiography either in Russian.

  • If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.

  • Former Soviet and Ukrainian Citizens:  Click here for additional Requirement for former USSR country citizen and their children.

​​

6. Total Cost: 

Visa fee: $245.00

BCV service: $199.00

Return shipping fee: $45.00

Make one cash check or money order payable to BCV Visa and Passport Services. Only visa and master credit cards are accepted with 3% surcharge.

Shipping Address:

BCV Visa and Passport Service

​

bottom of page