Russia Visa

In order to streamline and improve the visa process, as well as for security concerns, some Russian Consulate Visa Offices are no longer processing visa applications by mail.

The Consulate General of Russia in Seattle and the Consulate General of Russia in New York are the only two offices that accept mailed visa applications. Additional fees and document mailing instructions apply, so please make sure to follow the directions closely for the office serving you.

Because each of the 5 consulate offices operate independently, please directly contact the office that overseas your jurisdiction area (see below) for specific visa requirements, fees, and instructions.

In case your consulate office does not accept mailed applications, you will be expected to appear in person during the morning office hours and return to pick-up the application once it is completed (usually anywhere from 4-20 days for standard processing). There is also expedited application processing for $250 for a 3-day processing period. Depending on the office, they might be willing to return your passport with visa via Fed-Ex for an extra mailing fee. Ask your office in advance.

In the meanwhile, applicants unable to be present at their consulate visa offices in person, are strongly recommended to rely on the services provided by third-party visa service agencies. Extra service fees will apply in addition to the consulate fees. Please contact the consulate office for reputable visa service agencies.

If you formerly had USSR or Russian citizenship, please submit the documents prooving the loss of USSR/Russian citizenship.

FOR ALL VISITORS: After arriving into Russia and according to Russia migration law, you must also register your visa within THREE business days upon arrival in Russia. Visas can be registered either at a hotel where you’re staying or at local police precinct.

The end result of registration is a stamp on the back of the migration card that is given to visitors as they enter the country. Failure to obtain registration can potentially lead to problems with local police or passport control when you leave the country, sometimes resulting in a small fine. Regardless of the fine, it's advisable to follow the Russian laws as much as possible regarding visas and registration.

Three ways to get your visa registered:

• Large hotels will register you when you check-in
• For those staying in private rental apartments, smaller hotels that don't have registration privileges, or private families, visitors can register through hotels or notary offices for a small fee.
• For those staying longer than 3 months have options to register through local hotels, notary offices or the local police department in charge of such issues (OVIR).

Get information on each of these types of Business & Tourist Russia Visas:

• Russia: Business Visa, Double Entry, 30-Day Stay (90-day Max Validity)
• Russia: Business Visa, Multiple Entry, 30-Day Stay (365-day Max Validity)
• Russia: Business Visa, Single Entry, 30-Day Stay (90-day Max Validity)
• Russia: Tourist Visa, Double Entry, 30-Day Stay (30-day Max Validity)
• Russia: Tourist Visa, Single Entry, 30-Day Stay (30-day Max Validity)

1. Jurisdiction: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. THE CONSULAR DIVISION OF THE EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
2. Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN NEW YORK
3. Jurisdiction: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah. THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN SAN FRANCISCO
4. Jurisdiction: Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN SEATTLE
5. Jurisdiction: Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas. THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN HOUSTON