How to obtain a Russian visa
Russian National Tourist Office can help you secure your Russian Visa from the UK.
1. First of all, make sure that you require a Russian Visa to enter Russia.
Passport holders from certain countries do not require a Visa to enter Russia. To see the list of countries and terms of entry, please click here. British passport holders require a visa to travel to the Russian Federation.
2. Find out what type of visa you need to apply for.
There are many types of Visas, and knowing which one you need is essential:
Tourist Visa – valid up to 30 days with a maximum of two entries into the country
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – valid for 180 days and has no limit on the number of entries.
Business Visa – valid for 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to conduct business meetings in Russia.
Multiple Entry Business Visa – valid for 365 days and has no limit on the number of entries.
Transit visa – can be valid up to 30 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa allows you to stay in Russia for transit purposes only.
Private Visa – valid up to 90 days and allows a maximum of two entries. This Visa is intended for private purposes.
Multiple Entry Private Visa – valid for 365 days and has no limit on the number of entries.
Humanitarian Visa – can be valid for up to 365 days and may have no limit on the number of entries. This type of Visa is intended for cultural, sports and charity purposes.
Student Visa – valid for up to several years, it is intended for students.
Work Visa – valid for up to several years, this Visa is intended for people who are constantly employed in Russia.
3. Complete a short registration form on this website.
This form is available at https://visa.visitrussia.org.uk/
On the last page of the order form, you will be provided with guidance on how to complete a Visa Application Form. It has to be filled in online on this website. Please follow the correct instructions given at step 5 of the Russian National Tourist Office’s online application form to ensure your application is successful.
4. Major documents to be submitted for a Russian Visa.
Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to submit:
– original passport
– the visa application form
– a recent passport-size photograph NOT OLDER THAN 6 MONTHS
– booking form
– additional documents could be required if you are not a UK national
5. Additional documents (for non-UK nationals).
Certain applicants (non-UK nationals) may require additional documents such as Settled or Pre-Settled Status, bank statements or flight booking confirmation. You can check the documents you require and start the application process here.
6. Submitting your documents and biometrics.
Please note that on 10 December 2014, Russian Consulates in the United Kingdom launched fingerprinting technology for all types of visas. This means that every applicant will be required to attend our office in person for the biometric scanning procedure. Our services operate as before. You may apply at our office in person or submit documents by post before coming to our office to submit your biometrics. Once we receive your documents by post, we prepare them for submission and invite you to visit us in London at 202 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4DP.
The biometric scanning procedure operates Monday to Friday 9am until 1pm, however office is opened until 6pm.
Out-of-hours paid service is available now. We can accept applications for Russian visas between 8:30-9:00 (by appointment only).
We also offer a Remote Biometric Collection service. Experienced visa officers can come to your office or home anywhere in the UK to collect your fingerprints and securely deliver this information to the Embassy for their decision. This is a chargeable service, follow this link to find out more: https://www.visitrussia.org.uk/visas/getting-a-russian-visa/biometric-data/
7. How long must you wait for a Russian Visa?
There are several services available – from as little as two working days! You can check which service is more suitable for you and start the application process here.