Different Types of Russia Tourist Visas Explained

Planning a trip to Russia? Before you can proceed with anything else, you have to determine what type of visa will best meet your traveling requirements. Russia provides a number of tourist visas which are aimed at different types of stay – for recreation, long term stay, or for a specific tour. The procedure of visa application itself may seem a bit cumbersome but if you get the right information there is no way you will find it hard to go through the necessary procedures.

You can get ordinary tourist visas, visas for every country of the world, online visas for some areas, and many more. The best way to go around this is to learn the differences between these types of visas and find which type is best suited for your intended travel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each of the different Russia Visa, what they’re for, what you’ll need, and how to apply. So without further ado let’s get started and demystify it for you!

Here are the Types of Tourist Visa to Russia

1. Standard Tourist Visa

Purpose: Convenient for tourists who plan to stay in Russia for a short time.
Duration: Typically up to 30 days.

Requirements:

Only a formal invitation from a Russian and legal tour operator or a legal hotel of Russia.
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity left on the passport.
A completed application for visa form.
Benefits: Provides access to all central tourist sights of Russia.
Best For: Appropriate for first time travelers or tourists who want a short trip in Russia.

2. Business Visa

Purpose: Enables people to conduct business and leisure at the same time, for example, meetings or conferences.
Duration: It can be made valid for even longer periods of time and normally permits multiple entries.

Requirements:

An official invitation to a Russian company or organization is necessary.
Evidence of business related activities (for example an invitation letter from an organization).
Original passport with all Visa application form duly filled in and signed.
Benefits: Permits multiple entries and has duration of stay advantages over the one-entry visa.
Best For: People who are visiting Russia both for business and tourist related activities.

3. Private Visa

Purpose: For tourists on business trips to friends and relatives in Russia.
Duration: Usually not more than 90 days from the date of issue.

Requirements:

An invitation from a Russian citizen or a Russian registered organization.
Visiting relation (Proof of such relation).
Original passport and filled up application form.
Benefits: Ideal for those who need to have more time with relatives in Russia.
Best For: Persons going to Russia to visit a friend or a relative.

4. Transit Visa

Purpose: For tourists who prefer Russia only as a connecting point to another country.
Duration: Valid for up to 72 hours.

Requirements:

Evidence of having onward journey (air/ train tickets).
Valid passport and filled visa application form.
Visa is only valid for the transit through the state; sightseeing might be restricted.
Benefits: Brief visits and transfers for Russia on the way to another country or from one country to another.
Best For: Russians who are in transit to another country and those who are using Russia as a transit point.

5. E-Visa

Purpose: An e-visa which is issued for some countries like St. Petersburg or Kaliningrad.
Duration: Most commonly used for 8 days but depending on the country it can be different.

Requirements:

Completed online application.
Valid passport.
No need to travel to a consulate; apply online and get the visa faster.
Benefits: Quick turn around, no need to visit the consulate and everything done online.
Best For: Visits of no more than several days in certain cities of Russia, for example, Petersburg or Kaliningrad.

Which Russia Tourist visa is easiest to get?

E-Visa:

Short and easy to complete online application.
The paperwork that is demanded is to a minimum.
Petersburg is a perfect destination for many tourists, for example, and it is perfect for those who want to use a car to get around the city without having to worry about dealing with the authorities.

Standard Tourist Visa:

Less convenient and needs a referral from a licensed tour operator or hotel or any other hotel.
More suitable for those, who will travel to big cities or who is going to stay in the country for a longer time.

How many visa types are there in Russia?

Russia has many different types of visas based on the type of visit to the country that you plan to make. The main categories include:

Tourist Visa: For leisure travelers.
Business Visa: For business-related travel.
Private Visa: For a visit to friends or relatives.
Transit Visa: For temporary visits while on a transit in Russia.
E-Visa: A fast visa, received through the Internet for some areas of Russia.

What is Tier 1 2 3 4 5 visa in Russia

Russia has a two tier visa system mainly used for long term visas or permission to live in Russia. Each tier applies to different categories of travelers:

Tier 1: For professional business or individuals with certain qualifications or particular skills.
Tier 2: In the case of the qualified workers in certain specialties.
Tier 3 to Tier 5: A traveller may apply to other professional, academic or family-category depending on his/her status in the country and purpose of visit.

Note: We Only Offer Tourist Visas, Not Business or Work Visas

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Different Types of Russia Tourist Visas Explained