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FAQ's Russian Visas |
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What's the
difference between a visa and a visa invitation?
The visa and visa invitation are two different things, but
both are necessary if you wish to travel to Russia. You need
the invitation to apply for the visa itself.
The visa is a document provided by a Russian embassy or
consulate, permitting your stay in Russia for a specific
period of time, listing entry/exit dates, vital information
and passport details. Your Russian visa is an exit permit as
well as an entry permit: if you stay longer than permitted by
your visa, you will face problems when leaving the country.
However, Russian consulates and embassies require that you
must first be 'invited' to visit Russia by a firm or travel
agency. This invitation to visit comes as a document issued by
a licensed travel agency and will be sent by email to you
following receipt of your passport details.
The cost for providing this visa invitation letter is included
in the cost of your expedition. |
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Do I need a
visa?
Yes, most foreign nationals are required to have entry visas
to travel to the Russian Federation. |
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Do I need a
separate invitation and visa for my children?
If your child is travelling with you, is under 16 years old,
and is listed on your passport, then your child may enter
Russia with you sharing the same visa. There is no need to
obtain a separate visa (and hence no need to obtain a separate
visa invitation) for your child in this case. Simply inform us
of all details if you are planning to bring your child with
you who will be able to travel to Russia without the need for
an additional visa. |
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What happens
if there is a mistake in my visa invitation?
If we make a mistake in your visa application, we will correct
it free of charge. Please inform us immediately if there is a
problem. Irish citizens note that the invitation letter should
use exactly the lettering in Irish if necessary that is on
your passport. |
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What is a
migration card?
This is a form that you will be given at the Russian border
(or on the plane if arriving by air). The form should be
filled in before passport control, and will be stamped along
with your visa by the immigration officer. It is essential
that you keep the migration card safe for the duration of your
trip, as it must be handed in upon departure. |
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What if my
passport or visa is lost or stolen in Russia?
If you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport (and visa
attached inside the passport), you will need a new exit visa.
First of all you must contact a local police station and make
a request for an official document confirming that your visa
was stolen. Then you should contact whoever provided your
invitation (or the local representatives). Only your visa
sponsor can process an exit visa for you. |
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Will I need
an HIV test to enter Russia? Or vaccinations ?
When planning to stay in Russia for over 90 days make sure
to obtain an HIV test certificate. You may be asked to display
it to medical officer at a Russian border checkpoint. An HIV
test is not necessary when staying for less than 3 months in
Russia. No vaccinations are necessary to enter the Russian
Federation. |
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Will I need
medical insurance?
It is advisable to have medical insurance coverage valid in
Russia. Check your medical plan and request such coverage if
you do not have it. Some Russian embassies may demand that you
submit proof of valid travel insurance with your visa
application. |
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How much
money can I take with me?
There is no limitation on the amount of foreign currency to be
taken to Russia. Just mention in your customs declaration all
your currency over $500 and other valuables, including objects
of art, which you take into the country. Keep your customs
declaration to present it upon departure. |
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Are traveller
cheques accepted in Russia?
It is better to take cash and credit cards rather than
traveler's cheques. While cash machines (ATMs) are found
throughout major Russian cities, traveler's cheques can be
hard to cash, and are often subject to expensive fees. |
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