Russian Federation visa requirements for Indians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Indians visiting Russian Federation

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Russian Visa.

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Two recent passport photographs that follow the format of a Russian visa should be provided. The photo should also be on a light background.
  • A copy of the applicant's return ticket is needed.
  • A bank statement dating back to at least 6 months must be submitted so as to show that you can financially sustain yourself for the duration of stay.
  • Children below the age of 12 are not required to go to the embassy for the interview.
  • Applicants should ensure that they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay must be provided.
  • A detailed copy of the travel itinerary.
  • If the trip is sponsored by a friend or relative in Russia, then an invitation letter is needed.
  • Applicants below the age of 18 years must provide a copy of their birth certificate and a consent letter from parents.

Russian Federation Visa for Indians

Facts about Russian Federation

Despite the bureaucracy and occasional discomfort and inconvenience, tourists will find their visit to Russia worthwhile. The hospitality shown by Russians is the first thing that will blow your mind on arrival. Tourists are spoilt for choice of mountains and resorts to go skiing, trekking, and hiking, there is also the option of scaling over an active volcano. The great options available is sure to make you feel like your vacation doesn’t end. Travelers who enjoy the nightlife are sure to relish the experience of the vodka-fueled Russian nightlife.
 
The rich cultural heritage and natural variety in Russia make the country rank among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country presently has 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many more which are still in consideration. The country had an all-time high of 33 million foreign tourists in 2013 which made it the seventh-most visited country in Europe and the ninth-most visited in the world.
 
Nationals of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) member states, most Latin American countries, Israel, and South Africa can visit Russia without a visa for a period of 90 days. South Koreans can visit without a visa for 60 days while tourists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba, Laos, Macau, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Serbia, Seychelles, and Thailand can visit for 30 days without a visa.

Types of Russian Federation Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa Three weeks 30 days
Business visa Three weeks 30 days
Work visa Four weeks As stated on the work contract
Student visa Four weeks The expected period for the course of study.
Transit visa Three weeks 1-3 days

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Two recent passport photographs that follow the format of a Russian visa should be provided. The photo should also be on a light background.
  • A copy of the applicant's return ticket is needed.
  • A bank statement dating back to at least 6 months must be submitted so as to show that you can financially sustain yourself for the duration of stay.
  • Children below the age of 12 are not required to go to the embassy for the interview.
  • Applicants should ensure that they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay must be provided.
  • A detailed copy of the travel itinerary.
  • If the trip is sponsored by a friend or relative in Russia, then an invitation letter is needed.
  • Applicants below the age of 18 years must provide a copy of their birth certificate and a consent letter from parents.
Russian Federation Tourist visa Russian Federation Business visa Russian Federation Work visa Russian Federation Student visa Russian Federation Transit visa

Russian Federation Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russia tourist visa is issued for tourism, vacation, medical or ceremonial purposes.
  • It can be used single and double-entry. The single-entry allows an individual to enter and exit Russia once while the double-entry permits two visits.
  • Minors (children under 18 years) are to include a copy of their original birth certificate and photocopies of their parent’s passports.
  • The passport-size photographs of adults must not be older than 6 months and for children, one month.
  • A hotel reservation valid for the duration of the visa application and stay subsequently is required.
  • Applicants must provide a certificate stating that they do not have HIV/AIDS. The certificate must not be older than 3 months old.
  • Your Russian host should apply for an invitation letter known as which should state the relationship between you and your host, your entry and exit dates, and the exact reason for your visit. 
  • A receipt indicating payments for the services of a tourism agency or tour guide is required.
  • Once you arrive in Russia, you are to register your visa. If you cannot register immediately you arrive then you must do so within 72 hours of arrival.
  • Registration of visas is not a one-time thing. For every new state in Russia that you travel to, you have to register your visa.
  • Your tour guide or management of the hotel you are residing in can register the visa for you as it has to be done by the localhost.
  • If you do not register your visa, you may be faced with inconveniences such as police harassment and detention or fines.
  • Documents such as assets in India, admission letter or investment papers can be provided as proof that you intend to return to your home country when your departure date is due.
  • A Russian tourist visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.
  • Overstaying your visa is a serious violation of the law.
  • Individuals caught overstaying their visas would be delayed and encounter lots of problems before they would be allowed to leave Russia.

Russian Federation Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russian business visa allows Indian travelers to partake in business activities while in Russia.
  • Business visas can be:
    • Single- or double-entry - valid for up to 3 months.
    • Multiple-entry - valid for up to 1 year or up to 3 years in some cases.
  • The number of entries allowed depends on the applicant's specific travel conditions.
  • According to Russian law, the complete term of stay in Russia on a business visa should not exceed 90 days on a single visit within every 180 days.
  • Business visas can be extended only in exceptional cases (such as a serious illness). Note that an extension can only be granted at the request of your visa sponsor/host.
  • Each issued visa must be approved by either the Interior Ministry of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be fully valid.
  • Your employer in India should provide a letter that states that he or she is aware of your business leave. The position you hold in the company and how long you have been employed for should also be stated in the letter.
  • Foreigners coming to Russia as official speakers at a conference will also need to secure a business visa.
  • Business travelers to Russia should be able to fully demonstrate they have enough money to comfortably spend £100 daily for their entire stay in the Russian Federation.
  • An HIV test is usually required during the business visa application process.
  • It might take up to 20 working days for your Russian business visa application to be ready.

Russian Federation Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The work visa is issued to foreigners who wish to enter Russia for employment.
  • For this visa, the expected period of validity for the applicant's passport be nothing less than 18 months from the issue date of the visa.
  • Work visas can be issued for single entry and would be valid for 3 months. They can also be issued for multiple entries and be valid for up to 3 years.
  • The applicant would be asked to present an invitation letter from the employing company. This letter should state a period of validity and contract that corresponds with the validity of the applicant's visa.
  • You are to get an Invitation for entry to the Russian Federation which would be issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service.
  • A visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation would also be requested.
  • An HIV test certificate would be requested for while applying for the work visa. You are expected to submit it alongside all other valid documents.
  • There is a possibility of extending the work visa on the grounds of labor or civil-labor contracts for work.

Russian Federation Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is issued to foreigners who want to go into Russia for studies in educational institutions.
  • On this visa, applicants must have a confirmation of enrolment for the academic course they would be taking.
  • A letter of invitation from the institution in which you are to undergo a course or study research work would also be needed.
  • You are expected to have already submitted your data with the university of enrolment. The department of the university in charge of foreign affairs would then send your data to the immigration officials.
  • It is after this that your Invitation would be ready.
  • This invitation would be sent to you by the foreign affairs department of the chosen university.
  • You are to get an Invitation for entry to the Russian Federation which would be issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service.
  • A visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation would also be requested.
  • Russian student visas are usually valid for 3 months. Upon entry into Russia, you can extend your stay for a year or for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • The Russian student visa usually doesn't have a limited validity so it can be extended often, depending on how long you study in the country.
  • A recent HIV test certificate would be requested for while applying for the student visa. You are expected to submit it alongside all other valid documents.

Russian Federation Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to transit through Russia to their destination country.
  • Flight ticket to the destination country is required.
  • You are also required to have the visa of your destination country.
  • The visa is issued for 72 hours if you traveling by air, or for up to 10 days if using other means of transportation.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to work or study while they are in the country.
  • Your payment for this visa should be made by money order or cashier’s check (not cash).
  • Minors should ensure they have an unabridged original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Transit visas for Russia cannot be extended.

Russian Federation Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

45.00 (USD)

Business visa

45.00 (USD)

Work visa

65.00 (USD)

Student visa

65.00 (USD)

Transit visa

45.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in India

Location

Address

Russian Embassy in New Delhi

Shantipath Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India.

http://www.india.mid.ru/

emb@rusembindia.com

(+91) (11) 2611 0640

Russian Consulate General in Chennai

No.33 (old No.14), Santhome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai, 600004, India.

http://chennai.mid.ru/

ruschennai@ya.ru

(+91) 44 2498 2320

Russian Consulate General in Mumbai

42, L. Jagmohandas Marg, Mumbai, 400 036, India.

www.russiaconsulmumbai.mid.ru

consulate_mumbai@mail.ru

(+91) 22 2363 3627

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Russia?

In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you are traveling as a tourist to large cities.

Is Russia expensive for tourists?

A few years ago, traveling to Russia was quite expensive, especially to big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, after the strong devaluation of the ruble, traveling to Russia has become affordable.

When is the best time to visit Russia?

The best time to visit Russia is in early June. The weather is most convenient during this time for long hours of sightseeing.

Where can I visit in Russia?

Apart from Moscow and St. Petersburgh, other places worth visiting on a trip to Russia are Kizhi island because of its fabulous open-air museums, Vladivostok because of its scenic mountains, hilly streets, and uninterrupted sea views, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal because of its impressive architecture and historical museums.