Russian Federation visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 x 45mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Russian Federation Visa for Kenyans

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.

Distance yourself from being involved with drugs. Long sentences are handed out to anyone involved in drugs, regardless of what kind of drug it is. Some religious activities like preaching and distribution of religious materials are restricted. Jehovah Witnesses are regarded as extremists and they are subject to harassment from the authorities.

Types of Russian Federation Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 30 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Student visa 10 working days More than 90 days
Transit visa 10 working days 72 hours

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 x 45mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Russian Federation Tourist visa Russian Federation Business visa Russian Federation Student visa Russian Federation Transit visa

Russian Federation Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russia tourist visa is issued to foreigners planning to visit Russia for relaxation and recreation.
  • The visa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
  • If you are travelling to Russia via a cruise ship, you do not need a visa. However, a proof of travel confirmation from a Russian travel company is needed to go ashore.
  • Kenyans who aim to make a private visit to someone in the country are also eligible for this visa.
  • The visa does not offer work or study authorization.
  • An invitation from a host residing in Russia or from a Russian organization is needed. If invited by an organization, it is necessary that they must have been registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • A cover letter which has the name of the applicant the same way it appears on the passport should be submitted. This letter should also contain other details about the intended trip such as date of departure to and from Russia and a list of all the cities to be visited.
  • All tourist visa applicants should be ready to present the following documents:
    • An original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
    • ONE 35mm x 45 mm passport-size photo signed on the back.
    • If traveling as a tour group or cruise passenger, a letter from the tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary should be submitted.
    • If travelling as an individual, a confirmation of hotel arrangements from an authorized Russian travel company, or directly from a Russian hotel, should be presented.
  • All your payments during the visa application process should be made by money order or cashier’s check (not cash).
  • Vaccinations against  measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are necessary before travel to Russia.
  • It is advisable to exchange your money in advance before travelling to Russia as functional exchange outlets are sometimes hard to find in the country.

Russian Federation Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russia business visa allows Kenyan 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 each 180 days.
  • Business visas can be extended only in exceptional cases (such as a serious illness). Note that an extension can only be granted on 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 Kenya should provide a letter which 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 Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russian student visa enables a Kenya citizen to take up a program of study in one of the institutions of learning in Russia.
  • The Russian student visa is initially valid for 90 days but can be extended to up to one year to cover the duration of the study.
  • To extend your visa, you have to apply to the local division of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia).
  • Before applying for this visa, ensure that you have been offered admission to the school of your choice in Russia.
  • The following documents are required during the visa application process:
    • An official letter from the Russian university, institute or college confirming applicant has been admitted and is allowed to attend lectures.
    • Previous educational certificates from past institutions attended.
    • Proof that tuition fees has been paid.
    • A copy of HIV test result which must be certified at the local office of the secretary of your state and translated into Russian.
  • Student visa Applicants should have at least 325,425 RUB (USD 5,000) per year to cover all stay expenses in Russia.
  • If you intend to work part-time as a student, you will require a work permit from the Federal Migration Service (FMS). The cost of a work permit for those on a Russian study visa is RUB 3,500 (USD 60).
  • Applicants are expected to be of perfect health before coming into Russia. A certified document that shows this must be presented.

Russian Federation Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • With this visa, Kenyans can make stopovers in Russia.
  • 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

40.00 (USD)

Business visa

105.00 (USD)

Student visa

105.00 (USD)

Transit visa

40.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Nairobi

Embassy of the Russian Federationin Kenya, P.O Box 30049, Lenana Road, Nairobi, Kenya.

http://www.russianconsulate.info/russian_consulates_kenya.html

russemb@swiftkenya.com

+254 20 272 8700

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous place in Russia?

The most famous cities in Russia are Moscow and St. Petersburg.

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.
Is it safe to visit Russia?
In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you are traveling as a tourist to large cities.
How quickly can I get a tourist visa?

You have to wait for a period of 10 working days to be issued the tourist visa.

Can I apply for a Russian visa outside of my home country?

Every Russian consulate has its own rules and may or may not allow you to apply in that country.

will it be possible for me to get it??
Do I need a travel medical insurance while applying for students visa?