How to get a Russian Federation visa from Madagascar

• Citizens of Madagascar intending to travel to the Russian Federation for tourism purposes are eligible for the Russian tourist visa.
• This visa is valid for 30 days and it is not extendable.
• If you will be traveling to Russia on a trip organized by a travel agency, the agency will likely take care of the entire visa process and simply ask you for the necessary documents.
• Applicants are required to provide a letter of invitation from a Russian licensed tour operator.
• Travelers are permitted to import and export foreign currency of up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it and export foreign currency of up to USD 3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it.
• If you import over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) or certain categories of goods (e.g., electrical items, jewelry, antiques, valuable musical instruments), you must complete a customs declaration form.
• If you wish to import certain advanced electronic items (e.g., GPS instruments), you must get an operating license from the Russian authorities before you travel.
• Keep receipts of any purchases in case you need to present them when you leave Russia.
• Travelers are advised not to travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region.
• Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
• You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported and banned for 5 years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You can be detained for not carrying your passport with you.
• Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. We recommend against bringing cold medication with you to Russia.
• Carry a copy of valid Madagascar prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian of each prescription, when entering Russia with prescription medications must be provided.

• The Russian business visa is available to citizens of Madagascar intending to travel to the Russian Federation for business purposes.
• There are two types of Russian business visa:
• 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.
• Business visas are the best option for visitors who do not know their exact itineraries and want to stay in Russia longer than 30 days or need to enter Russia on numerous occasions within a certain period of time.
• Business visas to the Russian Federation are issued with up to two entries and for up to 90 days.
• Your business visa application must be supported by an invitation from the Ministry of Interior.
• A letter from your employer, stating that he/she is aware of your business trip must be provided.
• You must sign an immigration card every time you arrive in Russia. This will be given to you at passport control.
• The card is in 2 identical parts. One part will be retained by the Immigration Officer. You should keep the other part safe as your departure from Russia could be delayed.
• Hotels, hostels or another receiving entity will not accept guests without an immigration card.
• Supporting (employment) letter from your company in Madagascar confirming the name and address of the inviting company in Russia, the purpose of visit, dates of the first trip, name of the person meeting you in Russia and financial responsibilities must be provided.

It's advisable to have some cash in roubles to meet any expenses. If you plan to buy roubles in Russia, you should take US dollars or euros to exchange, and only change money at banks, hotels, and airport exchange bureaux. It is an offense to change money from street traders.