Russian Federation visa requirements for Malagasys

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Malagasys visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A Madagascar 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 mm x 45 mm) taken in a grey background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Russian Federation Visa for Malagasys

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 4 working days - 6 weeks 30 days
Business visa 4 working days - 6 weeks 90 days

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A Madagascar 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 mm x 45 mm) taken in a grey background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Russian Federation Tourist visa Russian Federation Business visa

Russian Federation Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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. 

Russian Federation Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Russian Federation Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

216.00 (USD)

Business visa

216.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Madagascar

Location

Address

Antananarivo

Russian Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar ---- 10, Mustafa Kamel Street Antananarivo 101 Madagascar

-

ambassaderusmad@wanadoo.mg

(+261) (22) 23-49-41 to 44

Frequently Asked Questions

What currencies should I take to Russia?

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.

When is the best time to visit Russia?

The months of May to August are the best months to visit Russia. The country's weather is at its best at this time.

Are Russians friendly toward foreigners?

Russians, in general, treat foreign tourists well and are curious about people who come from different countries. Locals may seem hostile to you though, because they will typically not smile to strangers. That does not mean that they do not like you.

Do I need to learn Russian language?

Russian is an extremely difficult language to learn. Russian is difficult even for Russians. So, nobody expects a foreign tourist to learn the language just for one trip. However, if you can learn 10-15 words and phrases (such as Hi, Thank You, Please, etc.) – your stay as a tourist will be more fun in Russia.