Russian Federation visa requirements for Nigerians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Nigerians visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A Nigerian passport valid for 6 months after the intended departure date from Russia with at least two blank pages.
  • Online filled, signed and printed application form.
  • Recent passport-size photograph taken in a white background.
  • Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip.
  • Invitation letter.
  • Hotel reservation.
  • Bank statement showing proof of sufficient finances.
  • Letter from employer.
  • HIV/AIDS certificate.
  • Birth certificate for minors(under 18 years).
  • Flight reservation.
  • Proof of payments.
  • Consular interview.

Russian Federation Visa for Nigerians

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 4-20 days 30 days
Business visa 4-20 days 30 days
Student visa 4-20 days 90 days- 1 year

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A Nigerian passport valid for 6 months after the intended departure date from Russia with at least two blank pages.
  • Online filled, signed and printed application form.
  • Recent passport-size photograph taken in a white background.
  • Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip.
  • Invitation letter.
  • Hotel reservation.
  • Bank statement showing proof of sufficient finances.
  • Letter from employer.
  • HIV/AIDS certificate.
  • Birth certificate for minors(under 18 years).
  • Flight reservation.
  • Proof of payments.
  • Consular interview.
Russian Federation Tourist visa Russian Federation Business visa Russian Federation Student 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 izveshchenie 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 Nigeria, 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 visa would be delayed and encounter lots of problems before they would be allowed to leave Russia.

Russian Federation Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Individuals who intend to work or carry out business activities in Russia are eligible for this visa.
  • This visa can also be used to attend business meetings, negotiate contracts and attend conferences.
  • It is valid for 30 days, non-extendable and can be single-entry or double-entry.
  • An official invitation letter is required.
  • The letter could be from your Russian business partners, work organizers or General Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Interior of Russia.
  • Proof of hotel reservations which should be verifiable and valid through the duration of stay is required.
  • Flight reservation showing the name of the airline, date of entry into and exit from Russia is also required.
  • Employed applicants are to present a letter from their employer in Nigeria. This is to show that the applicant would return to Nigeria at the expiration of the visa.
  • Self-employed applicants can submit a copy of their business registration and tax clearance.
  • A cover letter which explains the reason you are visiting Russia should be provided. It should also contain personal details of your contacts in Russia.
  • A recent bank statement should be provided. It is to serve as proof that you have sufficient means to provide for yourself during your trip.
  • This visa cannot be used to take up courses even if the courses are business-oriented.
  • Applicants are to submit a valid travel medical insurance.
  • You are to ensure that your international passport or travel documents remain valid for as long as your visa is valid. If that is not the case then you are to renew your passport before starting the visa application.
  • It is not advisable to overstay your visa.

Russian Federation Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Russia student visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to want to study in Russia.
  • Individuals who want to go to a college, obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible for this visa.
  • The visa is usually issued as a single-entry visa valid from 3 months to 1 year depending on what the Consul decides.
  • However, once you begin your studies, you can extend your visa for the duration of the course and also apply for a multiple-entry visa.
  • It is important that all information provided in the Russia visa application form be correct as incorrect details can delay visa processing.
  • Before you can apply for this visa, you must have gained admission into a registered Russian institution.
  • You will be required to provide authenticated certificates or transcripts from schools previously attended.
  • All documents must be submitted in person to the Russian Consulate or Embassy.
  • Proof of full or partial payments of fees will be required.
  • Visa applicants must have an HIV/AIDS certificate not older than 3 months.
  • Proof of clean criminal records such as Local authority or Police clearance from Nigeria.
  • The applicant must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of the course of study and must submit a recent bank statement which could be the applicant’s or a sponsor.
  • It is important to have medical insurance from a reliable insurance company in Nigeria. The insurance should be valid for the period of your study.
  • Applicants are to submit a copy of their flight and accommodation reservation. It is advisable to not make permanent bookings until the visa is confirmed and granted.
  • You must register your visa within 72 hours of entry into Russian territory.
  • A receipt of paid visa fees is required. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa request is denied.
  • As at the time of writing this article, a Russian student visa costs 68 USD.

Russian Federation Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

single-entry

double-entry

68.00 (USD)

108.00 (USD)

Business visa

single-entry

double-entry

68.00 (USD)

108.00 (USD)

Student visa

68.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Nigeria

Location

Address

Abuja

Plot 1119, Constitution avenue Central Business District, Abuja 900271

www.rusemb-nigeria.ru

consul@rusemb-nigeria.ru

(+234) 805-908-00-07, (+234) 812-139-37-21

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I dress in Russia?
Sophistication is the dress code in Russia. When you’re in Russia, you should put a lot of effort into your appearance. Almost everyone in Russia is usually dressed up at all times. A t-shirt and jeans wouldn’t cut it in Russia. Black turtleneck, plenty of coats and dress hats would do you a lot of good.
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.

Can I mix Vodka while in Russia?

You can but you shouldn’t. Vodka is considered a national treasure in Russia. Most Russians don’t appreciate people mixing their vodkas. While it is not a crime, mixing vodka in public may gain you unwanted and distasteful glances.

When is the best time to visit Russia?
Strictly speaking from a weather point of view, the best time to visit Russia is early June. The weather is most convenient during this time for long hours of sightseeing.
Do Russians speak English?
Only about 5% of Russians speak English fluently. Russians have a very proud, rich and unique nationalistic tradition. If you’re visiting Russia, understanding the language no matter how little would go a long way.