Russian Federation visa requirements for Somalis

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Somalis visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A Somalia 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 Somalis

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 10 days 30 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 10 days 72 hours

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A Somalia 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 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.
  • Somalians who aim to make a private visit to someone in the country are also eligible for this visa.
  • With a Russian tourist visa, you will not be  allowed to work or study in any of their institute.
  • 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.
  • As an appl 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 Somalia 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 Somalia 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 15 working days for your Russian business visa application to be ready.

Russian Federation Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • With Russians transit visa, Somalians 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

158.00 (USD)

Business visa

690.00 (USD)

Transit visa

40.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Somalia

Location

Address

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Russian currently does not have an embassy in Somalia. Citizens of Somalia are advised to use embassies/consulates in their neighbouring countries for their applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tourist or business visa if the actual purpose of my visit is different??

Generally, the type of visa that you may use mostly depends on the duration of your visit. However, a tourist or business visa cannot be used if:

you visit Russia in order to adopt a child (a specific adoption visa will be required)

you want to send a child to Russia with his/her Russian mother (a homestay visa will be required)

you want to stay in Russia more than 90 days (a student or work visa will be required)

In these cases invitations must be processed by the persons or entities you really plan to visit.

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.

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.
I want to visa abou univercity?