Russian Federation visa requirements for Tanzanians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Tanzanians visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A Tanzanian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • A 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 the applicant’s ties to the home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover the entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Russian Federation Visa for Tanzanians

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
Business visa 20 90
Student visa 10 days At least a year
Tourist visa 10 days 30 days
Transit visa 10 days 72 hours

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A Tanzanian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • A 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 the applicant’s ties to the home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover the entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Russian Federation Business visa Russian Federation Student visa Russian Federation Tourist visa Russian Federation Transit visa

Russian Federation Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russian business visa allows its holders to partake in business activities while in Russia.
  • This visa has both single and double-entry valid for up to 3 months.
  • The multiple-entry visa is 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 every 180 days.
  • Business visas can be extended only in exceptional cases (such as a serious illness). 
  • Note that an extension can only be granted at 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 Tanzania should provide a letter that 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 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 Tanzanian 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.
  • An official letter from the Russian university, institute or college confirming the applicant has been admitted and is allowed to attend lectures is to be submitted.
  • Previous educational certificates from past institutions attended is to be provided also.
  • Proof of payment of tuition fees.
  • A copy of the HIV test result which must be certified at the local office of the secretary of your state and translated into Russian is to be submitted.
  • 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 Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Russian tourist visa is issued to foreigners planning to visit Russia for relaxation and recreation.
  • This visa is also for persons who are traveling to Russia to visit family and friends.
  • You can use this visa to tour the Russian Federation.
  • The visa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
  • If you are traveling to Russia via a cruise ship, you do not need a visa. However, proof of travel confirmation from a Russian travel company is needed to go ashore.
  • Tanzanians 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 that 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 the date of departure to and from Russia and a list of all the cities to be visited.
  • If traveling as a tour group or cruise passenger, a letter from the tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary should be submitted.
  • If traveling as an individual, 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 traveling to Russia.
  • It is advisable to exchange your money in advance before traveling to Russia as functional exchange outlets are sometimes hard to find in the country.

Russian Federation Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows you to transit through Russia to your destination country.
  • With this visa, Tanzanians can make stopovers in Russia.
  • Flight ticket to your destination country is to be provided.
  • You are also required to have the visa of your destination country.
  • The visa is issued for 72 hours if you are 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 Russian Federation.
  • 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.
  • This visa cannot be extended.

Russian Federation Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Business visa

105.00 (USD)

Student visa

105.00 (USD)

Tourist visa

40.00 (USD)

Transit visa

40.00 (USD)

Russian Federation Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Tanzania

Location

Address

Dar-es-Salaam

Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Plot 3&5 P.O. Box 1905

www.tanzania.mid.ru

embrusstanz@mid.ru rustanz@yandex.ru

(+255) (22) 266-60-05 / 6 (+255) 767 919 756 (Emergency)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language in Russia?
The official language in Russia is Russian and the most dominant foreign languages in Russia are English, German, French, Turkish, and Ukrainian. The use of these foreign languages is usually restricted to the major cities of Russia.

What is the official currency in Russia?

The official currency used in Russia is the Russian ruble or rouble. The plural form is written as Rubli and its sign is ₽ and the code is written as RUB. Foreign currencies are usually not accepted for transactions except it will be undeclared. Very few hotels accept USD but they might be at unfavorable rates.

Can I use debit cards in Russia?

ATM machines are very easy to find in Russian cities, so you can easily withdraw Russian Rubles from an ATM machine that usually provides the option to switch the language to English. Nevertheless, it is important to check your bank's policies regarding exchange rates and fees (if any) for withdrawing money in another currency in a different country. Also note that if you plan to travel on a train or on a ship in Russia, there won't be any ATMs on board, therefore you'll need to carry enough Russian cash with you in advance.

Is Alcohol allowed in Russia?

In Russian, at home or in licensed joints. Low-alcoholic drinks (like beer) are allowed in some cinemas and mall food courts, but only if you buy it there. The fine for drinking alcohol in a public place ranges from 500 rubles ($9) to 1,500 rubles which is equal to $26.


Is the tap water safe for drinking in Russia?

The water that comes out of the tap is not safe to drink especially in St. Petersburg where the pipes are as old as the city. Tourists should avoid drinking it as even the locals do not drink it

Can I smoke in Russia?

In Russia, you can only smoke in the street (but not closer than 15 meters from the entrance of metros and railways stations), in your own car, and in special smoking rooms known as “kurilka” in Russia). The fine for smoking in these places is 500 to 1,500 rubles. It is also not advisable to smoke in the balcony and Tobacco is the only substance allowed to be smoked in Russia

Must I carry my passport around in Russia?

In Russia,  police officers can stop and check your ID or passport holding you back for up to 3 hours to establish your identity so it is wise to have your passport on you always.