Russian Federation visa requirements for Zambians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Zambians visiting Russian Federation

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

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date.
  • Two pages must be blank 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 on a white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support for the duration of stay.
  • 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 Zambians

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 days 3 months
Student visa 10 days Depending on the duration of study.
Tourist visa 10 days 1 month
Transit visa 10 days 72 hours

General Requirements for Russian Federation Visa

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date.
  • Two pages must be blank 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 on a white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support for the duration of stay.
  • 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

  • This business visa allows its holders to partake in business activities while in Russia.
  • This visa type has both single and double-entry visa which is 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 cases of 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 Zambia 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 that 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 allows a person to take up a program of study in any of the learning institutions in Russia.
  • The Russian student visa is valid for 90 days initially but can be extended for up to one year to cover the duration of the applicant’s study.
  • For an extension of this visa, you will have to apply to the local division of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia).
  • Before applying for this visa, you must have been offered admission to an academic institution in Russia.
  • An official letter from the Russian university, institute or college confirming the applicant's admission and right to attend courses is to be submitted.
  • Previous educational certificates and transcripts from previously attended institutions by the applicant to be provided also.
  • Proof of payment of tuition fees.
  • A copy of the applicant’s 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 Federation tourist visa is issued to foreigners planning to visit Russia for relaxation and recreation.
  • This visa is also for those 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, you need proof of travel confirmation from a Russian travel company to go ashore.
  • Zambians who aim to make private visits to persons in the country are also eligible candidates for this visa.
  • The visa does not grant you access to employment or studying.
  • An invitation from a host residing in Russia or from a Russian organization is to be provided. 
  • If invited by an organization, they must have been registered by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • A cover letter that bears the name of the applicant the exact 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 by the applicant.
  • 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).
  • Certificate of vaccinations against Measles, Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis is to be provided for the applicant's travel 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 persons traveling from Zambia to transit through Russia to their destination country.
  • With this visa, its holders can make stopovers in Russia.
  • Flight ticket to your destination country is to be provided.
  • You are also required to present 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 Zambia

Location

Address

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The Russian Federation embassy in Lusaka, Zambia is in the process of being opened.

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embrus@zam.net.zm

(+260) (1) 25-2120

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water in Russia drinkable?

The water in most Russian cities is safe for drinkable but it is best to drink filtered H2O.

Is Russia safe for tourists?

Generally, Russia is a safe country especially for tourists but they are still advised not to use unmarked taxis for their own safety.

Can I drink in Russia?

Alcohol is allowed in Russia but not on the streets and in public places. Visitors can enjoy their drinks in the comfort of their rooms or designated places.