Visa Regulations

Children under the age of 16 may travel without visas with their names appearing on the visas of their accompanying parents or guardians, if their names also appear in the passports of the accompanying adults. Otherwise, children must get their own visas and apply separately, and the non-traveling parent (both parents in case of a guardian) must confirm in an affidavit his or her consent on the children's travel. If the children's names differ from those of their parents, a copy of the children's birth certificates must be attached to the application papers.

The originals of valid passports must be filed together with the copies thereof in some consulates but not in others.

Current HIV Test Certificates (Under 30 days from the date of issue) must be carried by travelers (over the age of 16) who intend to stay in Russia for over 90 days and by all those going with multiple entry visas. Notarized copies of such certificates should be attached to the application papers when applying for visa.

A tourist visa (yellowish paper) is usually issued for a SINGLE TRIP with the specified dates of entry and exit.

DOUBLE ENTRY/EXIT VISA requires a special request to this effect from a Russian host organization (all entry and exit dates must be mentioned).

Application for a visa can be done in person or by mail. When mailing please enclose a self-addressed and pre-paid envelope or an airbill. Otherwise visas will probably be sent back by regular mail.

Travelers intending to stay in Russia for over 90 days, must attach a notarized copy of a fresh (under 30 days) HIV test certificate to their application papers.

ANY APPLICANT MAY BE INVITED TO THE CONSULATE FOR AN INTERVIEW.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO GET A VISA:

TOURIST VISA:

1. A Cover Letter by the applicant or by a US travel agent mentioning the dates of entry and exit and cities to be visited in Russia. The New York Consulate has announced that they will require an original voucher issued by an authorized (US) travel agency. Contact the consulates for the latest information.

2.A Russian travel agency voucher or confirmation, including its reference number, or confirmation for hotel reservations in Russia.

3. A valid passport and/or legible copies of the identification pages thereof. It may be wise to choose a consulate that does not require that you send your passport due to the risk that it could be lost or stolen.

4. A signed and dated standard application form filled out in English or Russian (available from the consulates).

5. Three identical color or black & white passport size photos signed on the back.

6. Visa processing fee payable to the RUSSIAN CONSULATE GENERAL by Money Order or Cashiers Check.

US$ 65 for two-week processing
US$ 75 for one-week processing
US$ 105 for four day processing

If you apply by mail, allow time for the two mailings.