Tourist visa (single, double-entry, up to 30 days)

This type of visa is normally issued for tourists, who are planning to stay in Russia for up to 1 month. Tourist visa support (also called "tourist invitation" or "tourist voucher") is issued by authorized Russian travel agency and implies that you have booked and prepaid hotel and some tourist services in this agency.

Business visa (single, double and multiple-entry, up to 1 year)

This type of visa implies commercial purpose of visit to Russia. Business invitation is issued by Passport and Visa Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (UPVS). Only companies, accredited in the UPVS, can apply for business invitations. It can be either issued as a paper letter of invitation, or it can be telexed directly to the Russian Consulate by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Private visa (single-entry, up to 90 days)

If the purpose of your trip to Russia is to visit relatives or friends you can apply for a private visa. Friends or relatives who will host you during your visit to Russia are required to obtain a visa invitation for you from a local Passport and Visa Department (PVO). Russian Consulates worldwide accept only original PVO’s invitations. Obtaining the PVO invitation can be a very troublesome procedure.

Transit visa

A Russian transit visa may be obtained when you are traveling to another country through the Russian territory. For a transit visa, please submit an entry visa of the country of destination and a copy of your transport tickets to your local Russian Embassy or Consulate.

Student Visa

This type of visa is issued for those who come to Russia to study. To apply for a student visa, you need to receive an official invitation from the school or university where you are going to study.