Russia Tourist Visa
Tourist Visa · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to Russia as an American citizen? You will need a tourist visa and an invitation letter from a registered Russian travel agency. The application costs $198 total ($160 consular fee plus $38 service charge), takes about 10 business days to process, and allows stays up to 30 days. US citizens can also apply for a 3-year multiple entry visa. Note: The US State Department currently has a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Russia.
Russia Tourist Visa for American Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Official invitation titled 'Confirmation of hosting a foreign tourist' from a registered Russian travel agency or hotel
Original US passport that meets Russian visa requirements
Electronic visa application completed on the official Russian consular website
Recent passport-style photograph meeting Russian visa specifications
Photocopy of your passport's biographical data page
Recommended (Optional)
Birth certificate showing at least one parent is not a Russian citizen
Important Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently has a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Russia.5 Before planning any trip, carefully consider the following risks:
- Arbitrary detention of US citizens by Russian authorities
- Limited consular access: The US government has restricted ability to provide emergency services
- Ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting travel safety
- Potential flight disruptions due to regional security concerns
If you decide to travel despite this advisory, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Application Process
All US citizens must apply for a Russian tourist visa before travel. Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival.4
1. Obtain Your Invitation Letter
Before starting the application, you need a “Confirmation of hosting a foreign tourist” from a registered Russian tour operator.1 You can purchase this online from services like iVisa or Russia Support, typically costing $15-30. The invitation should include your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information.
2. Complete the Online Application
Fill out the electronic visa application at visa.kdmid.ru.3 Select “United States” as your application country and choose the VFS center where you will submit your documents. For a 3-year multiple entry visa, enter the full three-year validity period in the dates field.1
3. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents: your original passport, printed and signed application form, passport photo (glued to the form), invitation letter, and passport copy.1
4. Submit to VFS Global
Submit your application at a VFS Global center in person or by mail.1 Centers are located in Washington DC, New York, Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle. Pay the $160 consular fee plus $38 service charge.
5. Collect Your Visa
Standard processing takes approximately 10 business days.1 Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. You can collect it from the VFS center or have it mailed back to you.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single, Double, or 3-Year Multiple Entry) | $160 |
| VFS Global Service Charge | $38 |
| Total | $198 |
All fees are the same regardless of visa type.2 Payment can be made by cash, credit card, debit card, or money order at VFS centers.1 Fees are non-refundable if your application is denied.
Visa Types for US Citizens
Thanks to a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russia, American citizens have access to favorable visa options:1
Single Entry: Valid for one entry, maximum 30-day stay. Best for a single, planned trip.
Double Entry: Allows two entries, useful if your itinerary includes leaving and re-entering Russia (e.g., visiting neighboring countries like Mongolia or CIS states).
3-Year Multiple Entry: US citizens are encouraged to apply for this option regardless of their immediate travel plans.1 It provides flexibility for multiple trips over three years.
Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 10 business days |
| Expedited | 3 business days |
Processing time is measured from when your documents are submitted to the Russian Consulate.1 Add additional days for VFS processing and mail delivery if applying by post.
Expedited processing is only available under emergency circumstances and is granted at the Consulate’s discretion.1 It cannot be requested for single entry visas.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you receive your visa, verify all information is correct:4
- Entry and exit dates: Your visa specifies exact validity dates in European format (day/month/year). You must enter Russia within these dates.
- Number of entries: Confirm it matches what you applied for
- Personal details: Check your name and passport number
At the Russian border, you will receive a migration card. Keep this card safe as you must present it when departing Russia. Losing it can result in fines and departure delays.
If Your Visa is Refused
Russian visa refusals are relatively rare for properly prepared applications.1 If refused:
- No explanation required: The consulate is not obligated to provide specific reasons for denial
- No refund: Consular and service fees are non-refundable
- Review your documents: Most refusals result from documentation errors
- Reapply: You can submit a new application with corrected documents
Common issues that cause refusals include mismatched information between documents, damaged passports, invalid invitation letters, or incomplete application forms.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation
The most common cause of rejection is submitting incomplete applications or documents with errors, such as mismatched information between your passport and invitation letter.
How to avoid: Verify that all names, dates, and passport numbers match exactly across all documents. Double-check your application form before submission.
Invalid or Damaged Passport
Passports that are damaged, have fewer than 2 blank pages, or will expire within 6 months of the visa expiry date will be rejected.
How to avoid: Ensure your passport is in good condition with at least 2 blank visa pages and validity extending 6+ months beyond your planned trip.
Invitation Letter Issues
Problems with the tourist invitation letter, including missing information, incorrect passport details, or using an unregistered tour operator.
How to avoid: Use a reputable tour operator registered with Russia's Federal Agency of Tourist Operators. Verify all details match your passport exactly before ordering.
Application Form Inconsistencies
Information on the visa application form does not match the invitation letter, including different cities, dates, or purpose of travel.
How to avoid: Ensure your itinerary, dates, and all personal information are consistent between your application form and invitation letter.
Background or Security Concerns
Applicants with criminal records, previous visa violations, prior expulsion from Russia, or those considered a security concern may be denied.
How to avoid: Be completely honest on your application. Previous Russian visa violations significantly impact future applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need a visa to visit Russia?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Russia. Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival. You will need an invitation letter from a registered Russian travel agency and must apply through VFS Global or directly at a Russian consulate.
How long can Americans stay in Russia on a tourist visa?
A single or double entry tourist visa allows stays of up to 30 days per entry. US citizens can also apply for a 3-year multiple entry tourist visa, which allows multiple visits during the validity period, though each stay is still limited.
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for US citizens?
The total cost is $198, which includes a $160 consular fee and a $38 VFS Global service charge. The fee is the same for single entry, double entry, and 3-year multiple entry visas. Fees are non-refundable if your application is denied.
What is a tourist invitation letter and where do I get one?
A tourist invitation letter, officially called a 'Confirmation of hosting a foreign tourist,' is a required document issued by a Russian travel agency or hotel registered with the Federal Agency of Tourist Operators. You can obtain one online from services like iVisa, Russia Support, or through your hotel booking.
How long does Russian visa processing take?
Standard processing takes approximately 10 business days from when your documents are submitted to the consulate. Expedited processing (3 business days) is available only under emergency circumstances and at the consulate's discretion.
Do US citizens need travel insurance for a Russian visa?
No, US citizens are not required to provide proof of travel insurance when applying for a Russian visa. This is different from EU citizens who must show valid health insurance for Russia. However, having travel insurance is still recommended.
Can I apply for a 3-year multiple entry tourist visa?
Yes, under the US-Russia bilateral agreement, American citizens can apply for a 3-year multiple entry tourist visa. When filling out the application, simply indicate the full three-year period as your intended stay dates, regardless of what your invitation letter shows.
Where can I submit my Russian visa application in the US?
VFS Global operates Russia Visa Application Centers in Washington DC, New York, Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle. You can submit your application in person or by mail to these locations.
What is the current US travel advisory for Russia?
The US State Department has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Russia. Americans are warned about risks including arbitrary detention, limited consular access, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. US citizens should carefully consider these risks before traveling.
What happens if my Russian visa is denied?
If your visa is denied, you will not receive a refund of the consular or service fees. The consulate is not required to provide specific reasons for the denial. Most denials are due to documentation errors, so you can typically reapply with corrected documents.