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All foreign nationals from non-CIS countries (in other words, countries outside the old Soviet Union) are required to have a visa to travel to the Russian Federation. While it is not a difficult process, it can be somewhat confusing and time-consuming the first time you apply for a visa from Russia.

We here at Enjoy Moscow can help you throughout the visa application process. Our visa service company is licensed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Russian Interior Ministry, which allows us to issue official visa invitations to tourists and business travelers visiting Russia.

The following information details the visa application process and our services.

There are three things that you must do to acquire a Russian visa and keep it in good standing:

1. Order Visa Invitation
2. Apply for Visa
3. Register Visa When in Russia

1. Order Visa Invitation The first step to getting a Russian visa is obtaining an official invitation (see image to the right). This document must be issued by a licensed company authorized by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for tourist visas) or the Russian Interior Ministry (for multiple-entry business visas). We at Enjoy Moscow are now able to offer these important documents at an extremely competitive price.

• Tourist Invitation and Voucher: Most casual travelers will use this type of invitation. The visa allows for either one or two entries into the Russian Federation over a period of 30 days. Order a tourist invitation from Enjoy Moscow

• Business Invitation: The business invitation is used for travelers who expect to be conducting official business activity while in Russia. The visa covers multiple entries into the Russian Federation over a six-month or 12-month period. (Email us for further details)

2. Apply for Visa Your official invitation/voucher will enable you to apply directly to the nearest Russian embassy or consulate for your visa. You can call the consulate directly or check its website for its list of required information. Your visa will be added to your passport and look similar to the image to the right. The following is a typical list of required information for your visa application:

• Your invitation and/or voucher. Most Russian consulates in Western countries accept email or fax copies for tourist visas, but require original copies for business visas.

• Completed visa applications (two per person), signed by the applicant. All entries on the form must be typed or printed in block letters in English or Russian. Incomplete visa application forms will not be processed. Since these forms change often and ours may not be current, we ask that you contact your local Consulate for the most up-to-date details.  Application forms can usually be downloaded from each Consulate website.

• Valid national passport. Your original passport is required, and it should have at least two clear (empty) pages. It must be valid no less than six months after the visa expiration date. Holders of travel documents other than passports (for example, a Permit to Re-Enter the United States of America, Travel Document, etc.) must submit a valid Permanent Resident Card.

• Two passport-size pictures of the applicant. Pictures can be black and white or color, full face, stapled to the upper-corner of an application. Digital copies are not accepted.

• Money Order or Certified Bank Check payable to the Russian Consulate for visa processing. Please note that the consulates does not accept cash, personal or company checks.

• A prepaid return self-addressed envelope. The envelope should be from a registered delivery service such as FedEx.

3. Register Visa When in Russia Russian law requires visitors to register their visas within three business days of their arrival.  The end result of registration is a stamp (see image to the right) on the back of the migration card that is given to visitors as they enter the country. Failure to obtain registration can potentially lead to problems with local police or passport control when you leave the country, usually resulting in a fine/bribe.  Real-life examples include "fines" ranging from $20-200.  Regardless of the size of the fine, it's advisable to follow the Russian laws as much as possible regarding visas and registration. There are three ways to get your visa registered:

• Large hotels will register you when you check in, but only for the exact days you stay there for and pay for.

• For those staying in private rental apartments, smaller hotels that don't have registration privileges, or private families, visitors can register through a lengthy and complicated process and spend a modest amount or do nothing except pay Rick $55 and his staff will do everything.

• For those staying longer than the usual 30-day tourist visa, there are different rules that apply.  Please contact Rick for further details.