Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by Sarah Wilson

Tips for Getting a Russian Visa

Note: This post describes our experience of applying for a Russian tourist visa in 2018 and should not be used as current visa advice. Requirements and travel conditions have changed considerably since then. Check the official Russian consular website and your government’s latest travel advice before making any plans.

• Make sure you need a Russian Visa as certain countries do not require a Visa to enter Russia.
• Apply for your Russian Visa as early as possible. We applied 30 days in advance, but as soon as you know your dates and itinerary, apply as soon as possible as sometimes you may be asked for extra information.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Russia and have at least two clean pages for the visa.
• Book your tour or accommodation. You need to pre-book accommodation for your entire stay in Russia. Your hotel or tour company should provide all the visa support documents. Strelka Travel in Russia emailed all the necessary paperwork for us via email.
• Fill out the electronic Russian visa application form at: http://visa.kdmid.ru, (or where your visa service company recommends) print out and sign the application.
• It appears the visa questions vary depending on nationality. The visa questions for Americans were different to the questions for the British. Make sure you answer every question with an asterisk. Otherwise, they will call you back. We know from experience.
• Submit your visa applications. There are more Russian visa centers than before, so it’s a much easier process than it once was.
• Find your nearest Russian visa center or consulate. Remember if like us, you live outside the country where you hold citizenship, check the local Russian consulate accepts your visa application. No problems in Lisbon, even though we were the first non-Portuguese to apply here!
• Have health insurance. Most Russian consulates do need to see proof of health insurance. Make sure your insurance covers Russia.
• Bring a recent passport photo. Some consulates ask for one, some for two. Be prepared.
• On arrival in Russia, you will be issued a Migration Card – don’t lose this!
• And finally, it’s a good idea to take copies of your passport page and visa.

How Hard is it To Get A Russian Visa

At the time of our trip in 2018, we found the visa process fairly straightforward once we had the correct documents. Visa rules and travel conditions have changed since then, so this post should be treated as a record of our experience rather than current advice. Check official consular information and your government’s latest travel guidance before planning a trip.

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