Russia Visa


A valid passport and visa are required to visit Russia.

Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Home Stay Visa | Student Visa

Valid US Passport

Applicants for a Russian visa must submit their current undamaged passport, and it must have one blank visa page. The passport must also be signed and valid for six months from the date of departure.

Russia Visa Application

Apply Online

The Russian Consulate requires an online completed visa application by all travelers. The application, hosted by the Russian government, may take up to an hour to complete and requires very detailed information. Your request for a Russian visa cannot be processed if you don’t complete the application form online.

Visa Photos

  • One color 2” x 2” passport-style photo on a white background.
  • Photo should be taken within the last six months.
  • Photo printed on high-quality photo paper.

Proof of State Residency

A clear photocopy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID is required. The address that’s included on your ID must match the address on the visa application form.

Tourist Visa Support Letter

A copy of the official Tourist Voucher and Confirmation invitation issued by a Russian hotel, travel agency, or joint venture registered as a tourist company with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required. A copy of the tourist voucher and confirmation should be carried, along with your passport and Russian visa.

Chicago Passport & Visa Services is able to obtain the Russian Tourist Voucher invitation. For more information or to request this service, give us a call.

Additional Requirements for 3-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

You must provide the following supporting documents:

  • A recent bank statement showing a balance of $3,000 or more.
  • Medical insurance valid in the country you’re visiting and fully covering the duration of the trip.
  • Proof of ownership of your home or lease agreement.

Visa Requirement for Children Under 18

A child under the age of 18 must be ready to present their birth certificate and valid visa upon arrival. If they’re not traveling with both parents or legal guardians, the child must also have copies of both parents’ passports. A letter of parental authorization may be requested.

Visa Requirement for Russian Origin

If you were born in a state of the former Soviet Republic or Ukraine, you’ll have to supply a copy of your Soviet or Ukrainian passport, as well as a letter that states when you immigrated to the United States. You’ll also have to fill out a Citizenship Statement.

Visa Requirement for Non-US Citizen

  • Applicants must submit their current undamaged non-US passport and it must contain at least one blank visa page. The passport must be signed and valid for at least six months from the date of the departure.
  • You must provide proof of your current address of residency. Proof can be made with a copy of the front and back of your driver license, government ID, or major utility bill.
  • You must provide proof of your current immigration in the United States. Proof can be made with a copy of your US immigration paperwork or Green Card.
  • You must provide financial details that give proof that you possess sufficient funds. Proof can be made with a copy of your most current bank statement – one that displays your full name.
  • You must provide a copy of your traveling insurance.

Service Order Form

Service Order Form

If you are processing your application with us by mail, fill out the Service Order Form and send it along with the other requested documents.

Consulate Fee/Payment Method

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $123.00.
Processing Time: 10-12 business days.

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $213.00.
Processing Time: 3-5 business days.

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $351.00.
Processing Time: 2-3 days (rush).

Double-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $177.00.
Processing Time: 10-12 business days.

Double-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $321.00.
Processing Time: 2-3 days (rush).

3-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $303.00.
Processing Time: 12-14 business days.

Business Invitation Letter

The original business letter invitation issued by the Russian Federal Migration Services is required. If the official Russian visa invitation was submitted directly to the Embassy of Russia or Russian Consulate, you’ll have to provide a record of the telex visa invitation number and the date the telex should be received by the Consulate. Since information from the business invitation letter is needed to complete the Russian visa application form, you must have the invitation or information from your host.

Chicago Passport & Visa Services is able to obtain the official business invitation for applicants. To request our official letter services, please give us a call.

Consulate Fee/Payment Method

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $123.00.
Processing Time: 10-12 business days.

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $213.00.
Processing Time: 3-5 business days.

Single-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $351.00.
Processing Time: 2-3 days (rush).

Double-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $177.00.
Processing Time: 10-12 business days.

Double-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $321.00.
Processing Time: 2-3 days (rush).

3-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist/Business Visa Fee: $303.00.
Processing Time: 12-14 business days.

Homestay Official Invitation Letter

Applicants must have the official invitation obtained by the Russian host from the local office of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the original notarized written letter from the hosting individual.

The official invitation letter must include the hosting individual’s:

  • Surname
  • First name
  • Patronymic
  • Date of birth
  • Citizenship
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • Address of registration
  • Address of residence

The official invitation letter must also include the visa applicant’s:

  • Surname
  • First name
  • Other names
  • Date of birth
  • Citizenship
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • Number of entries requested
  • Purpose of travel
  • Requested period of entry
  • Location of intended residence
  • Cities that will be visited

The hosting individual can be a Russian citizen registered on the territory of the Russian Federation or a US citizen who has a permit to stay on the territory of Russian Federation for more than 90 days (work permit, student visa, etc.). If the host is a Russian citizen, a photocopy of the domestic or international passport must be attached. If the host is not a Russian citizen, a photocopy of the passport and Russian visa is required.

Letter of Invitation

Applicants must obtain an original official Russian invitation letter to travel to Russia. You must coordinate with the organization you are visiting in Russia, as they are responsible for obtaining that invitation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The letter of invitation must include:

  • The dates and length of your stay.
  • The full local address of the organization you’re visiting.
  • The number of entries and duration of validity that you are requesting in your application.
Close