About Private Visas to Russia

There are several types of private visas available to foreign nationals. The most suitable visa type depends on several key factors, including:

  • The country of passport issuance
  • Whether the applicant has immediate family members in Russia
  • Access to a Russian consulate or visa center
  • The intended length of stay in Russia

These factors help determine which private visa category is most appropriate or whether a different visa type may be required.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Private Visa

A short-term private visa is available to most passport holders with an official invitation issued by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). This visa may be issued as a single or double-entry visa and is valid for a period of 30 to 90 days.

Advantages

  • This visa category is also available to non-family members, including friends of the inviting person.
  • The invitation is issued electronically and is automatically sent to the consulate specified in the application. The applicant only requires a copy, which can be sent by email.
  • Neither the applicant nor the inviting person is required to appear in person at a consulate or visa center. The entire process can be handled remotely through an authorized agency like Let’s Russia.
  • this private visa is available to practically all passport holders.

Limitations

  • Invitation processing takes approximately three weeks.
  • The visa application must be submitted at the consulate specified in the invitation.
  • The inviting person is required to provide multiple supporting documents when applying for the invitation.
  • This visa is limited to short-term stays of up to 90 days.
  • The applicant must leave Russia before applying for a new visa.

A one-year private visa is available to almost any passport holder who has Russian family members. This type of visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 1 year.

The inviting person applies at consulate or visa center and the process invitation is a form that is filled out within a few minutes.

The benefits to this type of visa are:

  • the invitation can be done within a few minutes.
  • the visa is valid for multiple entries for up to one whole year.
  • each stay in Russia can be up to one whole year.
  • this private visa is available to practically all passport holders with Russian family members.

The downsides of this type of visa are:

  • either the applicant or inviting person must appear in person at a consulate or visa center to apply for the visa.
  • the applicant or inviting person must provide originals of the invitation and documents proving kinship.
  • the invitation must be notarized at a Russian notary IF the inviting person cannot appear in person at the consulate or visa center.

A 3-Year Private Visa is available exclusively to U.S. passport holders. This is a multiple-entry visa that can be issued for up to three years, allowing travelers to enter and exit Russia multiple times throughout its validity period.

Invitation Requirements

The invitation must be completed and get notarized by a Russian citizen who holds a valid Russian internal passport with a current registration stamp.

Advantages

  • The invitation can often be completed and notarized within an hour.
  • The original invitation is not required; a scanned copy may be submitted.
  • The visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to three years.
  • Available to all U.S. passport holders, regardless of whether they have Russian relatives or family connections.
  • There is no minimum period that must be spent outside Russia between visits.
  • Applicants are generally not required to appear in person at a Russian Consulate or Visa Center. The entire process can be handled remotely through a visa agency.
  • The inviting person is only required to provide a valid Russian internal passport and does not need to submit extensive supporting documentation.

Limitations

  • This visa category is available only to U.S. passport holders.
  • The inviting person must possess a valid Russian internal passport with a current registration stamp.
  • Although the visa may be valid for up to three years, each stay in Russia is generally limited to a maximum of six months. The visa holder must leave Russia before re-entering for a new stay period.

Official Private Invitation Template

Download Here

For guidance on completing the visa validity period, contact us for assistance.