So you’ve always wanted to visit Russia after hearing so many good things about it. The country is best known for its rich culture and thick accent. It is home to countless museums and is known for its freezing climate—but the freezing cold is nothing compared to the land’s beauty and unique attractions. There’s no wonder that people living abroad count Russia in their bucket list of places to visit!
If you’re wondering how to get a Russian visa, look no further. Keep reading below to find out the steps to getting approved of one, especially for first-timers dying to visit what’s dubbed as the largest country in the world.
How to Get a Russian Tourist Visa
Before you book your two-way ticket and prepare your travel itinerary, it’s essential to take care of your Russia tourist visa application before anything else. The first thing you need to do is to grab a form and fill out the pertinent details. If you’re not sure where to get the forms or how to answer it, then a visa agency can point you in the right direction.
Having a professional to guide you can assure you that all your documents are complete and your application form is in good order. Once you’ve determined that your application is all set, you can go ahead and submit it to the Russian Embassy and wait to get approved.
For Applicants Living in the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Spain
Applicants residing in either the US, UK, Germany, France, or Spain can ask for a standard processing or urgent processing application, depending on how soon you need your tourist visa. However, express visa applications will require additional costs and won’t guarantee you will get an approved tourist visa.
When the Russian consulate accepts your application and releases your tourist visa, they will either wait for you to collect your passport at the Embassy or mail it back to your delivery address. Take note that for applicants submitting in the UK, you will have to drop by the Russian visa centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh to present your fingerprints.
For Applicants Living in Other Countries
For applicants living in other countries, you will need to submit your tourist visa application to the local Russian Embassy found in the country you’re living in. If you’re having a difficult time gathering your documents, you can reach out to an agency to help you collect the necessary files.
Requirements for a Russian Visa
1. Original passport with a validity of at least six months before your departure and at least two empty pages for visa purposes;
2. A copy of a completed online Russian visa application form;
3. 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm coloured photo taken against a light backdrop;
4. For non-UK nationals, you will need:
a. UK residence permit
b. Medical insurance
5. Bank statements for the past three months for self-employed workers, students, and those in early retirement; and
6. Your child’s birth certificate if you’re travelling with a child under sixteen years old.
For Russian Nationals Who Want to Enter Russia
If you are a current Russian citizen, but you hold an expired passport, you cannot be approved of a visa. The only way for you to enter your country is if you have a valid Russian passport!
Meanwhile, children born to Russian parents or citizens are immediately considered Russian citizens no matter where they’re born. Unfortunately, they can only enter Russia if they apply for a Russian passport or obtain a Russian nationality.
For people who were adopted from Russia, you will be legally considered as a citizen, and you can only enter the country with a valid Russian passport. However, if a Visa is still desired, then one must provide a document confirming the renunciation of your Russian citizenship.
Conclusion
Applying for a Russian visa isn’t difficult, for as long as you comply with the rules, provide all the requirements, and prove that you will come back to your country at the end of your trip. If you want to make sure that your efforts won’t be put to waste, you can reach out to a company that handles visa applications and let a professional guide you through the process.
Are you looking for a visa agency in the UK to help you with your Russia tourist visa application? Travcour Visa & Legalisation Services Limitedhas numerous visa & passport application specialists that can offer assistance to clients in need of advice regarding their visa and passport applications. Get in touch with us today so you can start applying!