Russia Visa For Indians: A handy guide for first timers

Whether you’re taking a stroll in the historic Red Square, basking in the glory of Saint Basil’s Cathedral or feasting on some delicious Pirozhki flatbread while you enjoy the scenic beauty at Providence Bay – Russia is truly the place to be. The bustling activity of the Moscow International Business Center exhibits Russia as a strong business hub as well. To realise your dream, get started on your process to obtain a Russian visa for Indians at the earliest!

RUSSIA VISA TYPES

According to the purpose of your visit, the Russia visa for Indians may be categorised as Tourist, Private, Student, Work, Transit, Humanitarian, Business. You may apply for the most suitable visa type.

Keeping in mind that the visa must be procured before entering Russia, each type of Russia visa for Indians requires a specific set of supporting documents like an invitation letter. For your convenience, we have put together a list as follows.

Tip: The Russian Ruble is almost equivalent to the Indian rupee, so without further ado – seize the day, and purchase exquisite items unique to Russia like the famed Faberge eggs or Russian shawls.

RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA FOR INDIANS

Russia is the ideal tourist destination abound with enthralling activities to keep you on your toes- from skiing to amusement parks to towering mosques.

You may apply for a tourist visa for a trip for up to 30 days – single or double or multiple entry types.

RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIAN CITIZENS

Tourist confirmation letter issued by a registered Russian tour operator, with passport details, duration of stay, number of entries granted, cities to be visited, accommodation, and organisation official seal
Filled and signed Visa Application Form with an attached passport photo
One Biometric photograph- 3.5×4.5cm
Original Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
At least two blank pages in passport
Online application form completed on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed in person by the applicant.
Itinerary for stay exceeding 14 days.

Suggested read: Guide To Visa Photo Size Requirements

RUSSIA WORK VISA FOR INDIANS

Russia has many fruitful employment opportunities, on whose grounds a single-entry or multiple-entry work visa valid from 3 months up to 3 years may be issued.

For a Russian Work Visa, here’s what you need to know.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA’S WORK VISA

Invitation for entry to the Russian Federation issued by the Russian Federation Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Online application form from visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed by the applicant.
2 Biometric photographs – 3.5×4.5cm
Original Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Minimum two blank pages in your passport
Visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Negative HIV test result report with passport details, stamp, signature of the issuing medical authority

Also Read: Essentials to obtaining Hong Kong Visa for Indians

RUSSIA PRIVATE VISA FOR INDIANS

Russian Private visa is required in case of visiting family and friends, or due to urgent medical assistance, or death of a loved one, which may be issued for up to 3 months. Read on to see what documents you will require in case of Russia.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA’S PRIVATE VISA:

The original or notarized copy of the document with funeral confirmation and details, issued by the Red Cross or Russian authorities.
The original or copy of the document confirming relation between the applicant and the deceased.
Military or civil funerals grant 14-day visas.
For urgent treatment, or in light of a close relative’s serious illness or death, standard private visa issued based on the decision of the Ambassador of the Embassy or the Consul General of the Consulate of the Russian Federation in India, after submitting a written application.
Supporting documents like international telegram with confirmation of Russian citizen’s death.

Suggested read: A Guide to Business Visa

RUSSIA BUSINESS VISA FOR INDIANS

Russian Business visa is required when as an aspiring business professional, you intend to perform specific business operations during the tenure of your visit, which may be issued for up to 3 months. Read on to see what documents you will require in case of Russia.

NOTE: For issuance of multiple-entry Russian business visa, keep at hand an invitation letter from the inviting company in Russia (INN Letter) or one issued by the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs in Russia, with visa copies.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA’S PRIVATE VISA

Invitation for entry issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation or Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation
Invitation letter from the host organization
Visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
One colour photograph of 3.5 x 4.5 cm
Online application form on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed by the applicant.

RUSSIA EDUCATION STUDENT VISA FOR INDIANS

Russian visa requirements for a student visa is essential if you wish to avail of education in Russia’s top universities, especially in the medical field. The scope for global internship opportunities and research projects is also immense.

Read on to understand specific requirements for a Russian visa for Indians:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA’S EDUCATION STUDENT VISA

Entry Invitation issued by the Russian Federation Federal Migration Service or the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Direct letter of invitation from the host organization (a copy can be submitted)
Issued not earlier than 3 months before the application date, HIV test report with negative results including passport details, stamp and signature of the issuing medical authority
Online application form on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed in person by the applicant.
1 Biometric photograph- 3.5×4.5cm
Original Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
At least two blank pages in the passport

Also read: A Guide to China Visa for Indians

Educational documents: Invitation letter requirements

Letter of invitation is an official document, issued by the host organization on its official letterhead, with the organization’s full reference details, and containing the following information:

On the individual invited:

first name, surname, date of birth, sex, citizenship, number and identity proof, duration and purpose of visit, number of entries granted by the visa, names and dates of birth of minor children accompanying the person invited;

On the host company issuing the invitation:

the full name of the organization, registered and actual addresses, individual taxpayer identification number, state registration number, first name, surname and designation of signee of the invitation, their contact telephone number and the organization’s official seal.

Also read: How to write a convincing Invitation letter for visa

RUSSIA HUMANITARIAN VISA FOR INDIANS

To avail of the opportunities in the fields of science, culture, sports for world travellers in Russia, Russia offers 3-month validity humanitarian visa

To get such a Russia visa for Indians, the invitation letter is crucial. The Russian visa requirements are as follows:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA’S HUMANITARIAN VISA:

Entry Invitation issued by the Russian Federation Federal Migration Service or the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Visa directive shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Direct letter of invitation from the host organization (a copy can be submitted)
Issued not earlier than 3 months before the application date, HIV test report with negative results including passport details, stamp and signature of the issuing medical authority
Online application form on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed in person by the applicant.
1 Biometric photograph- 3.5×4.5cm
Original Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
At least two blank pages in the passport

RUSSIA TRANSIT VISA FOR INDIANS

Also termed the Moscow transit visa, foreigners travelling through Russia, on their way to another country may apply for a transit visa, valid for up to 3 days by air and up to 10 days by road or rail.

Applicants may ask for a double-entry Moscow transit visa, but note that if within 24 hours, you take the connecting flight out of Russia, or you are flying over Russian territory, there is no requirement for a transit visa.

Before you apply for this visa, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for submission.

Read: Singapore Visa For Indians: All you need to know

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RUSSIA TRANSIT VISA

Air tickets
Original and copy visa or any other document allowing entry to the country of destination
Original passport with minimum 2 blank pages, valid for 6 months after the visa expires and a good quality copy of the page with photo and address page – both on one side of an A4 sheet.
Online application form completed on visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed in person by the applicant.
One colour photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm

VISA FEE & PROCESSING TIME

As is the norm, Russia embassy in India offers different categories of visa that you may apply for.

The Russia visa fees for Indian passport holders seeking:

Single-entry visa is INR 2130 or INR 4,260
Double entry fee is INR 6816 or INR 3408
Multiple-entry visa fee is INR 12,780 or INR 14,420 or INR 6390 with service charges of INR 1830 common for each.

The first fee is for 3 working days, the other is 4-20 working days. In emergencies, visa processing time may be accelerated. The consular fee, however, differs based on your citizenship as well.

Further read: UK tourist visa from India

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A RUSSIAN VISA

Russian visa application issued by the Russian embassy in India requires you to you must apply online and complete the application process at your nearest Visa Application Centre. The steps are as follows:

Download the visa application form and choose your nationality and visa type here.
Next, enter all the required information accurately and submit the form.
Print out the form and sign it.
With this form and all the supporting documents, book an appointment and visit the nearest Visa Application Centre. Don’t forget to bring the visa fee with you. Do go through the checklist of supporting documents we have prepared for your convenience for each visa type.
Submit everything at the centre and wait for intimation of your visa status.
Receive your visa at your specified address.

FAQ

1. How can I get a Russian Visa from India?

Russian visa is processed by Russian Visa application centre. They do not fill forms but perform processing of visa. You must fill in the required application forms, provide supporting documents, and submit it in centres located in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. There is no visa on arrival.

2. How do I decide which visa type applies to me?

Depending on your purpose of visit, choose a visa type accordingly.

Tourist visa- for tourism travel purposes
Transit- temporary stay in Russia before leaving for final destination elsewhere
Business visa- for work purposes
Student visa- for education, research, internships
Humanitarian visa- for culture, literature, sports-related visa
Private visa- in case of medical conditions or death of Russian citizen

3. I want to get my Russian visa as soon as possible, how do I ensure this?

While there is no guarantee of Russian visa, the processing time may be accelerated by applying for 1 day in case of private visa or up to 3 days in case of other visa types, when paying the Russia visa fees for Indian passport holders.

4. Which entry type of Russian visa requires HIV test reports?

All single, double and multiple-entry Russian visa types require HIV test reports of not more than 3 months before the application date, to prove negative test results from an accredited medical authority.

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