Russia, a vast country known for its diverse culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, offers a wealth of experiences for tourists. To explore this vast and captivating land, Indian tourists need a Russian tourist visa. This guide provides all the essential information for obtaining one.

Understanding the Russian Tourist Visa:

A Russian tourist visa is a necessary document for foreign visitors planning leisure activities and tourism in Russia. This visa permits travelers to explore the country’s attractions, participate in concerts and exhibitions, and even visit friends and family residing in Russia. The Russian tourist visa is available in two forms: the e-visa and the stamp visa.

E-Visa: An e-visa is an online visa option that allows Indian travelers to visit Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region. It has a validity of 30 days and permits an 8-day stay. Indian passport holders gained access to this online permit from October 1st, 2019.

Stamp Visa: The stamp visa offers greater flexibility in terms of validity and duration of stay, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements.

How to Obtain a Russian Tourist Visa from India:

Getting a Russian tourist visa from India involves a straightforward application process, which can be completed online or offline. Here are the steps:

1. Applying Online:

• Fill out the Russia visa application form online.
• Confirm your email address.
• Submit the form along with the required documents.
• Attach a recent photograph.
• Pay the applicable visa fees.
• Verify your visa.
• Receive your e-visa.

2. Applying through VAC (Visa Application Centre):

• Complete the Russia visa application form online.
• Submit the application form and necessary documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person.
• Pay the required visa fees.
• Verify your visa.
• Receive your e-visa.

When completing the application forms, ensure that your web browser has JavaScript enabled (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge) and that you have a PDF file reader installed, preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also, it’s crucial to print or note the statement number on the top right corner of the application page.

If your application is not accepted within four days or if there is no response from the portal, you can proceed with the offline application process directly to the Embassy of the Russian Federation. Here’s how to apply offline:

1. Offline Application Process:

• Complete the online Russia visa application form.
• Print the application form or fill it out in block letters once printed.
• Attach a recent photograph.
• Include all required supporting documents.
• Submit the application form to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
• Pay the required visa fee.
• Receive your visa after processing.

Filling out the application form requires careful attention to detail, ensuring that all information matches the details on your travel documents. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies may lead to inadmissibility or rejection. To minimize such risks, consider hiring a professional visa agency.

Eligibility:

Before applying for a Russian tourist visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and parameters, which include:

• Possessing proof of the purpose of your visit.
• Having an invitation letter from a resident in Russia if visiting acquaintances.
• Restricting your visit to tourism or visiting acquaintances, without seeking employment.
• Meeting health requirements, which may involve a medical test and documentary proof.
• Demonstrating good character with genuine intentions, possibly requiring a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as proof.
• Having sufficient funds to cover your stay and expenses in Russia, with bank statements or equivalent documents as proof.

Russian Tourist Visa Requirements:

The document requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Russia from India vary based on the application process being followed. Here are the differentiated requirements:

E-Visa Requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date.
• Passport-sized photos meeting specific specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of the purpose of the visit, such as an exhibition pass or an invitation letter.

Stamp Visa Requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date.
• A completed and signed application form.
• A covering letter.
• Passport-sized photos meeting specific specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of the purpose of the visit, such as an exhibition pass or an invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds, typically provided as bank statements from the last three months. (Note: Some documents may need to be submitted in Russian.)

Photo Specifications:

• One copy must be provided.
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Colored copy must be provided.
• It must be a JPEG image for an e-visa.
• Should not be older than 6 months.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should be well-centered.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes affecting the image.
• Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

Russian Tourist Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for obtaining a Russian tourist visa from India depends on the application process chosen:

• E-Visa: Typically issued within 4 days.
• Stamp Visa: Processing times may vary, taking up to a week or longer depending on factors like the application submission date, server delays, workload, and staff availability.

Russian Tourist Visa Fees:

Visa fees for a Russian tourist visa vary based on the duration of stay, validity of the permit, and other factors. Here are some examples of Russia tourist visa fees for Indian citizens:

[Table of visa fees]

After Submission:

After submitting your documents and application, there are important considerations:

For E-Visa:

• Check the status of your permit online and download the respective PDF file.
• Review the guidelines in the PDF for visa-related procedures.

For Stamp Visa:

• Ensure that all documents provided are in good condition.
• Notify the Embassy of any known issues with your application.
• Inform the Embassy promptly if any updates or changes to the application are necessary.
• If plans change, you can withdraw your application within the processing period, but note that visa fees are generally non-refundable.

How to Check Status:

You can check the status of your permit online by visiting the Russia e-visa portal. Enter your reference number to track the processing status. For offline applications, contact the Visa Application Centre or the Consulate for status updates.

When You Have the Visa:

Once you receive your Russian tourist visa, there are important steps to follow when traveling to Russia:

Before You Travel:

• Print your e-visa (if applicable).
• Note the designated port of entry specified on your visa.
• Keep track of the visa expiry date and the number of permitted entries; do not overstay.

At the Border:

• Enter Russia through the specified port of entry.
• Present your documents for verification, including your passport.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult airport authorities for assistance if needed.
• Follow any additional guidelines and rules on your visa copy.

When You Enter Russia:

• Avoid engaging in any form of employment (volunteer work may be acceptable).
• Stay out of tourist-prohibited areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa; apply for an extension if needed.