Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEED TO KNOW
You will need the following for all visas:
Passport Valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
PPhotos One or two passport-sized photos.
Comple
pleted a
d applic
plicatiion f
n form Allow some time for this: it's a doozy.
HHandlin
g fee Usually in the form of a money order; amount varies.
Viisa--suupport le
dling f
t letter Provided by hotel, travel agent or online service.
Application Process
Invitation
To obtain a visa, everyone needs an invitation, also known as 'visa support'. Hotels and hos-
tels provide this service for their guests. If you are not staying in a hotel or hostel, you will
need to buy an invitation from a travel agent or via a specialist visa agency. Some compan-
ies offering visa support include the following:
Visa House
(
www.visahouse.ru
)
Visa to Russia
(
www.visatorussia.com
)
Way to Russia
(
www.waytorussia.net
)
Application
If at all possible, it's advisable to apply for your visa in your home country; some consu-
lates may decline applications from non-residents.
Start by entering your details in the online form of the Consular Department of the
Russi-
an Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(
http://visa.kdmid.ru
)
and assembling the required docu-
ments.
Different consular offices apply different fees and processing rules, so be sure to check
the requirements of the specific consulate where you will be applying. Russian embassies in
the UK and US have contracted agencies to process the submission of visa applications (for
an additional fee, of course):
VFS.Global
(
http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk
)
In the UK.
Invisa Logistic Services
(
http://ils-usa.com
)
In the US.
