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How to obtain a visa?
How could I obtain a Russian visa from the Russian consulate?
1. First, you need an invitation from an inviting party in Russia. This can be your hotel, travel company, business partner, employer, university, or a Russian friend. Note that our sponsors have a lot of experience in providing Russia visa support.
2. If you go to the Russian consulate with your invitation you have to fill in the visa application form. You can do this at the Russian consulate, or at home by downloading the visa application form in PDF format (in English and Russian).
3. You must have a document that proves you have health insurance for Russia covering the period of your Russian visa. Not all Russian consulates require this proof, but most consulates in European countries do (see list). If they do, make sure you contact your insurance company, so you have this document in time. Or buy health insurance for Russia at your travel or insurance company.
4. Don’t forget your passport photos if you go to the Russian consulate; one should be enough, but officially you need to give three. The photos must be three identical professional and passport sized (3x4cm). Pictures can be black-and-white or colour, preferably on matte paper.
5. You have to give your passport to the Russian consulate. It must be valid for at least six months AFTER the period of your visa. Remember that it takes 2-3 weeks before your visa is ready (unless you pay for the speedy visa despatch for which the costs are high), so you will not have your passport at your disposal during this time.
6. If you apply for a visa longer than three months you need a document certifying that you are HIV negative.
7. Money: in 2007 the costs for visas were standarised so that all visas should cost no more than €35. If you apply in a country where you are not a resident, you may pay more in additional fees or if you want your visa processed quicker.
For more on invitations and medical insurance click 'read more'.
