As of 10th of December 2014 the Russian embassy in United Kingdom is introducing a new procedure for processing Russian business and tourist visas.

Along with providing all the necessary documents applicants are required to provide their biometric data (finger printing) in person at the embassy biometric centre.

Copies of all of the below listed documents necessary to process the Russian visa should be sent to Visa First by email to info@visafirst.com or fax to 0207 629 8614 along with the filled in application form.

Once we receive the copies of the documents we will check them for correctness and completeness and will send the completed Visa application form to be signed by the applicant. We will then agree with the applicant the time convenient to meet at the biometric centre. Applicant need to bring the originals of the visa documents, along with the signed Visa application form and original passport.

At the biometric centre the applicant will only be required to give biometric data (finger prints) and Visa First agent will proceed with the lodgement of the visa documents. Once the visa is ready it will be collected by Visa First agent and will be returned to the applicant by the chosen delivery method.

To visit Russia for business or a holiday, you will need a Russia Visa. Visa First can organise a Russia Business Visa or a Russia Tourist Visa for you to suit the nature of your trip.

To be eligible for a visa for Russia you need an invitation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia, or a travel agency/organisation approved by the Ministry.

Tourist Visas		Standard processing 6 days		Express processing 2 days
1-month Single-Entry visa		£165	Apply Now	£245	Apply Now
1-month Double-Entry visa		£175	Apply Now	£290	Apply Now
Business Visas		Standard processing 6 days		Express processing 2 days
3-month Single-Entry visa		£160	Apply Now	£240	Apply Now
3-month Double-Entry visa		£175	Apply Now	£270	Apply Now
1 Year, Multiple entry		£315	Apply Now	£435	Apply Now

To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa you will need to provide:

• Completed Russian Visa application form (one per person) signed by the applicant;
• Your current passport. It should be valid for at least six months after your departure date from Russia and have at least 2 blank pages;
• One recent passport-sized photo with your name written on the reverse side;
• A standard Russian tourist acceptance confirmation and tourist voucher issued by a Russian travel agency or hotel registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The voucher must contain your name, passport number, dates and ports of arrival and departure in and from Russia, cities to be visited, agency reference or registration number. Please note that the hotel booking is not sufficient for this visa application. Visa First (now registered travel agent in Russia) provides tourist vouchers/acceptance letters issued online.*
• Tour Group or Cruise Passengers: Your will need to provide a letter from the tour company or cruise line confirming your itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from an authorised Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
• Travel insurance.

*Visa First (now registered travel agent in Russia) issues tourist vouchers online, click here to apply.

To apply for a Russia Business Visa you will need to provide:

• Your current passport. It should be valid for at least six months after your departure date from Russia and have at least 2 blank pages;
• Completed Russia Visa application form (one per person) signed by the applicant;
• One recent passport-sized photo glued to the indicated space on the application form;
• Invitation issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry or its regional representatives or by an appropriate Russian Federation Migration Service branch. The invitation must contain: official seal and legal address of the host institution/company, document registration number, date of registration, signature and name of the official authorised to invite foreigners to Russia, travel itinerary, dates of stay, names of persons invited. For a multiple-entry visa you need to submit the original invitation. For single or double-entry visas copies of the invitation may be accepted but you may be asked to present the original at immigration*
• Introductory letter from your company (or from yourself if you are self-employed) giving full details of yourself, destinations, and the terms and purpose of the visit. Self-employed applicants must show copies of their bank statements for the last three months.
• Travel insurance.

*Visa First can organize your single entry business voucher in just 3 days.

The standard processing time for Russian Visas is seven working days after receipt of your application.

Apply for your visa to Russia today
Simply phone our Russian Visa department and book your visa now by phone and our team will send you the necessary forms and process your visa immediately.