To enter Russia, a visa is required. Visas are issued by Russian Consulates following submission of a recommendation (also known as an invitation).

There is a difference between

• a recommendation for a business visa and
• a recommendation for a tourist visa on the basis of a confirmed hotel booking. Tourist visas cannot be extended.

Consular fees and processing period
To keep fees down, you should apply for a visa as early as possible, since the cost of an invitation and consular fees are both based on the date of application. 

Business visa
Fee for an invitation, available from a travel agency: starting at € 130,- (depending on the date of application).

Consular fees:
€ 40,- (application at least 15 working days* before departure)
€ 65,- (processing period at the Consulate 7 -14 working days*)
€ 90.- (processing period at the Consulate 2 – 6 working days*)
€ 130,- (overnight processing by Consulate)

Tourist visa (cannot be extended)
Invitation may possibly be arranged free of charge via the hotel or travel agency

Consular fee:
€ 52 (Processing period at the Consulate 7 – 14 working days*)
€ 67 (Processing period at the Consulate 2 – 6 working days*)
 

* working days – operating days of the Consulates

Russian Consulate General and Embassies outside Russia
The Russian visa can be issued by the Russian Embassy or the Russian Consulate in the applicant’s respective country of origin. You will find detailed information about visa application procedures and visa application forms on the official website of the Russian Embassy and Consulates in your country.