A visa is required for most foreign citizens travelling to Russia, regardless of the length of stay or the reason for the visit. To obtain a Russian visa, you need to follow a strict procedure, which may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for (tourist, business, private, etc.). Knowing in advance how long it will take to obtain a visa is essential if you are to plan your trip well, especially during busy periods or if you have urgent plans. The application process and deadlines can vary depending on the time of year, the type of visa and the method of application. That's why it's important to plan ahead to avoid any delays.
How long does it take to obtain a Russian visa?
- Standard processing time: The processing time for a Russian visa generally varies from 4 to 20 working days, depending on the type of visa and the time of year.
- Express visa: If you are in a hurry, you can opt for an express procedure which allows you to obtain your visa in 1 to 3 working days, for an additional fee.
- Documents required: A complete file including a letter of invitation, a valid passport and a correctly completed form is essential to avoid any delay in processing your application.
- Peak periods: During the tourist season or on Russian public holidays, processing times may be extended due to the large number of applications.
- Anticipation: It is advisable to start the application process 1 to 2 months before your departure date to ensure you receive your visa on time, especially if your trip takes place during the high season.
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How long does it take to apply for a different type of visa for Russia?
Russia offers several types of visa, depending on the reason for your trip. Each type of visa has specific criteria and may involve different processing times. It is therefore essential to know the type of visa you need in order to estimate how long it will take to obtain one and to prepare the required documents accordingly.
| Type of visa |
Period of validity |
Processing time
|
| Tourist visa |
Up to 30 days |
4 to 10 working days (express: 1 to 3 days) |
| Business visa |
90 days to 1 year (multiple entry) |
4 to 20 working days (express: 1 to 3 days) |
| Private visa |
Up to 90 days |
10 to 30 working days |
| Work visa |
Depending on the length of the contract |
1 to 2 months |
| Student visa |
Initially 90 days, then renewable |
2 to 4 weeks |
The type of visa requested has a direct impact on the time taken to obtain it. Tourist and business visas are the quickest to obtain, with standard processing times of 4 to 10 working days. Private or work visas, on the other hand, require more complex administrative procedures, often involving longer processing times (up to 1 or 2 months). In addition, express processing options are available for tourist and business visas, reducing processing times to 1 to 3 working days in certain situations, for an additional fee.
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Express visa for Russia: How can I benefit from an accelerated processing time?
In certain urgent situations, it is possible to obtain an express visa for Russia. This service is particularly useful if you need to travel quickly and cannot wait for the standard visa application processing time. The express visa considerably reduces the time taken to obtain a visa, which is often just 1 to 3 working days.
The express visa is available for both tourist and business visa applications. It is particularly suitable for business travellers with unscheduled appointments, or holidaymakers whose travel plans have been organised at the last minute. The application process is similar to the standard procedure, but processing by the consulate or visa centre is accelerated.
With the express procedure, your visa application can be processed in 1 to 3 working days, from the time your application is complete and submitted. This includes examining your application and affixing the visa in your passport. However, this speed may vary depending on the period and the centre where the application is made.
The express visa service involves an additional cost compared with the standard procedure. This additional cost depends on the type of visa and the centre where the application is made. In general, the cost can be between €100 and €200 more than for a visa processed within the standard timescale. Remember to check the specific fees with the visa centre or consulate where you submit your application.
What factors influence how long it takes to obtain a Russian visa?
The time taken to obtain a visa for Russia can vary depending on a number of factors. These factors can affect the time it takes to obtain your visa, whether it is a standard or express visa.
- Periods of the year with longer processing times: Certain periods of the year, particularly the tourist season (May to September) or public holidays in Russia, can lengthen visa processing times. Public holidays in Russia, such as the New Year celebrations (late December - early January) and Victory Day (9 May), may also result in office closures, delaying the processing of applications.
- Incomplete applications or missing documents: If documents are missing or the application form is incorrectly completed, the visa centre will ask you to provide the missing documents, which can considerably lengthen the processing time.
- Region where the application is submitted: The time taken to obtain a visa may also vary depending on the region where you submit your application. Depending on the consulate or visa centre you choose, processing times may be longer or shorter, depending on the number of applications in progress and the workload of the consular services.
- Impact of a possible diplomatic crisis or temporary restrictions : Diplomatic relations between Russia and your home country can also influence the time taken to obtain a visa. In the event of a diplomatic crisis or temporary restrictions, consular services may be stricter or slow down the processing of applications.
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How long are Russian visas valid for?
Once obtained, each type of visa for Russia has a specific validity period. This period depends on the type of visa and the reason for your trip. You must therefore understand these limits in order to respect the conditions of your stay and avoid any unauthorised overstay, which could lead to sanctions or future bans on entering Russian territory.
- Tourist visa: The tourist visa is generally valid for a maximum of 30 days. This type of visa can be issued for single or double entry (which allows you to leave and re-enter Russia once), but under no circumstances can the stay exceed 30 days. If you plan to stay longer in Russia, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
- Business visa: The business visa offers greater flexibility in terms of length of validity. It can be issued for 3 months, 6 months or even 1 year, with the possibility of multiple entries and exits during this period. However, even with a multiple-entry visa, it is important to stress that the cumulative duration of your stays in Russia must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, unless otherwise specified.
- Private and student visas: The private visa, issued to visit relatives, and the student visa, issued to study in Russia, have more flexible validity periods. The private visa is generally valid for 90 days, with single or double entry. The student visa, on the other hand, is initially issued for a period of 90 days, and can then be extended depending on the length of the study programme, often for several years.
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Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
