Get a Russian Visa for US Citizens Now - A Guide on How to Apply

Do US citizens need a visa for Russia? 

Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Russia. However, US citizens traveling to Russia on a cruise ship can stay there for up to 72 hours without a visa if they are part of an organized tour group.

The nation does not offer a visa-on-arrival option. US citizens fill out their application form online, take a printout of it along with all the required documents, and submit it to the Embassy. 

Can US citizens get a visa on arrival? 

No, a US citizen can't get a Russian visa on arrival. Hence, you must apply for a Russian visa before your travel date. 

Russia visa requirements for US citizens 

When applying for a Russian visa for US citizens, certain documents will be required to complete your online application form.

• 1

  Valid Passport- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Russia and have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.

• 2

  Photograph- The photograph should be a recent one and should be 3.5x4.5 cm, and you must take it against a light-colored background. The picture resolution should be 600 dpi.  

With Atlys, you can easily upload your required documents using the camera on your smartphone or laptop.

Russia visa fees for US citizens 

Russia's single-entry e-visa fee costs $185. You must pay in US dollars as per the US Dollar rate in the Financial Times newspaper on the visa application day. 

How to apply through Atlys?  

You might find handling the Russian visa complicated; you can apply alone by submitting the documents at the Embassy or with Atlys. Here are the stepwise guidelines for both procedures. 

• 1

  Start your application: Begin your Russia visa application journey by visiting Atlys.

• 2

  Upload your documents: Upload a copy of your passport and photograph, or take a new one directly through the portal using your smartphone or laptop.

• 3

  Provide Details: Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.

• 4

  Pay your Russia visa fees: Review your application and pay the visa fee. Once you pay the fee, the processing of the visa application will begin. After that, you only have to wait for the visa to be processed.

How to apply through the government website? 

Another way of applying for the Russia e-visa from the United States is through the official government portal or its associated mobile application. Below, read carefully to understand the simplified process of applying using the government portal: 

• 1

  Get an invitation letter from the Russian host- An invitation letter from a Russian host is necessary. It can be a hotel, tour company, or individual. The invitation letter must contain your personal information, including your name, date of birth, passport number, and the purpose and dates of your visit.

• 2

  Fill out the application form. Once you have your invitation letter, you must complete the form online. You can find the application form on your area's Russian Embassy or consulate website. Make a note of your application id so that you can track your application. The form is pretty straightforward. You must provide your personal information, including your name, passport details, and travel plans. Check and ensure that the information that you have provided is correct.

• 3

  Submit the application and the documents- Once you have completed the visa application form and gathered all the required documents, you must submit them to the Russian Embassy or consulate in your area.

• 4

  Pay the visa application fee- Next, you must pay the visa fee at the Embassy. Keep the payslip for proof of payment if you need it.

• 5

  Wait for visa processing- You must submit your application and pay the visa fee, then wait for the processing. The processing time can vary but typically takes 3-14 business days.

• 6

  Visa collection- Once your visa application is approved, you can collect your visa either in person. Bring your passport and the payment receipt when collecting your visa.

Additional documents to be submitted:

To complete your Russia visa application, you will need to gather the required documents, including:

• 1

  The invitation letter from your Russian host could be from a hotel, tour company, or a respective individual. 

• 2

  Proof of travel insurance: Covering your entire stay in Russia. 

• 3

  Proof of payment of visa fees: A receipt of visa payment. 

Receive your approved Russia visa for US citizens. 

Through Atlys:

After submitting your visa application, you must wait for processing. Remember to apply for your e-visa early to ensure enough time for processing.

Through the Embassy:

Once your visa application is approved, you can collect your visa either in person. Bring your passport and the payment receipt when collecting your visa.

Russia visa information for US citizens

How do I check my Russian visa status? 

To track your visa status, log on to the Russian Federation website and enter your application number to track the status of your application. Ensure that you make a note of your application number. 

Processing time of your Russia visa

The processing time for a Russian visa can vary, but it typically takes around 3-14 business days.

Russian visa validity and length of stay

The visa is usually valid for 30 or 90 days. The tourist visa is valid from the date of intended arrival to the date of intended exit, given in the visa application.