How to File for a Russian Travel Visa

Once you have settled on Russia as your travel destination of choice, there are many arrangements to be made. The first order of business is to obtain a Russian travel visa. Follow these instructions to get a tourist visa, which is good for 30 days.

1 Request a visa application form, in writing, from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, 9 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128; or download the form from http://www.russia-travel.com/visas_regulations.htm.

2 Get three identical passport-size photos taken. You can have this done at most auto/travel clubs, some copy centers or even the photo booth at your local movie theater.

3 Make color copies of the passport pages that contain all your personal and official data. Cut them to the size of the originals and staple them in the upper left-hand corner.

4 Staple two of your photos to the copy of the passport, and the other one to the designated area in the upper right-hand corner of the application form.

5 Request a standard tourist confirmation from the hosting Russian travel agency or a hotel that is registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will also need a voucher from the Russian travel agency. Make sure the confirmation contains the agency's reference number and registration number.

6 Obtain a cover letter from your U.S. travel agency that states your name (or an alphabetical list of a group), dates and places of arrival and departure in Russia, means of transportation, itinerary in Russia, and index and reference number of the receiving organization.

7 Submit your completed visa application form to the Consulate General of the Russian Federation with the tourist confirmation and voucher, the copy of your passport pages, the three passport-size photos, the cover letter, a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you are applying by mail, and an application fee of $70.

8 Make certain you read and follow all instructions provided. Some parts of your application will be processed by computer, so all documents must be arranged exactly as described or your application will be rejected.

9 Wait for your visa to arrive, but don't expect it overnight. The Consulate General can request a personal interview if they deem it necessary. Even if they don't need an interview, processing typically takes about two weeks, unless you want to pay extra.

10 Check over your visa thoroughly. Discrepancies or errors could cost you time and money later.