Passports and visas

In order to visit Russia as a tourist, one needs a valid tourist visa, which can be issued for not longer than a month and can be single or double entry. Visa is normally made via an international travel agent or by direct application to the Russian consulate with a letter of invitation and a voucher from the Russian travel agency (available when booking with RussiaDiscovery). The cost of obtaining visa is extra.

The package of documents required, cost and duration of visa issue are specific for every country and shall be checked with the Russian Consulate in a particular country. A passport with min 6 months remaining validity is a requirement when applying. Attention: apply for visa well in advance, visa application processing might require some time.

Within 3 days upon arrival in Russia (excl weekends) a tourist shall obtain a registration in Russia. The registration is normally made by the hotel at check-in for the duration of stay there. Independent travelers staying with friends or relatives or in small accommodation in the region shall take care of the registration on his own. It can be made by travel agents for an extra fee.