Get a Russia Visa

Tourist Travel Requirements for a Russia Visa for Australian Citizens

1. Visa Validity

   Visa is valid for the specific dates issued on the official voucher/invitation. Entry and exit must occur within these dates.

   The validity of the issued visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.

2. Duration of Stay

   The duration of stay permitted is as per the dates on the official voucher. Maximum stay is 30 days (for double entry visas, the final exit date must be no more than 30 days from the date of first entry).

   The duration of stay issued on the visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.
   
   

3. Passport

   The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:
   • Be valid for six months beyond exit date
   • Have two blank facing visa pages

4. Photograph(s)

   You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visasdirect.com.au/photo-service to upload your photo.

    

   Alternatively, you may provide one colour, passport-type photograph that meets the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper; be 45mm (h) by 35mm (w), photos which are larger or smaller than this size will not be accepted.  Your photo must provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither eyeglasses nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photo must be paper clipped to the top right corner of the visa application form. Do not glue or staple.

5. Letter of Invitation

   A valid voucher and official confirmation letter issued by a registered Russian tour agency or hotel is required.

   The Russian consulate will only accept a maximum of two physical vouchers issued by no more than two Russian tour operators. If the applicant has received vouchers issued by more than two different Russian tour operators, please contact VisasDirect.

   If applying for a double entry tourist visa please ensure that the voucher requests a "double entry". It is not acceptable to provide two tourist vouchers both requesting a "single entry".

   VisasDirect can obtain a Russian voucher and official confirmation letter. Please indicate that you require VisasDirect to arrange this when placing your online order.

   Please note: There are certain restricted areas of Russia which VisasDirect is unable to provide a voucher for. We will contact you if a city you have requested is restricted and we are unable to assist.

   Please Note: The Official Confirmation Letter must state the applicants full name as it appears in the passport.

6. Proof of Travel Arrangements

   Details of travel arrangements. These must be provided as a copy of a detailed itinerary showing exact entry and exit dates and locations into Russia.

7. Visa Application Form

   One fully completed and signed online application form completed on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website https://visa.kdmid.ru/ (do not print double sided). VisasDirect provides a guide to assist you in completing the online application. To access the guide follow the link: https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=Russia+Online+Visa+Form+Guidelines.pdf.

   At the end of the Online Application Process you will be asked to "Select the location where you will be applying for your visa". Please ensure you select the following, based on your Residential State:

   • Applicants residing in ACT must select "Russian Visa Centre (Canberra)"
   • Applicants residing in all other states must select "Russian Visa Centre (Sydney)"

   Note: This application form can only be completed once you have received your Russian Invitation. A section on the Russian visa application form requires the inviting organisation and invitation number stated on the Russian invitation.

8. VisasDirect Order Confirmation

   Please provide the VisasDirect Order Summary which will be emailed to you at the time of placing the order.

9. Cruise Ship Passengers

   Tourists travelling on-board large cruise ships do not require a visa if the following conditions are met:

   • The overall period of their stay in the Russian territory is no more than 3 days (72 hours)
   • They stay overnight on-board the cruise ship
   • They go ashore only as part of a group of passengers on the excursions organized by the cruise company
   • The visa exemption does not apply to River Cruise Passengers

   Tourists intending to go ashore independently, and not take part in the cruise company's organized shore excursions will require a visa.
   
   A single entry visa will suffice even if the passenger is disembarking the ship more than once whilst remaining in Russian waters.

10. Double Entry Applicants

    Double-entry tourist visas are granted only if the following conditions are met:

    • In between entries into Russia the applicant is visiting only a neighbouring country (i.e. shares a common border with Russia), a C.I.S country or a Schengen member country
    • The applicant holds a valid visa for that country (if required)
    • The purpose of travel to that country is tourism

11. Russian Born Applicants

    Applicants born in the USSR and applying with a passport other than a Russian passport must provide proof of "Renunciation of Russian Citizenship" with their application. If this cannot be provided the applicant must apply and travel on a Russian passport. For information on cancelling one's Russian citizenship please contact the relevant Embassy/Consulate directly.

    Applicants that were previously citizens of the USSR or the Russian Federation must also advise that they are no longer citizens of the Russian Federation by indicating at Q.2 on the online visa form why they gave up their Russian Citizenship e.g. dissolution of the former USSR, they left for "permanent residence abroad" before the 6th of February, 1992 or that their Russian citizenship was abrogated, otherwise the applications will not be accepted. It is not sufficient to just write "became an Australian citizen". At the question regarding if the applicant held a previous nationality passport and that passport was Russian, they must select "No".

    Current citizens of the Russian Federation regardless of any other citizenship they have, must travel to Russia on valid Russian documents only.

12. Minors

    If the applicant is a minor (under 18 years of age), the visa application form must be signed by a parent or guardian. The minor will not sign the visa application form.

13. Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having VisasDirect subscribe you to the Travel Advice Email Alerts of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisasDirect will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow. (Note: the Australian Government does not levy a fee for this service).