Russia Visa Information - UK - All About Your Visas

Private visa is required in case you wish to enter Russian Federation to visit family or friends. Private visa can be valid for up to 3 months and can be issued for single or double entry. Dates of validity of the visa will correspond with the dates mentioned on your private invitation from relatives/friend in Russia.

Please click on the tabs above to obtain the required information about your visa application.

VISA APPLYING
PROCESS

Step 1

Only short-term visa applications are accepted at the VFS application centre. Holders of diplomatic and service passports intending to visit Russia on official Business will continue to apply in person at the Russian Embassy, London.

Step 2

Before applying, please ensure you are very clear on your ‘purpose of visit’ – do remember we are here to assist and help you through the entire visa application process but are not permitted to advise or guide you on choosing a visa category. Since our Work is primarily administrative in nature, we have no say on whether you will be granted a visa as this is entirely the prerogative of the Consulate / Embassy of Russia to decide on.

Step 3

Please go to the link “All about visas” to understand details of short stay visas.

Step 4

Please select type of the visa you are applying for to obtain the information on the requirements.

Step 5

Please check the requirements carefully and fill in an online application form which is available in the section ‘Visa Application Form’.

Step 6

You need to print out your visa application form and come to apply in person to the Visa Application Centre in London or Edinburgh. Please note that at the time of submission you need to have all the documents and visa fees specified for your nationality and type of visa you are applying for. You can also apply by post. However, if the purpose of your travel to the Russian Federation is employment, you need to apply for your visa in person at the Russian Visa Application Centre, Please see the section ‘All About your Visas’ for more detailed information.

Step 7

Please ensure you check closure dates and read the security regulation notices before you visit the Visa Application Centre

Step 8

Please note that in order to collect your passport at the Visa Application Centre you will need to present the original receipt given to you during the submission which will be collected from you as a proof of delivery of your passport. Please make sure you have a copy of it if you require it for your records.

Step 9

It is Applicant’s responsibility to check the validity of the visa issued to ensure that it covers the period of stay requested, the number or entries required, and that it is valid for the purpose of trip immediately after collection of your passport.