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What is a visa?
Visa is an authorisation issued by the representative of the Government of a country permitting a person, not resident in that country, to enter its boundaries.
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Who issues visas for Russia in UK?
In the UK, the Embassy of the Russian Federation and its Consulate in Edinburgh are representatives of the Russian Federation, who issue visas for their country.
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How do I know if I need a visa?
Depending on your purpose of travel, you should log on to the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to check whether you are eligible or require a visa. Please visit http://rusemb.org.uk/ to obtain the required information.
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Is the visa valid for Russia only?
The Embassy of the Russian Federation issues visas for Russia only.
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Who is VF Services (UK) Limited?
VF Services (UK) Limited is the preferred outsourced partner to the Embassy of Russian Federation in the UK. The Russia visa application centres of VF Services (UK) Limited function as a collection and processing centres to guarantee a better service in response to the growing demand for Russian visas from applicants residing in the United Kingdom.
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Can the Russia visa application centre prepare my application for me?
The Russia visa application centres do not prepare visa applications, but accept and process applications in accordance with the Embassy’s instructions.
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How do I apply for a visa to Russia?
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Click ‘All About Visas’. Confirm the visa type based on your reason for travel; do not make any confirmed bookings unless it is a mandatory requirement for the type of visa you are applying for. |
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Complete your application online. Please note that handwritten forms will no be accepted at any of the Russian visa application centres. |
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When the application has been completed online you must download & print all form/s. |
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Check fees payable, payment options and documents required. All such details can be found in the respective visa categories under the section ‘All About Your Visas’. |
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Sign form/s at all indicated places. |
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Ensure photographs are strictly as per specifications. |
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Check processing time to plan your travel accordingly. |
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Attach all supporting documents required as mentioned in ‘Documents Required’ section of this website. Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. |
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Submit your Application along with the passport and required documents at any of our Russian visa application centres in UK by person or by post to our centralised postal processing centre. |
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Track your application online. |
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Your passport will be returned to you by the mode of delivery opted by you when submitted. Allow for 2-3 days transit time for postal or courier return applications. Transit times differ by location and do not take into account any public holidays. |
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What are the processing times?
Processing times are a 5 working days or next working day depending upon the visa category applied for and the application itself. Kindly ensure all your documents are complete at the time of submission of your application in order to avoid any further delay or inconvenience. In some cases processing time can be longer, please check ‘Processing Time’ section of the website for more information.
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Do the visa centres have anything to do with the actual visa decision?
No. None of the staff in the visa application centres have any authority or discretionary ability with regards to the visa decision. Our job is purely administrative in nature and we cannot influence or expedite any decision.
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Can I confirm all my travel bookings before getting the visa?
No bookings or travel arrangements should be confirmed until a visa decision has been made unless it is a requirement for your visa application. VF Services will not be responsible for any loss of expenses caused by delay/refusal of the visa.
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If my visa is issued, from when does the validity begin?
The validity of the visa begins from the date of your departure mentioned on the visa.
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Where can I get information on the addresses of the visa centres in the United Kingdom?
Information on the locations and timings of our visa centres can be found on the ‘Contact Us’ tab located on left hand side of the homepage under ‘General Information’.
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Where can I submit a postal application? If I submit it from outside London – where does it go?
Postal applications must be sent to our PO box 64391, London, EC1P 1NJ. Even if you address your postal application from outside London – your envelope will still be delivered to this address only.
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What is the process followed for postal applications once they are received?
The approximate processing time for a postal application is 10 days. Once such applications are received, they are opened and scrutinized by our agents. If your application is lacking in required information, photo specifications are incorrect or there is any reason that prevents us from processing the application – your documents and passports will be returned back to you. You would then be required to rectify the error and re-post your documents back to the visa centre. Upon receipt of a complete application and required documents, the application is forwarded to the Embassy of the Russian Federation for processing.
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Can I send my application directly to the Embassy of the Russian Federation? Where does it go if I have done so?
All applications should be submitted at the specified visa application centres. If you have already dispatched your application to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in London – your application will be redelivered to our visa centre in London. But please keep in mind that there will be a delay in the processing of your documents until they reach the visa centre from the Embassy.
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Where can I get the correct specifications of photographs?
Please see ‘Photo Specifications’ section of our website. Please note that if you will provide the photograph which does not meet mentioned specification, your visa application will be considered as incomplete and shall be returned to you.
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I get a message of ‘No Record Found’ while trying to track my postal application on your website. What are the processing timelines?
Postal applications must be scrutinized before we can begin to process them. In case there are further details required to have been submitted by you or for example, the photographs given were not up to the specification – your application will be posted back to you. In this case, since we are unable to enter your details through our system, there will not be a record to track. In such cases, you can address your concern to info.ruuk@vfshelpline.com. It is always strongly advised to ensure that you have read all requirements for an application before it is dispatched through the post.
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I have created an online application. How do I know if it has been saved?
Before completing your online application form you need to register on the website http://evisa.kdmid.ru. Please note down your user name and password generated by the system. By logging into your account next time you will be able to see all saved application forms that you have created.
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Can I edit the online application form once it is printed?
Yes. You need to access your account by entering your user name and password and click on ‘My Applications’ tab. You will be able to access application forms which you have already created and modify or reprint them.
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How do I retrieve the form if I have not completed it?
You need to access your account by entering your user name and password and click on ‘My Applications’ tab. You will be able to access application forms which you have started creating and complete them.
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Can I make a payment online?
Payments for your application can not be made online however you do have the facility to make a payment at the visa centre itself when you come to submit your documents.
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Do I have to have an appointment to submit my application?
Russian visa application centres operate as walk-in centres; hence, no prior appointment is required.
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Where are the fees and checklists for the visa categories?
Under the category ‘All About Your Visas’ found at the top left corner of the homepage, a complete list of each visa category is provided. Within each category, once selected, you will see multiple tabs under the main heading providing details of Visa Fees, Documents Required, Processing Time, Photo Specifications and Visa Application Form. Please review these details carefully before completing your application.
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If I send an email asking about the status of my application – what information do I need to first provide?
When sending an email please ensure that you include details such as your full name, the centre you have applied through, your passport number, date of birth. In case of postal applications please also mention it. This will help us to identify your case more quickly. Please note that further details may be asked from you through correspondence.
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Can I apply for a visa to Russia through the Embassy in London if I am outside of the UK?
Applications through any of the Embassies or Consulates of the Russian Federation within the United Kingdom should be done by applicants who are physically present in the country.
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Can I apply for an urgent visa for any category?
You can apply for urgent visa for all the categories provided there are no restrictions for it. Please visit ‘Processing Time’ section on our website for more detailed information on the same.
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If I have filled out a form for a minor – who has to sign the application?
Applications for minors (under the age of 16) must be signed for by the parent or guardian otherwise they cannot be accepted. In case of postal applications – the documents will be returned to the applicant if the signatures are missing. The parents are required to provide a consent letter along with the copy of the passport for the Minor child’s application.
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Do I need to submit originals of any documents when applying for a visa to Russia?
No. Please submit only photocopies of your documents at the time of submission, unless it is a mandatory requirement for the type of visa you are applying for. Documents submitted will not be returned. In certain cases originals may also be required (and subsequently returned) if asked for by the Embassy or its Consulate General after they have reviewed your initial application.
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How do I know on which days will the visa centres be closed?
A detailed list of all holidays on which the visa centre will be closed is provided under the tab Public Holidays/Closures found on the left hand side of the homepage. Please ensure that you review this list before sending out your application to avoid situations where you may arrive at the centre on a day when it is closed. The visa application centres are only closed on those days during which the Embassy and its Consulate would also be shut.
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What do I need to do when visiting the visa centres?
Upon reaching the visa centre, you will be issued with queue token. While you wait for your token to be called – please ensure that all required documents are ready. Incorrect documentation or photo specifications will only cause a further delay in acceptance of your application.
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What happens once I get to the visa centre? How do things work?
Once you arrive at the visa centre, the security guard will issue you a token. You would then be required to wait in the applicant area until your token is called. At the counter, the officer will check your documents, process your application if it is completed and issue you a receipt. Information about collection times will be given to you but we will not be able to advise you on the time it would take to have a decision on your visa made. You would then be able to track your application through the website until the time your passport is received back with a decision.
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If I need to offer a compliment for good service or a complaint for service not up to mark – to where can I address this?
You can address all such feedback, including application queries to info.ruuk@vfshelpline.com. Complete information is given under the tab ‘Contact Us’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.
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Can I make a payment in the centre itself?
Yes. Payments for applications can be made in the visa centre by cash or credit/debit cards (except of American Express) but cheques are not accepted as a payment method.
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What are the applicable fees?
Every Visa application needs to be accompanied by a visa fee for the amount applicable to your chosen visa category. This can be paid by debit or credit card, Postal Order or cash. Besides this, there is a service charge of £22 (excluding of VAT – normal applications) and £28 (excluding of VAT – urgent applications) applicable per application. Please see http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk for the existing fees. You also have the option of requesting for the return of your documents by Special Delivery for an additional fee of £7.40 per application.
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Can I make a collective payment for the visa fees and logistic fees?
Yes, the Russia Visa Application Centre will accept collective fees made by post or in person at the centre at the time of submission.
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How do I pay if I am applying by post?
Please enclose a Bank draft or Postal order for the required amount together with your application.
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In what name should the payment in a postal order be made?
The payment should be in the name of RNT LTD, London.
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Do the centres have internet kiosks that I can use to fill an online form?
Visa centres in London and Edinburgh have Internet kiosks on which you can fill in or modify the online form only. You will not be able to access any other web pages except of the online application form.
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When having completed the online form – what do I need to do and record?
Please note down the final WR number that is generated once you have completed the online form.
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Do I need to come in person to submit or collect my papers?
Applicant’s representatives can come to submit an application or collect a passport on behalf of the applicant. Please note that in case of passport collection – the document will not be handed over unless the original receipt given at the time of submission is there. Please also be aware that original receipt will be collected from you as a proof of passport delivery so please kindly make a copy of it which you can keep for your own expenses.
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Can the Russia visa application centre post my passport back?
The Russia visa application centre can post your application as long as the address is provided at the time your application is being registered. Applications will be returned via recorded mail only. You must make your preferred delivery mode known at the time of submission, as once your receipt is issued; we cannot change the mode of return of your application. This service is restricted to DX Secure coverage in the UK and Northern Ireland only. Please note that you will need to sign for your envelope so kindly mention the address where you will be present on the day of delivery.
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Is there a charge for the postal service?
The postal facility is an optional service at an additional fee of £7.40 per visa application. This fee has to be paid at the time your application and cannot be opted for later. This service is restricted to DX Secure coverage in the UK and Northern Ireland only.
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What if I have lost my receipt for collection of passport?
If you have lost your receipt, we will be unable to provide you with your passport without photographic proof of identification.
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How do I track my application?
You can track your application through the website by entering data required under the tab ‘Track your Application’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.
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If I submit my application through an external Agency, who is responsible?
The visa centres will not be responsible for any errors caused by external agencies who submit applications on behalf of the applicant. In case you have applied through an agency – you will need to address your concerns to that Agency.
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How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?
If you wish to withdraw your application you are required to visit the application centre and submit your withdrawal request. VFS will not be able to provide you any definite timelines to get your passport back. You are requested to wait and check the status of your passport on our website. All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.
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Will I get my visa at the end of the process?
As an application centre, the Russia visa application centre will not be able to guarantee you a visa. The issuance or refusal of a visa is the sole prerogative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation. The Russian visa application centre cannot influence this decision in any way.
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Where can I obtain information if I require a work permit for travelling to Russia for business purposes only?
Please visit the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation at http://rusemb.org.uk/.
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If I have received visas in the past, do I have to submit a full set of documents when applying for a new visa for another trip?
Yes. All applications for Russian visa require documents as specified by the Embassy of the Russian Federation even if you are applying again.
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