Do I need a Russian visa support/invitation letter?

A Russian visa support invitation, also known as a Visa Support, Confirmation letter, Invitation Letter, or Tourist Voucher, is a document required for the application process for a Russian visa. All travelers who need to go to the nearest Russian embassy to apply for it need this invitation letter because it is one of the required documents. To learn about the other requirements, we suggest that you call the embassy itself.

How to obtain a Russian visa support/invitation letter

If you choose to use the services provided by iVisa, you are going to experience a smooth application process. But first, you need to make sure that you have everything you need to get started. You must provide the following:

• Passport – if you want to apply for a Russian invitation letter, you need to hold a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months from the date of arrival in Russia. Do not forget to check the expiry date before you apply.
• Accommodation information – you need to have proof that you have a place to stay while in Russia. You do not have to book a hotel before you apply, but you need to be able to provide the accommodation information.
• Established travel dates – if you do not know the exact travel dates, you need to be able to provide the closest approximation possible. You do not have to book a flight before you apply.
• E-mail address – iVisa will send you the Russian invitation letter via e-mail in PDF format. You need to print it out in color before you take it to the consulate.
• Means of payment – iVisa accepts multiple methods of payment so that you can use the one that is most convenient for you. Credit and debit cards are allowed, but you can use PayPal, Alipay, or WeChat as well.

After you notice that you have everything you need, you can move on and fill in the application form. That should not be difficult either, but if you need help, do not hesitate to contact iVisa’s customer support. The service is reachable non-stop and free of charge.

For your convenience, iVisa broke down the form into three simple steps. During the first one, you must provide your personal information, travel details, and passport information. You must also select a processing time and a visa type, both of which have an impact on your letter’s cost. When it comes to processing, you are presented with three choices:

• Standard processing – your application is processed within 24 hours, and you are charged $30.
• Rush processing – your invitation letter is ready within 12 hours, and you must pay $55.
• Super Rush processing – you receive your Russian invitation letter in just 30 minutes, but you need to pay $80.

The prices above apply when you want a Tourist invitation letter with a single entry and a 30-day validity period. If you need two entries, the processing time as 24 hours, 6 hours, and 30 minutes, and the fees are $40, $65, and $90 respectively. For the Business Invitation letter, both the processing times and the costs are higher. Your document is ready in 5 business days, 3 business days, and 2 business days. The prices are $80, $105, and $130 respectively.

During the second step of the application form, you need to make the payment and revise your application to make sure you did not make any mistakes. The third step is when iVisa asks you to upload your form’s supporting documents. That is pretty much it. All that is left for you to do is submit your application and wait.

So, to answer your question, yes, you do need a Russian visa support/invitation letter if you plan to go to the nearest Russian embassy and apply for a visa. You do not need it if you are visa-exempt or you qualify for an electronic visa.