To get a visa for Russia, Costa Rican citizens will need to fill out an application with your personal information and reason for your trip. The e-Visa program is coming soon for Costa Ricans. Until then, you will have to fill out a paper visa application and have it approved by the Russian government.
Below are some common questions and answers regarding the e-Visa program and what you can expect once the application is released for your nation.
The Russia e-Visa Program | Common Questions & Answers
If I arrive in one region of Russia, will I be allowed to travel to other regions?
It depends on which region you enter and what the specific requirements are for that region according to Russian federal law. Most visas only work for the region they represent.
Are there restrictions on how many times I can enter Russia with an e-Visa?
The Russian e-Visa is a single entry visa. So if you exit Russia after using the e-Visa to enter, you will not be allowed back in unless you obtain another visa.
Is medical insurance a necessity when going to Russia?
It is required for you to prove you have medical insurance to travel to Russia.
What will I need in order to fill out the Russia e-Visa application?
When applying for a visa and also when entering Russia, you’ll need at least the following:
- Valid Passport - Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the last day you plan to be in Russia. Have a couple of blank pages for stamping purposes.
- Invitation Letter - You should be able to acquire one from the hotel or hostel you are staying in. If you have booked a Russian tour of the region, the tour agency should also be able to provide one. Staying with friends or family? As long as they are Russian citizens currently residing in your region of choice, they can send you an invitation letter also. A PDF version is standard.
- Payment Method - Check with your visa provider to find out exactly which types of payment methods are accepted to pay for your application.
- Passport-Style Photo - Colored photos only, white background, ratio of 3.5 x 4.5
- Health Insurance Policy - You will need to prove you have reliable health insurance coverage for the length of your stay.
Can you explain the Russia e-Visa program?
In August 2017, the Russian Federation began accepting visa applications online to help streamline their visa program for foreign nationals. This e-Visa program is currently open to citizens of 53 countries looking to travel to specific regions of Russia such as the Far Eastern Federal District, Kaliningrad, Saint Petersburg, and Leningrad Oblast.
Once citizens of Costa Rica are allowed to apply for an electronic visa for Russia, it will be released on iVisa’s website. Then we can help you more to figure out the best way to apply1.
Once there, when do I have to exit the Russian Federation with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa program currently allows visa holders to stay in Russia for up to 8 days from the date of entry in the country.
When will my e-Visa for Russia cease to be valid?
The Russian e-Visa will expire after 30 days from the date of issuance. This means that you will need to enter Russia with the visa within 30 days from the issuance date or the visa will become invalid.
It is currently required to apply no less than 4 days before you travel to Russia and no more than 20 days before your intended arrival date.
Be sure to plan your trip to Russia within this time frame so you do not make the mistake of allowing your visa to expire before you can use it.
What is the processing time of a Russia e-Visa application?
Usually, it takes no longer than 4 days to receive an e-Visa, but this depends on your visa operator and their e-Visa program requirements.
Get a Russia Visa | Citizens of Costa Rica
Obtaining a visa for Russia means providing all the necessary information stated above. Depending on your reason for going, you may need additional information. You can call your embassy or consulate to see what is required.
We can also help you figure out the best solutions for getting a visa, so do not hesitate to contact us via email or by chat to ask us what all you need to be successful planning your Russian adventure.