Russia Frequently Asked Questions

Russia is one of the favorite destinations for travelers around the world. There are some nationalities that are visa-exempt, but for those requiring a visa, it is necessary to have an invitation letter to apply. Thanks to iVisa now you can obtain an invitation letter online, applying from the comfort of your house. You just need a device with an internet connection and a few documents. If you are interested in knowing more about this process, keep reading this blog with the answers to the most frequently asked questions about obtaining an invitation letter to apply for the Russian visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a visa to visit Russia?

It depends on your nationality. You can check if you need a visa by clicking here. Just choose your nationality and Russia as your destination and you will be able to check the information. In case you need a visa to enter Russia, you will require to have an invitation letter before applying. Keep reading for more information about how to obtain it.

If invitation letter cost is zero, why do I need to pay?

iVisa wants to make things easier for you. To obtain your invitation letter you will just need a few minutes of your time and we do the rest of the job. Then, you will be able to obtain your invitation letter in as little as 2 hours! That is why we charge you a small service fee.

Which types of invitation letters are there?

There are two kinds of invitation letters for foreign citizens visiting Russia:

• Tourist Invitation Letter.

• Business Invitation Letter.

Please note that information on this blog is about the Tourist Invitation Letter. You can check information about the Business Invitation Letter here.

What is a Tourist Invitation Letter?

It is a document which indicates that you are invited to Russia by a Russian travel company or a hotel that is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. This document consists of two parts: A Voucher and a Confirmation of the Admission of a Foreign Tourist. In order for you to apply for a Russian Tourist Visa, you will need to present an Invitation Letter with your visa application.

What are the documents required to apply?

Prior to application, we recommend that you put together all the documents you are required to provide:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months after arrival in Russia).

• Credit/debit card or Paypal account.

• Valid email address.

• Arrival and departure date.

• Accommodation information.

• Specify which cities you will visit during your stay in Russia.

• Number of entries required for your trip.

• Proof of financial status (if required).

What are the processing times and prices?

iVisa offers to its applicants three options for the processing time and price of the invitation letter:

• Standard processing – your application is processed within 24 hours, and the price is USD $41.99 (service fees included).

• Rush processing – you will receive your letter within 6 hours, and the total price of it is USD $55.49 (service fees included).

• Super rush processing – this is the fastest option. You will get your Invitation Letter in only 2 hours, and you will be charged USD $85.49 (service fees included).

Click here to start your application.

What is the difference between a Tourist Invitation Letter and a Russian Visa?

The Tourist Invitation Letter is a document that must be submitted along with your visa application. It is not an actual visa, but rather a document that the Russian government requires when applying for an actual visa.

Does the Invitation letter guarantee that a visa will be issued?

No, it is merely a document that allows you to apply for the actual visa. Whether you are approved for the visa or not will be determined by the Russian government.

How long does it take to apply for a Russia Tourist Invitation Letter?

It will take you Less than 10 minutes, that's all. You will need to send your application and we will take care of the rest. Then, shortly we will let you know the status of the application by email.

How can I apply for a Russia Tourist Invitation Letter?

The application for a Russia Invitation Letter is really easy. It has only three steps:

1. The first step will ask you to fill in your general information. You also need to choose the processing time from the options mentioned above.

2. The second step will ask you to revise step one and make the payment.

3. The last step consists of a questionnaire. Other documents may be required as well, but it depends on individual circumstances.

Click here to start. After you are done, you submit your form and wait for your letter to arrive. In case you need assistance filling out your application, iVisa has a fantastic support service that you can call 24/7.

What happens after I have applied?

Once you submit your request, you will immediately receive a confirmation email. iVisa will then send you an official invitation or telex confirmation by email.

Can I travel to Russia with just my invitation, without obtaining a visa?

No, you cannot. The Tourist Invitation Letter allows you to apply for the actual Russian visa.

How does the Russia Tourist Invitation Letter look like?

This is how the Russia Tourist Invitation Letter looks like:

What do I need to do after I receive the Invitation Letter?

After you receive your invitation letter via email, you can apply for the Russian visa at your local embassy. You need to follow these steps:

• Print your invitation in color.

• Submit the letter and all the other required documents for your application at the embassy. These typically include: a color visa/passport-sized photo, health insurance, proof of finance, returns flights, etc. (iVisa suggest that you consult directly with the embassy nearest to you for a full list of required documents).

After your visa interview at the Russian embassy, they will issue you your visa, if approved.

What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?

If you made a mistake when entering your data online then please contact our customer service representatives as soon as possible via online chat to assist you.

If we already submitted your application, then you can NOT make any changes and you will have to apply again but we will NOT charge you another service fee.

Is it safe to use iVisa to get my Russia Invitation Letter?

Many people think that online information leaks and that their personal info is at risk of getting into the wrong hands. However, that is not the case with our services. We provide maximum safety for your personal data and we invest a lot in the security of our database. Your personal information could not be safer. You can check what hundreds of happy customers say about us here.

I have more unresolved questions, where can I find more info?

For a faster resolution click here and start chatting with one of our customer service representatives. Alternatively, you can find more info and FAQs here.