For the needs of my recent Trans-Siberian trip, I had to deep dive into the Visa Application Process for 3 different countries; Russia, Mongolia, and China.
Having successfully submitted my docs for the Russian Visa, I am ready to share everything you need to know to make this hard task, a small piece of cake!
Love or Hate it, here comes a list of documents you need to collect and submit to the Visa Application Center / Embassy of your Home Country:
- Travel Tourist Voucher and Tourist Confirmation Letter (both referred to as Invitation Letter): Following a thorough research on the web, multiple reviews, as well as a price comparison, I have come to the conclusion that the best value for money service is offered by Fortuna Travel. Their fee is unbeatable, their services and professionalism (based on my personal experience) at top level, while their response time probably the fastest I have ever come across so far… Highly recommended.
Additional Tip: You can benefit from a FREE OF CHARGE Invitation Letter offered through the website of SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM to people who will book their accommodation in any city of Russia either through them or by using a dedicated link that will be re-directing them on booking.com site. But be careful, your bookings should cover the entire duration of your stay in Russia and not just part of it!
- Travel Medical Insurance is strictly necessary for all EU citizens visiting Russia and is determined as a prerequisite for obtaining the Russian Visa. If you already have your own medical insurance, make sure that:
- Your insurance company has a service assistance agreement with a Russian insurance organization,
- The minimum amount of your coverage is 30.000€,
- Medical coverage, transportation and emergency repatriation are included in your package
In case you don’t have your own medical insurance, then you can easily buy one online. I am sharing with you two of the cheapest available options (both meeting the minimum requirements stipulated by the Russian Federation. But believe me there are plenty more to choose from!
- Your Original Passport (make sure that it is valid for a period of 6 months after leaving Russia)
- A color photo sized 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
- Fill out, print, and sign the Online Visa Application Form on the website of the Consulate Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Visa Fees vary according to the type of visa you are applying for, as well as the country of your origin. You can have a quick look on the fees that are applicable to-date (July 2019) by following the link here.
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