How To Get a Russian Tourist Visa
Guide for Canadians Who Want to Visit Russia and Avoid the Red Tape
Many Canadians dream of visiting Russia, but the prospect of getting a visa can seem daunting to the lone traveler. Frequent questions answered here.
Traveling is exciting but can be stressful, and some destinations can cause more stress than others. For Canadians who want to visit Russia for the first time, the task of blindly triumphing over legendary Russian bureaucracy and winning a visa can be a very real deterrent. However, obtaining a Russian Tourist visa generally just takes patience, perseverance, and an open mind. (A handy guide never hurts either.)
The Visa Application Process
A single entry tourist visa for Canadians is good for up to 30 days in Russia. In order to apply for the visa, the applicant must first obtain a 2-page document called an "invitation", generated by a Russian hotel or tour company, that bears an official seal and states that the applicant has a confirmed booking with the Russian host company.
Some Russian companies may charge a small fee for this invitation; others won't. This part of the process can feel uncomfortable, as the host business may ask the applicant to send very private information (passport number, copy of passport, birth date, etc.) via email or fax for the invitation. Many applicants stop here. It's scary, but one must remember that these companies have to make their living via tourism and if they go stealing identities, their tourist business isn't going to do so well in the long run. Applicants need to trust their instincts here, and if something seems shady, go with another company that seems more established.
Once the invitation is obtained, the applicant may apply to the Visa Department of the Embassy of Russia in Canada.
Documents Needed for Application
According to the requirements listed on the Embassy website (as of Spring 2008) applicants should submit the following:
- Completed visa application form (downloadable from the Russian Consulate website).
- Canadian passport (with at least 3 pages free of notes).
- Photocopy of information pages of passport.
- Passport photo or applicant (from photo booth is acceptable).
- The 2-page Invitation (AKA Standard form of confirmation and voucher for foreign tourists).
- Return envelope with sufficient postage for return of passport (a mode that is trackable and requiring signature is recommended).
- Proof of travel insurance purchased for duration of visit to Russia is highly recommended as well.
- Money order for amount of application fee payable to Consulate General of the Russian Federation (see below).
Visa Application Fees
At time of writing, the Consular Service Fee for a Canadian Tourist visa application was $75 CDN. Note that this is for a 14-day turnaround; for a rush job (1-day turnaround) extra fees apply.
Is it better to hire a VISA service agency to help obtain a visa? Well, it will certainly be more expensive, as visa service agencies charge upwards of $200 CDN and can offer no guarantees. The applicant must do what feels right, but it sure can boost the self-esteem, obtaining the visa on one's own, the first of countless small victories on the challenging road to exploring and understanding a distant culture.
Who To Contact for Assistance
The Embassy of Russia in Canada website contains some information but is not always clear, and emails aren't always reliable. The most effective contact is by phone, Monday-Friday, 9am to 12:30pm (Ottawa time) at 613-236-7220. It is best to prepare a list of clear questions before calling and have pen and paper ready to take information that may come quickly.
Travelers wanting to visit Russia should always confirm all application details directly with Embassy sources, as things may have changed since printing. The important thing to remember is that Russia wants tourists and although the application process seems daunting, it will be worth the small hassles once accommodations are booked, visa is in hand, and the Neva is in sight.
