For a foreign citizen to enter the territory of the Russian Federation, a visa is required, except in cases where a visa-free regime applies. The basis for obtaining it is an invitation — either a tourist invitation or a business invitation.

The key factor is choosing the correct purpose of visit. A tourist visa allows you to stay in Russia for up to 30 days, while a business visa grants the right to remain from 1 month to 3 years (36 months).

An application for a business invitation can be submitted no earlier than 90 days before entry (for a telex, this period is reduced to 45 days). A tourist invitation can be issued without any time restrictions — at any convenient time.

Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the visa expiration date.

Be sure to check with the consulate or visa center for the list of documents required to obtain a visa, as it may vary depending on the specific consulate.

When crossing the border, you must have your passport with visa, a copy of the invitation to Russia, airline tickets, and hotel booking confirmation.

Upon arrival in Russia, you must provide your migration card and passport to the host party (hotel administration, property owner, etc.) in order to be registered for migration registration (registration) at your actual place of stay.