Invitation Letter to Visit Russia

Foreign nationals traveling to Russia may need an invitation letter to get a visa.

This depends on several factors, including the following:

Do I Need an Invitation Letter to Get a Russian E-visa

No, you don’t need to provide an invitation letter when applying online for the E-visa for Russia.

The only supporting documents you need to provide to get the E-visa are as follows:

Photo of your face and top of your shoulders

Invitation letters were needed for previous E-visas for specific regions of Russia, but these visas have now been discontinued. Invitation letters are no longer required.

Learn more about the Russian visa requirements for online applications and general entry requirements.

Who Needs an Invitation Letter to Travel to Russia?

You will likely need to provide an invitation letter if you are not eligible for the E-visa and have to apply for a visa at a Russian Embassy.

This may be the case in the following situations:

In these circumstances, you would have to apply for a different type of Russian visa at an Embassy.

In most cases, you would need an invitation letter from an individual or business in Russia to support your visa application.

What is a Russian Visa Invitation or Tourist Voucher?

A Russian visa invitation, also known as Russian visa support or tourist voucher for Russia, is a document required to obtain several different visas to visit the Russian Federation.

It is currently a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals applying in person for a visa at a Russian embassy or consulate.

How Can I Get a Russian Invitation Letter for My Visa Application?

A Russian invitation may be issued by a natural or legal person currently residing in Russia stating that they are inviting a foreign citizen to visit Russia for the relevant travel purpose, such as:

Your invitation letter must cover the entire time you plan to stay in Russia.

Invitations for a Russian Tourist Visa

If you are applying for a tourist visa from a Russian Embassy, you must have an invitation letter from an individual or business in the country — usually confirming the place you will stay during your visit.

This can be any of the following examples:

It is important to note that a hotel reservation is not the same as a visa invitation. These are separate documents.

If you are staying in multiple hotels during your stay, you must have an invitation letter from each.

Invitations for a Russian Business Visa

When traveling to Russia for business, if you are not eligible for the E-visa, you must apply at an embassy.

You must present an invitation letter from a business based in Russia, or from someone legally residing in Russia that can confirm you are visiting on business.

Russian Invitation Letter Format

Whether your Russian invitation letter is issued by a hotel or a tour operator, they may send it to you in PDF format by email. You may then print it out to present it along with the rest of the required documentation when applying for a Russia visa at the embassy or consulate.

How Do I Obtain an Invitation Letter for Russia From a Tour Operator?

Tour operators authorized by the Federal Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation are the only ones authorized to issue this type of invitation letter.

Travelers are advised to make sure they verify whether their operator is registered with the Russian government authorities prior to paying for their tour so they are certain the letter they receive is authentic and legally accepted by a Russian mission.

Can Apartment Sharing Sites Issue Invitation Letters for Guests Visiting Russia?

The simple answer is no. The reason why apartment sharing companies cannot issue invitation letters for Russia is simply because they are not legally authorized by the Federal Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

So keep in mind that companies such as the following will not be able to send you a valid invitation letter for Russia:

Foreign citizens choosing to stay in a flat or apartment operated by one of the above platforms, or a similar one are advised to hire a tour package from an authorized Russian tour operator. That way, the travel operator will be able to provide you with a legitimate letter to request your Russian tourist visa.

What Type of Invitation to Russia Do I Need for a Visa?

There are currently 2 different types of tourist invitation letters for Russia that depend on whether you are planning to travel there one or more times:

You must obtain Russian invitation letters or visa support letters for your purpose of travel, e.g. tourism, business, etc.