Russian Visa from the USA

Do US nationals require a visa for Russia?

Yes. US citizens need a required document to enter Russia is, known as a visa. A visa to Russia from the USA can be obtained in the embassies and consulates of the Russian Federation. When requesting a visa, a USA citizen should submit an invitation sent by a juridical person or an individual from Russia. The visa candidates should also fill out an application form and pay the consular fee.

An invitation to Russia for American citizens may vary depending on who is issuing the visa and the purpose of the trip.

How to obtain Russian Visa from the US?

The requirements may differ depending on the travel purpose:

• The tourist visa is designed for those who want to travel and sightsee for tourism reasons.
• A private visa is good for visitors who want to meet Russian friends (however, it is advised to apply for a tourist visa rather than a private visa, as a tourist visa is a more reliable and more simple way to take a tour to Russia).
• The business visa is suitable for foreign candidates who wish to explore business opportunities in Russia.
• A work visa is required for foreign citizens who want to pursue their career and professional development in Russian companies.
• Electronic visa: for example, short-stay trips.

Russian Visa Comparison:

Here is a quick comparison of Russian visa types:

The Russia (RF) visa for US citizens can be provided by a Russian consular institution in the US or any country where the US citizen has a permanent residence permit. Americans can get a Russian visa from these consular centers of the Russian Federation: 

Russian Consulate in the USA:

Current Addresses of Russian Embassies in the USA 

1. Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA, Consular Section of the Embassy

• Address: 2641 Tunlaw Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Telephone: (8-10-1-202) 939-89-07, 939-89-13, 939-89-18
• Fax: (8-10-1-202) 483-75-79
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: www.russianembassy.org
• Working hours: From Monday to Friday - from 09:00 to 18:00 (by appointment only).

2. Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York

• Address: Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York, 9 East 91 Street, New York, NY, 10128, USA
• Telephone: (8-10-1-212) 348-17-17, 348-57-62, 348-09-26
• Fax: (8-10-1-212) 831-91-62
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: www.ruscon.org
• Working hours: From Monday to Friday - from 09:00 to 12:30

3. Consulate General of the Russian Federation in San Francisco

• Address: The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in San Francisco 2790 Green Street, San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA
• Telephone: (8-10-1-415) 928-68-78, 202-98-02
• Fax: (8-10-1-415) 929-03-06
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: www.consulrussia.org
• Working hours: From Monday to Friday - on visa issues from 09.00 to 12.00. Monday through Friday - at the Passport and Legal Affairs, from 14.00 to 17.00.

4. Consulate-General of Russia in Houston

• Address: Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Houston, 1333 West Loop South, Ste.1300, Houston, TX 77027
• Telephone: (8-10-1-713) 337-33-00 ext. 309
• Fax: (8-10-1-713) 337-33-05
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: www.rusconhouston.mid.ru
• Working hours: From Monday to Friday - from 09.00 to 12.00

5. Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Seattle

• Address: Consulate General of Russia in Seattle 600 University Street #2510 One Union Square Building Seattle, WA 98101
• Telephone: (8-10-1-206) 728-02-32, 728-19-10
• Fax: (8-10-1-206) 728-18-71
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: www.netconsul.org
• Working hours: From Monday to Friday - from 08.30 to 17.30, a break from 12.30 to 13.30. Office hours for visitors from 09.00 to 12.00 - for passport and notarial matters; from 14.00 to 17.00 - on visa issues.

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations in New York

• Address: Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, 136 East 67th St., New York, N.Y., 10065, USA
• Telehone: (8-10-1-212) 861-49-00, 861-49-01, 861-49-02
• Fax: (8-10-1-212) 628-02-52
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.russiaun.ru