Russia Visa Process for Indians

Going abroad is a dream for everyone, But sometimes we hold ourselves to initiate things. As we think that going abroad must be either very expensive or we never gonna get the Visa.

I would say both of the reasons are incorrect, We don't have to be rich to travel abroad.

All we need is a "Plan".

In this article, I will guide you through the Russian tourist visa process for Indians step by step.  I assure you that you will get your visa within a week if you follow the below steps exactly the way they are mentioned below and in case you will face any issue you can watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfQmYzgRu2M&t=834s

Let's Begin :

Select you Trip Dates

The dates are important because the Russian embassy will only give you the visa for those dates (Dates should not be more than 30days). So please select your dates first, For example, you want to travel Russia for seven days in December 2020 the first week then your dates could be like 1/12/2020 - 7/12/2020.

Flight Bookings

According to the Russian Embassy 2020 rules, flight tickets are mandatory and you will be asked by the Visa center official at the time of appointment. So if your intentions are true and you are traveling to Russia legitimately for travel then book your tickets and fix your dates.

Select Cities and Hotel Booking

If you are planning to roam in multiple cities in Russia, then you need multiple hotel bookings too and they will ask you for this at the time of visa appointment. So you should select your cities and book your hostels/hotels according to the specified dates.

Invitation Letter 

You cannot visit Russia unless or until you have an invitation letter by any travel organization which is authorized by the Russian government. There are multiple online tourist organization websites that will provide you with this by a good amount of money (Mostly 19.9$USD). After some research, I've found one of the cheapest agency for the invitation letter (16$USD).You will receive your letter in your mailbox, after the minute you completed the form online.

Invitation Letter - https://rusvisa.online/en?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1MXpBRDjARIsAHtdN-0_Q3tga8vAlzMpqciJPMmpT2GRgr8hjFUzl3v0pokyW4p62CCDfeUaAgnnEALw_wcB

Please note that you have to fill the exact same dates and the hotel name in the invitation letter which you've been locked for the trips. For example, if you have selected multiple cities and multiple hotel bookings then please mention it on the form. Don't cheat and be honest with your details.

Please write down the confirmation number, reference number (Please ignore the alphabet characters) and host organization name, address form your invitation letter. 

Travel Insurance

Yes, you need travel insurance for this trip, Travel insurance may not be mandatory but it is very important as Russian immigration will not allow you to enter their country without travel insurance. So go to the policy bazaar website - https://www.policybazaar.com/ and buy a travel insurance policy at a very cheap rate (700-800INR).

Note the policy number because you need to put it on your online visa application form.

Visa Application Form

Visit the application link - https://visa.kdmid.ru/(X(1)S(dmeuhq45d1fnwqzwoxh2v155))/PetitionChoice.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

 and create an account just like Facebook. Fill the details according to your dates and booking which is simple could be done easily. You might face some issues when you will be asked to fill the travel company name (mentioned in your invitation letter "Host Organization"), the confirmation number and reference number (mentioned in your invitation letter and please refer to the image above). Once you completed the application form, Select the Visa application center from the options and not the embassy(Since VFS is more convenient than then embassy).

Note - Please remove the first 3 alphabets of your reference number and fill only numbers.

VFS Appointment 

I would prefer you guys to visit the Visa application center (VFS) and not the embassy directly, As VFS officials are helpful and guide you through the process also.

Please go through the link - https://www.vfsglobal.com/Russia/india/Schedule-an-Appointment.html and book your appointment accordingly. (You cannot book your appointment on weekends)

Collect Your Documents

• You need nothing but all the print outs of the above-mentioned points
• 2 passport size photographs (3.5cm x 4.5cm with 80% face visibility)
• 6-month validity Passport

Collect everything and reach the VFS center on time (Scheduled appointment time, Don't be late)

Fees 

Not a heavy fees but be ready to pay 4100INR at the VFS. After they verify your documents at the center you have a choice to pay via cash or card. Post payment they'll ask you to collect your passport on the given date.

All the best and feel free to reach out in case of any queries.

~Nilesh Kumar

@nileshkumar94