Begin reading your visa from left to right. Below the name of the country, Russian Federation, you will find a designated spot for entries. This refers to the conditions under which you may enter the country. A single entry allows for a one-time trip under your visa. A double entry allows for two and multiple entries allows for several trips within the designated time set forth on your visa.
Move to the left of the entries designation and you will find the Date of Issue. This is the date on which your visa was printed or issued to you. Beneath the Entries and Date of Issue section you will find your Nationality. American citizens will see "USA" printed here.
Move to the right of Nationality to see the Date of Validity. This is extremely important, as it refers to the time period in which your visa is valid for travel. Travel before or after these dates is considered a violation of your visa.
View the section immediately next to your Date of Validity. This is your Type of visa. Here you will find an internal code for the type of visa you have been issued.
Read the row immediately beneath this one. From left to right is your date of birth, sex, passport I.D. number, a visa I.D. number provided by the Russian consulate and an invitation I.D. number. Note that the invitation I.D. number does not apply to all applicants, it is omitted on tourist visas and supplied on business ones.
Move to the fifth line. Here you will find the purpose of your visit, as supplied by you. Beneath this, and in the final row, will be a reference number for the Official Registration Organization. It represents the organization or other entity who has invited you or is otherwise serving as sponsor of your trip.
