Check your materials. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Russia. You must have at least two consecutive blank pages for the visa. Your passport must be in good physical condition including the cover. Make sure your three passport-style photos meet the requirements specified in the visa application. They must have a white background, and you can't wear a hat or sunglasses. You can download and print copies of the Russian visa application form from the Russian embassy's website. To get the letter of invitation, contact tourist agencies, the hotel where you plan to stay, or a visa service. The letter is the most difficult and confusing part of the application.
Read the list of visa requirements to make sure you haven't left anything out of your application. Russian immigration laws change frequently and vary depending on the applicant's citizenship. Up-to-date visa requirements are listed on the Russian embassy's website.
Use a visa service. The company will prepare your documents, including the letter of invitation. Usually this is done in partnership with a hotel, but you aren't required to stay there. If you have been denied a visa in the past, it may have been because your letter of invitation was not from a recognized source or the information on your application and your letter of invitation did not match. Using a visa service will ensure that your documents are what the consulate is looking for.
Fill out your application clearly and succinctly. Avoid confusing information and use standard wording. For example, on the application for a tourist visa, under "purpose of visit," write "tourism," not "visiting old friends." Make sure the information on your application and your letter of invitation match. Names, dates and places must be the same.
Submit your application in person. Consulate personnel will be able to identify any problems with your paperwork or passport. You may be able to fix them on the spot, avoiding wasted time and money submitting an application that may be turned down. You can also contact the consulate or embassy with any questions before submitting your application.
