Business Travel Requirements for an Russia Visa for UK Citizens

1. Passport

   The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:
   • Have at least two blank facing visa pages 
   • Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa

2. Photograph

   You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visacentral.co.uk/photo-service to upload your photo.

   
   Alternatively, you may provide one colour, passport type photograph that meets the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against a white background and printed on high quality photo paper; be 35mm by 45mm in size; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photograph should not be affixed to your application and may not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

3. Business Introduction Letter

   You must provide a Business Introduction Letter from the applicant's UK employer. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Introduction Letter. Visit https://visacentral.co.uk/bcl-order to get started.

   Alternatively, please use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at https://visacentral.co.uk/forms?formname=Business%20Introduction%20Letter%20Sample.pdf using the exact language and format provided in order to prevent a rejection and possible delays with your visa request. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a UK postal address.

   Note that most consulates require the Business Cover Letter to be dated within one month of application submission.

4. Letter of Invitation

   A letter of invitation from Russia is required. Photocopies are acceptable. The invitation must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional representatives or by an appropriate Russian Federation Migration Service Branch. The invitation must:

   • Include the name of applicant
   • State the purpose of journey
   • Specify dates of entry and departure
   • Bear an official seal and legal address of the host institution
   • State the document registration number and date of registration
   • Bear the signature and name of the official authorised to invite foreigners to Russia

   Russian visas are issued with specific start and expiry dates which are based on the visa support supplied. Travel must be completed within those dates. Completed visas cannot be changed or extended once they have been issued.

   
   Applicants holding an INN business invitation which includes the tax identification number of a registered Russian company are advised to click here. This must be provided as the original document.

5. Visa Application Form

   One fully completed and signed visa application form.

   Completing the application form can be time-consuming and complicated.  Use the VisaCentral Russia Document Preparation Service to ensure your documentation is accurately prepared and correctly submitted according to consular requirements. Additional fees apply unless an Executive Service is requested in which case this service is complimentary. In order to facilitate this, please complete the VisaCentral Russia Document Preparation Service Form which can be found within the VisaCentral Application Pack.

   Alternatively, the visa application form can be filled in by the applicant. The form must:

   • Be completed online at: https://visa.kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx
   • Bear the applicant's original signature
   • Be no older than 30 days (counted from the date of completion)
   • Have no handwritten changes or modifications
     

6. VisaCentral Order Confirmation

   For orders placed on the VisaCentral website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.

   Please note that all card payments will only be made upon completion of the visa application process. 

7. Multiple Entry Applicants

   Additional requirements apply to applications for multiple entry visas:

   • The passport of the applicant must contain two facing blank visa pages
   • Applications for multiple entry visas must be accompanied by an original invitation unless this is being provided in telex format. One year multiple entry visa holders may enter Russia multiple times, however the total number of days stay cannot exceed 90 days in any 180 day period

   Applicants who wish to provide an invitation in telex format must note that the processing time will be extended by three additional days.

8. Self Employed Applicants

   Self-employed or unemployed applicants must provide copies of their last three bank statements showing a minimum credit balance of £100.00 for every day of stay in Russia. Online banking printouts are only acceptable if stamped and certified by the bank 

   
   Retired applicants are exempt from this requirement.

9. Holders of a Valid Visa

   Applicants are only permitted to hold one valid Russian visa at any one time. Applicants holding a valid visa in a current or second passport must present this for cancellation upon submission of a new visa application

10. Restricted Area

    Applicants travelling to any of the following restricted areas: Dagestan, Chechnya, North Osetia (Abhasia) or Ingushetia will be referred for approximately ten working days.

11. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having VisaCentral subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisaCentral will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow