To receive a tourist invitation to Russia, please indicate your citizenship. You will be provided with a registration form. Fill in all the fields carefully, then proceed to the next step to confirm and pay for your invitation.
How Long Does a Russian Visa Invitation Take for Australians?
The tourist invitation and the Australian visa filing process are separate stages. The voucher and confirmation are sent by email after payment and any required operator review; use the current timing shown during checkout. Canberra and Sydney control their own appointments, document review and visa decisions, so confirm the selected post before setting the full timetable.
Need a tourist invitation for a regular Russian visa? Order only after checking that this is the correct route for your trip.
Order a Tourist Invitation — from $19Official tour operator (PTO 015681) · PDF by email · Verify the current filing rules for your location
Where to submit your Russian visa application
After preparing your tourist voucher and application, choose the city where you will file. Each page explains the confirmed local submission route and links to the official source.
Continue with the Australia visa route
Use the country hub to choose between the e-visa and regular tourist visa. Order an invitation only when the regular visa route requires it.
Official sources for this guide
Visa rules and local procedures can change. Check the responsible Russian mission or MFA service before filing.
Invitation delivery is not visa processing
The invitation issuer controls preparation of the tourist support. The Embassy or Consulate controls appointment availability, acceptance of the submitted file, visa processing and passport return.
Do not combine those stages into a guaranteed total. Australia covers long distances, but the official sources currently publish personal appointment routes for both Canberra and Sydney; applicants should choose the post before planning travel or an optional service provider.
| Stage | Responsible party | Current check |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist support | Registered Russian tour operator | Checkout timing and any review requirement |
| Canberra filing | Russian Embassy | Prior appointment and personal submission |
| Sydney filing | Russian Consulate | Personal appointment; optional authorised agent also published |
| Visa outcome | Selected mission | Current processing and passport-return instructions |
Choose the filing route early
Canberra asks applicants to address the form to the Embassy and lists a flight itinerary. Sydney publishes its own tourist-visa checklist and appointment system. The Sydney Consulate also lists an optional official visa agent, but the agent does not decide the visa.
Check the route before completing the form so the selected destination, supporting documents and appointment are aligned.
Need a tourist invitation for a regular Russian visa? Order only after checking that this is the correct route for your trip.
Order a Tourist Invitation — from $19Official tour operator (PTO 015681) · PDF by email · Verify the current filing rules for your location
A source-safe planning sequence
Confirm that a regular visa is required because Australian citizens are not currently eligible for the unified e-visa. Choose Canberra or Sydney, settle realistic dates, order the tourist support, complete the MFA form and follow the chosen post's instructions.
Avoid fixed postal or processing assumptions. Verify them directly when the application is ready.
Frequently asked questions
Does the invitation arrive with the visa?
No. The invitation is a supporting document; the mission controls the later visa process.
Do Australians need a regular visa?
Yes for ordinary tourist travel under the current rules; Australia is not on the unified e-visa list.
Can I file in Canberra or Sydney?
Both official sites publish personal appointment routes. Verify the current procedure for the selected post.
Is the Sydney agent mandatory?
No. The Consulate describes it as optional and preserves personal submission.
Does an invitation guarantee a visa?
No. The selected mission assesses the application and makes the decision.
Need a tourist invitation for a regular Russian visa? Order only after checking that this is the correct route for your trip.
Order a Tourist Invitation — from $19Official tour operator (PTO 015681) · PDF by email · Verify the current filing rules for your location
Related guides and services
Last updated: 2026-09-04. Information verified against consular requirements current at the date of update.