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 US Citizens?
For U.S. citizens, the tourist invitation and visa application are separate stages. The voucher is sent by email after payment and any required review; the Russian mission controls appointment, filing and visa processing. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to request a three-year multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to its 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
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 United States 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.
The invitation and visa follow different timelines
The registered Russian tour operator controls preparation of the voucher and confirmation. The Embassy or Consulate reviews the visa file and determines the outcome. Appointment, preliminary review, payment and passport-return procedures vary between Washington, New York and Houston.
The Washington Embassy advises U.S. citizens to request a three-year multiple-entry tourist visa and to enter the requested three-year period in the application starting from the first voucher entry date. The mission still decides the validity and entries actually issued.
Plan each stage separately
Use the order screen for current invitation timing and price. Use the responsible mission’s live instructions for appointment, payment, processing and passport return.
| Stage | Who controls it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist invitation order | Registered tour operator | Current price, requested details and any review requirement |
| Visa appointment or preliminary review | Chosen U.S. mission | Current local booking and submission procedure |
| Visa processing and passport return | Chosen U.S. mission and delivery provider | Current processing guidance and return method |
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
U.S.-specific factors that affect the schedule
The three active U.S. filing routes publish different procedures. Washington starts with preliminary document review, while New York and Houston publish their own appointment, submission, payment and passport-return rules. Choose the filing location first and follow only its current instructions.
Order the invitation after you have the passport and realistic travel dates available. The voucher, passport and visa application must use consistent personal and trip data.
If you discover an error in the invitation, ask the original issuer to correct it before filing. Check the name and passport number against the passport itself rather than everyday usage.
Recommended planning sequence for a U.S. application
Start by selecting Washington, New York or Houston and reading that mission’s current procedure. Allow time for any preliminary review or appointment, the mission’s published processing period, passport return and document corrections. Avoid non-refundable travel commitments until you understand the current local timetable.
Frequently asked questions
When will a U.S. citizen receive a Russian tourist invitation?
The voucher is sent by email after payment and any required review. Check the current timing shown during the order process rather than treating a marketing estimate as a guarantee.
Do I need a three-year invitation for the three-year U.S. tourist visa?
The Embassy instructs applicants to use the first voucher entry date when requesting the full three-year period in the application. The mission decides the visa validity actually issued.
How long does the visa itself take for U.S. citizens?
Processing, appointment and passport-return timing depends on the chosen mission and current procedure. Check Washington, New York or Houston before making travel commitments.
Can I order the invitation before booking flights?
You can order after your travel window is realistic and your passport is available. Keep the requested visa dates consistent with the voucher and avoid non-refundable bookings until the filing timetable is clear.
What is the total cost for a U.S. citizen?
Invitation pricing starts from the amount shown on the order page. Consular, visa-centre and return-delivery charges are separate and must be checked with the chosen filing route.
What should I do if the invitation has a typo?
Contact the original issuer for a corrected document before submitting the visa application. Do not file a voucher that differs from the passport.
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
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Last updated: 2026-09-04. Information verified against consular requirements current at the date of update.