Unified e-visa
U.S. passport holders are not included in the unified e-visa programme and should follow the regular visa procedure.
United StatesOfficial sources reviewed September 4, 2026
Russian Visa for American Citizens
U.S. citizens need a Russian visa before travel. For tourism, the regular application requires a tourist voucher; the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to request a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for up to three years, subject to consular issuance.
Visa guidance reviewed September 4, 2026. Official government sources are linked below.
Krok 1. Wybierz swoje obywatelstwo
Aby otrzymać zaproszenie turystyczne do Rosji, wskaż swoje obywatelstwo. Otrzymasz formularz rejestracyjny. Wypełnij starannie wszystkie pola, a następnie przejdź do kolejnego kroku, aby potwierdzić i opłacić zaproszenie.
Quick answer
U.S. citizens need a Russian visa before travel. For tourism, the regular application requires a tourist voucher; the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to request a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for up to three years, subject to consular issuance.
Choose the correct Russia entry route
An e-visa and a regular tourist visa are different procedures. Order an invitation only when the regular tourist visa route requires it.
Regular tourist visa
The current Washington tourist-visa checklist includes a passport, printed and signed application, tourist voucher, photo and the locally specified payment. It does not list medical insurance as a standard document for U.S. citizens. Follow the receiving mission's current checklist.
A tourist voucher is required as the invitation for a regular tourist visa. Single/double tourist visas may be issued for up to 30 days; the Embassy publishes a separate three-year multiple-entry option for U.S. citizens.
Order a tourist invitation for American citizensRegular tourist visa: document roles
Visa application documents
The current Washington tourist-visa checklist includes a passport, printed and signed application, tourist voucher, photo and the locally specified payment. It does not list medical insurance as a standard document for U.S. citizens. Follow the receiving mission's current checklist.
Tourist invitation
A tourist voucher is required as the invitation for a regular tourist visa. Single/double tourist visas may be issued for up to 30 days; the Embassy publishes a separate three-year multiple-entry option for U.S. citizens.
Where to submit
The active U.S. filing routes are Washington, New York and Houston. Washington begins with preliminary document review; New York and Houston publish their own appointment, submission and payment instructions.
How the regular tourist visa process works
1
Confirm the entry route
Check whether the unified e-visa fits your trip. If not, follow the regular tourist visa procedure.
2
Prepare the tourist invitation
For a regular tourist visa, obtain the voucher and confirmation using exactly the same passport and travel data.
3
Complete the official application
Fill in the Russian MFA visa application and prepare the documents listed by the responsible embassy, consulate or visa centre.
4
Follow the local submission instructions
The active U.S. filing routes are Washington, New York and Houston. Washington begins with preliminary document review; New York and Houston publish their own appointment, submission and payment instructions.
5
Wait for the consular decision
The invitation provider does not issue the visa. The Russian consular authority reviews the complete application and makes the decision.
Visa routes beyond tourism
Use a visa category that matches the actual purpose of travel. A tourist invitation cannot replace an employer, university, family or organization sponsor.
Business visa
Business invitation service is available for eligible U.S. citizens. The visa application remains subject to consular review.
Business invitation for eligible U.S. citizensWork, study and private visits
Work visas require employer-sponsored documents, student visas require an educational institution, and private visas use the applicable host procedure. Do not order a tourist invitation for those purposes.
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.
Country-specific preparation guides
How long a Russian invitation takes for U.S. citizens
Coordinate the invitation with the regular visa application.
Russian visa invitation sample for U.S. citizens
Check passport data, dates and host information.
Tourist voucher vs support letter for U.S. citizens
Understand the document requested as a tourist visa invitation.
Understand and check the invitation documents
Tourist voucher vs visa support letterView a Russian invitation sampleCheck an invitation before filing
Current travel and entry considerations for Russia Official sources
Visa procedures can change. Check the responsible Russian diplomatic mission before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Krok 1. Wybierz swoje obywatelstwo
Aby otrzymać zaproszenie turystyczne do Rosji, wskaż swoje obywatelstwo. Otrzymasz formularz rejestracyjny. Wypełnij starannie wszystkie pola, a następnie przejdź do kolejnego kroku, aby potwierdzić i opłacić zaproszenie.