Private (Guest) Visa to Russia — Visiting Relatives and Friends

A private (guest) visa is issued to foreign citizens who wish to visit relatives or friends in Russia. It allows stays of up to 90 days.

Key requirement: a private invitation issued by a Russian citizen through the local migration office (MVD). Processing takes 30–45 days.

The inviting person must: be a Russian citizen or permanent resident, visit the local MVD office in person, provide their passport and the guest's passport details.

Required documents for the visa application: passport, completed form, photo, private invitation, travel insurance, proof of relationship (if visiting family).

Processing time, consular fee and any expedited option depend on citizenship, visa category and filing office. Check the current official tariff and instructions of the responsible consulate or visa centre before booking or paying.

Alternative: if you don't want to wait 30–45 days for a private invitation, consider a tourist visa (invitation after payment and data checks) or business visa for longer stays.