The Russian visa invitation letter

How to get a tourist visa invitation online — what visa support is, the different official supporting-document routes, and when an invitation is not required.

Published · human reviewedCurrent published rulesVerified 21 Sept 2026View rules and evidence

What is an invitation letter?

A visa invitation or other supporting document depends on the visa category. For the unified eVisa: no invitation under the published evisa rule.

Sample invitation letter

Below is a redacted example of a tourist visa invitation (confirmation + voucher) issued by an authorized Russian travel company. Personal details have been blurred for privacy.

Sample Russian visa invitation letter — tourist confirmation and voucher with company stamp and signature

This commercial support document contains a confirmation and voucher. It is one tourist-visa supporting-document route. Eligible nationalities may instead use a qualifying accommodation-booking confirmation; verify the correct route and format with the responsible Russian mission.

Tourist support

commercial service from $19

Use the tourist-visa supporting-document route accepted by the responsible Russian mission's current official checklist.

Business invitation

varies by validity & entries

Use the business-visa supporting-document route accepted by the responsible Russian mission's current official checklist.

Private invitation

processed via GUVM

Use the private-visa supporting-document route accepted by the responsible Russian mission's current official checklist.

The published eVisa rule does not require an invitation

The published snapshot currently lists 65 eligible states. The current published eVisa rule does not require an invitation. Confirm your passport and trip conditions in the Visa Checker.

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Official supporting-document routes

RouteCurrent supporting-document rule
Unified eVisaThe current published eVisa rule does not require an invitation. Confirm your passport and trip conditions in the Visa Checker.
Tourist visaTourist acceptance confirmation from an eligible issuer; a narrow accommodation-booking alternative applies only where the official rule allows it.
Business / humanitarianUse the invitation or MFA decision route listed in the official Russian MFA category guidance.
Private, work and studyUse the private-visa supporting-document route listed in the official Russian MFA category guidance. Work and study use their own category-specific routes.

Source: Visa categories and central document requirements. See the evidence-backed Wiki answer and versioned Rules Portal.

Video: How to get your invitation in 3 minutes

3:12 · Step-by-step walkthrough

  1. 1
    0:00

    Choose invitation type

    Select tourist or business invitation based on your visa purpose.

  2. 2
    0:35

    Enter traveller details

    Fill in your full name (as in passport), nationality, passport number, and travel dates.

  3. 3
    1:10

    Select accommodation

    Enter your hotel name and address in Russia, or use the suggested accommodation.

  4. 4
    1:45

    Review and pay

    Check all details, choose delivery speed (instant or standard), and complete payment.

  5. 5
    2:20

    Receive your invitation

    Get the invitation letter by email (PDF) — ready to submit with your visa application.

Result: You receive the invitation letter (PDF) by email within minutes — ready to attach to your visa application at the consulate or visa centre.

Invitation letter comparison

Side-by-side comparison of the three types of Russian visa invitation letters: cost, processing time, and how to get each one.

 TouristBusinessPrivate
TypeTourist invitationBusiness invitationPrivate invitation
Also calledTourist confirmation + voucherBusiness visa support letterHomestay invitation
Issued byAuthorised Russian tour operatorMFA, Telex, or Migration Service (GUVM)Host via local GUVM office
CostFrom USD 16–20Depends on citizenship and procedureFree (host arranges via GUVM)
Processing time5–30 minutes (online)1–21 business days2–6 weeks (GUVM processing)
DeliveryEmail (PDF)Email or original by postOriginal document from GUVM
Entries supportedSingle or doubleSingle, double, or multipleSingle or double
Max validityAs stated on the issued visaAs stated on the issued visaAs stated on the issued visa
Official supporting-document ruleTourist acceptance confirmation from an eligible issuer; a narrow accommodation-booking alternative applies only where the official rule allows it.Use the invitation or MFA decision route listed in the official Russian MFA category guidance.Use the private-visa supporting-document route listed in the official Russian MFA category guidance.
Can order online?Yes — instant deliveryCheck the eligible citizenship guideNo — host must visit GUVM in person

Tourist pricing reflects the online tourist invitation service. Business requirements and service availability depend on citizenship and the competent authorities; processing times are indicative.

View the published category-specific Rule and EvidenceOrder tourist invitation from $19

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