The Russian visa invitation letter

How to get a visa invitation (visa support) online — what it is, the different kinds, and how much it costs.

What is an invitation letter?

A visa invitation letter (visa support) is an official document confirming the purpose of your trip. Russian consulates require it for tourist, business and private visas — but NOT for the e-Visa.

Tourist invitation

from ~USD 16–20

A tourist invitation consists of a 'tourist confirmation' and a 'tourist voucher' issued by a Russian tour operator. It can be ordered online and delivered by email, usually from about USD 16-20.

Business invitation

varies by validity & entries

A business invitation can be issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), by Telex, or by the Migration Service (GUVM/FMS). Cost depends on validity and entries (single, double, multiple).

Private invitation

processed via GUVM

A private invitation is processed by the inviting Russian citizen or resident through the local GUVM office and can take several weeks.

The e-Visa needs no invitation

If your country is one of the 64 eligible nationalities, you can skip the invitation entirely and apply for the unified e-Visa online. Check your country guide to see whether you qualify.

Check my country