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.

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 document consists of two parts: the Confirmation (left) and the Tourist Voucher (right). Both are required when applying for a Russian tourist visa at a consulate.

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

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 16–20USD 30–250+ (depends on validity & entries)Free (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 validityUp to 30 daysUp to 1 year (multiple entry)Up to 90 days
Can order online?Yes — instant deliveryYes (MFA/Telex types)No — host must visit GUVM in person

Source: Pricing based on published rates from authorised Russian tour operators and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) fee schedule. Processing times are typical estimates and may vary.

Order tourist invitation from $19

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