Russian humanitarian visa for Canadian citizens
🇨🇦CanadaVisa required
In short
Here is how a Canadian citizen obtains a humanitarian visa. A Russian humanitarian visa is for participation in cultural, sporting, scientific, educational or religious activities. It requires an invitation from the inviting Russian organisation. Validity and entries depend on the programme and the inviting body.
Canada: Visa required
Apply for a standard visa at a consulate or visa center.
See the full Canada guideAt a glance
- Who it's for
- Participants in cultural, sporting, scientific, educational, charitable or religious activities invited by a Russian organisation.
- Invitation
- Invitation from the inviting Russian organisation.
- Validity / stay
- Varies by programme; single, double or multiple entry.
- Entries
- Single, double or multiple entry.
- Indicative cost
- Consular fee by nationality + service fee.
Documents Canadians will need
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Invitation from the inviting organisation
- Travel medical insurance (most nationalities)
How Canadians get a Russian humanitarian visa
- 1
Obtain an invitation letter
Get a tourist confirmation/voucher or a business invitation. This can be ordered online in minutes.
- 2
Complete the application form
Fill in the official visa application form for the consulate that serves your country of residence.
- 3
Prepare your documents
Valid passport, photo, invitation, and (for some nationalities) travel medical insurance.
- 4
Submit at a consulate or VFS center
Apply in person or by post at the Russian consulate or an authorised visa center (e.g. VFS Global).
- 5
Collect your visa
Pay the consular and service fees, then collect your passport with the visa once processed.
Order visa invitation from $19
Need an invitation letter for a tourist or business visa? Get one online and receive it by email — no consulate visit to obtain it.
- Tourist invitations issued fast
- Accepted by all Russian consulates
- 500,000+ travellers served
FAQ — Russian humanitarian visa for Canadians
Do Canadians need a humanitarian visa for Russia?
If your trip matches the purpose of a humanitarian visa (participants in cultural, sporting, scientific, educational, charitable or religious activities invited by a russian organisation.), then Canadians generally need this visa to enter Russia.
How do Canadians apply for a Russian humanitarian visa?
Canadians obtain the required invitation, complete the visa application form, then submit the passport and documents at the Russian consulate or authorised visa centre that serves Canada. See your Canada country guide for the exact consulates and visa centres.
How much does a Russian humanitarian visa cost for Canadians?
The consular fee depends on nationality and agreements between Russia and Canada, plus a visa-centre service fee and (for invitation-based visas) the invitation cost.
How do I get a humanitarian visa?
The inviting Russian organisation issues an invitation, after which you apply at the Russian consulate with the standard documents.