Russian tourist visa for South African citizens
🇿🇦South AfricaVisa-free
In short
South Africans can often visit Russia visa-free for short tourism (visa-free up to 90 days), so a tourist visa is mainly needed for longer or non-tourist stays. When you do need one, here is how it works for a South African citizen. A Russian tourist visa is for leisure travel and sightseeing. To get one you need a tourist invitation (a 'tourist confirmation' and 'voucher') from an authorised Russian tour operator — which can be ordered online from about USD 16-20 — then you submit your application at a Russian consulate or an authorised visa centre. It usually allows a stay of up to 30 days.
South Africa: Visa-free up to 90 days
Enter for tourism without a visa for a limited period.
See the full South Africa guideAt a glance
- Who it's for
- Travellers visiting Russia for tourism, sightseeing or short leisure trips who are not eligible for (or prefer not to use) the e-Visa.
- Invitation
- Tourist confirmation & voucher from a registered Russian tour operator (orderable online).
- Validity / stay
- Typically up to 30 days (single or double entry); US citizens may receive up to 3-year multiple-entry tourist visas.
- Entries
- Single or double entry (longer multiple-entry for some nationalities).
- Indicative cost
- Consular fee varies by nationality (e.g. ~USD 185 for US citizens) + visa-centre service fee; invitation from ~USD 16-20.
Documents South Africans will need
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond the visa, with 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Tourist confirmation & voucher (invitation)
- Travel medical insurance (for many nationalities)
How South Africans get a Russian tourist 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 tourist visa for South Africans
Do South Africans need a tourist visa for Russia?
South Africans can usually enter Russia visa-free for short tourism (visa-free up to 90 days). A tourist visa is needed mainly for longer or non-tourist stays.
How do South Africans apply for a Russian tourist visa?
South Africans 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 South Africa. See your South Africa country guide for the exact consulates and visa centres.
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for South Africans?
The consular fee depends on nationality and agreements between Russia and South Africa, plus a visa-centre service fee and (for invitation-based visas) the invitation cost.
How much is a Russian tourist visa?
The consular fee depends on your nationality. The tourist invitation costs roughly USD 16-20 online, and visa centres add a service fee (often around USD 30).