Russian tourist visa for American citizens
🇺🇸United StatesVisa required
In short
Here is how an American citizen obtains a tourist visa. 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.
United States: Visa required
Apply for a standard visa at a consulate or visa center.
See the full United States 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 Americans 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 Americans 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 Americans
Do Americans need a tourist visa for Russia?
If your trip matches the purpose of a tourist visa (travellers visiting russia for tourism, sightseeing or short leisure trips who are not eligible for (or prefer not to use) the e-visa.), then Americans generally need this visa to enter Russia.
How do Americans apply for a Russian tourist visa?
Americans 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 United States. See your United States country guide for the exact consulates and visa centres.
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for Americans?
US citizens pay a higher consular fee (around USD 185) due to reciprocity, plus any visa-centre service fee and invitation cost. US citizens can also receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to 3 years.
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).