Russian transit visa for American citizens
🇺🇸United StatesVisa required
In short
Here is how an American citizen obtains a transit visa. A Russian transit visa is for travellers passing through Russia en route to a third country. It is issued for a short period — up to 3 days for air transit and up to 10 days for travel by land — and requires proof of onward travel and, where relevant, a visa for the destination country.
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 transiting through Russian territory to reach another country by air, rail or road.
- Invitation
- Not an invitation, but proof of onward travel and a destination-country visa where required.
- Validity / stay
- Up to 3 days (air) or up to 10 days (land).
- Entries
- Single or double entry depending on route.
- Indicative cost
- Consular fee by nationality + service fee.
Documents Americans will need
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Confirmed onward tickets
- Visa for the destination country (if required)
How Americans get a Russian transit 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 transit visa for Americans
Do Americans need a transit visa for Russia?
If your trip matches the purpose of a transit visa (travellers transiting through russian territory to reach another country by air, rail or road.), then Americans generally need this visa to enter Russia.
How do Americans apply for a Russian transit 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 transit 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 long is a Russian transit visa valid?
Up to 3 days for air transit and up to 10 days for transit by land.