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Russia Visa Information

Russia Visa Information

Passports and Russia Visa Requirements

When traveling internationally, carry your passport even if you don't need one (it's always the best form of I.D.) and make two photocopies of the data page (one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the local police.

Australian Citizens

Citizens of Australia need a valid passport to enter Russia. Requirements are very similar to those outlined below for U.S. citizens.

Canadian Citizens

You need a valid passport to enter Russia. Canadian citizens are required to obtain a Russia visa to enter Russia. Requirements are very similar to those outlined below for U.S. citizens.

Receiving a Russia Visa in Canada :

Russian Consulate General (3655 Avenue du Musée, Montréal, Québec, H3G 2E1, PHONE: 514/843-5901).

U.K. Citizens

Citizens of the United Kingdom need a valid passport to enter Russia. Requirements are very similar to those outlined below for U.S. citizens.

Receiving a Russia Visa in the U.K.

Russian Consulate General ( Kensington Palace Gardens 5, London W8, PHONE: 0171/229-3215). The cost for a single-entry visa is £10.

U.S. Citizens

All U.S. citizens, even infants, need a valid passport to enter Russia for stays of any length. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date on which your travel in Russia will end.

U.S. citizens traveling to Russia are also required to obtain a Russia visa. You will need to submit the following items to the Russian Consulate at least 21 days before departure: a completed application, a copy of the signed page(s) of your passport, three photos, reference numbers from the hotels you'll be staying at (to prove that you have confirmed reservations) or a properly endorsed business invitation from a host organization, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a $65 application fee. The fee is higher if you need a faster turnaround time ($75 for seven days, $105 for four business days, $145 for next-day service). Requirements vary slightly if you'll be staying as a guest in a private home or if you're traveling on business.

Receiving a Russia Visa

Russian Consulate General ( 11 E. 91st St., New York, NY 10128, PHONE: 212/348-0926 or 800/634-4296).

Passport Offices

The best time to apply for a passport, or to renew your old one, is in fall or winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

U.S. Citizens

National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900/225-5674; calls are 35¢ per minute for automated service, $1.05 per minute for operator service; travel.state.gov/passport_services.html).

Australian Citizens

Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232; www.passports.gov.au).

Canadian Citizens

Passport Office (Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G3, PHONE: 819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868; www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport).

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Passport Office (PHONE: 04/474-8100 or 0800/22-5050, www.passports.govt.nz).

U.K. Citizens

London Passport Office (PHONE: 0870/521-0410; www.passport.gov.uk).