Australia to Russia tourist visa
Complete Russia tourist visa requirements, fees, processing times, and application guide for Australian citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- Russia Tourist Visa
- Fee
- ~A$120
- Processing time
- Up to 10 business days
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Tourist Invitation Letter (Visa Support) — Official tourist invitation from a travel agency registered with Russia’s Federal Tourism Agency or a hotel booking confirmation
- Valid Passport — Original Australian passport meeting Russian visa requirements
- Online Visa Application Form — Electronic visa application completed on the official Russian MFA website
- Passport Photo — Recent passport-style photograph meeting Russian specifications
- Passport Data Page Copy — Clear photocopy of your passport’s biographical data page
- Travel Medical Insurance — Valid travel insurance policy covering medical expenses in Russia
How to apply
- Authorized visa agency — Services like Travelvisa2go in Sydney handle the application process on your behalf (recommended for most applicants)
- Russian Embassy in Canberra — You can apply directly at 78 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT 2603, phone: +61 2 6295 9033
- Entry and exit dates — Your visa shows exact validity dates in DD.MM.YYYY format. You must enter and exit Russia within these dates.
- Number of entries — Confirm whether you have single, double, or multiple entry.
- Personal details — Check your name and passport number are correct.
- No detailed explanation required — The Russian Consulate is not obligated to provide specific reasons for denial
Common questions
- Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
- Yes, Australian citizens must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Russia. Australians are not eligible for the Russian e-visa and must apply through the traditional consular process with an invitation letter from a registered Russian travel agency.
- Can Australians apply for a Russian e-visa?
- No, Australia is not included in the list of 64 countries eligible for the Russian unified e-visa. Australian citizens must apply for a traditional tourist visa through the Russian consulate or an authorized visa agency.
- How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for Australian citizens?
- The total cost is approximately AUD 250–400, which includes the consular fee (AUD 150–280 depending on processing speed), visa service agency charges (AUD 60), and the tourist invitation letter (AUD 25–40). Additional fees may apply for postage and optional services.
- How long does Russian visa processing take for Australians?
- Standard processing takes 10–20 working days from document submission. Express processing (5–7 working days) is available for an additional fee but is subject to availability.
- What is a tourist invitation letter and how do I get one?
- A tourist invitation letter (visa support) is a required document issued by a Russian travel agency registered with the Federal Tourism Agency. You can purchase one online from providers like Express to Russia, iVisa, or Real Russia for AUD 25–40. The invitation contains your travel details and confirms your accommodation arrangements.
- Where can I apply for a Russian visa in Australia?
- Russian visa applications can be submitted through authorized visa agencies such as Travelvisa2go in Sydney, or directly at the Russian Embassy in Canberra (78 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT 2603). The Interlink visa centre suspended operations in March 2023, so most applicants now use authorized agencies or apply directly to the embassy.