United Kingdom to Russia tourist visa
Complete Russia tourist visa requirements, fees, processing times, and application guide for UK citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- Russia Tourist Visa
- Fee
- £70 + £60.60 service fee
- Processing time
- Up to 20 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 British 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
- Biometric Data (Fingerprints) — Digital fingerprints collected at the visa application centre
How to apply
- 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 explanation required — The Russian Consulate is not obligated to provide specific reasons for denial
- No refund — Consular and service fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome
- Review your documents — Most refusals result from documentation errors or inconsistencies
Common questions
- Do British citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
- Yes, UK citizens must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Russia. Unlike citizens of many EU countries, British nationals are not eligible for the Russian e-visa and must apply through the traditional visa process with an invitation letter.
- Can UK citizens apply for a Russian e-visa?
- No, the United Kingdom is not included in the list of 64 countries eligible for the Russian unified e-visa. British citizens must apply for a traditional tourist visa through the Russian Visa Application Centre.
- How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for UK citizens?
- The total cost is approximately £250–350, which includes the consular fee (£65 for standard or £130 for express), service centre charges (£35), and the tourist invitation letter (£15–30). Additional fees may apply for postage and optional services.
- How long does Russian visa processing take for UK applicants?
- Standard processing takes 6–20 working days from submission. Express processing (2–5 working days) is available for an additional fee but is subject to availability. Processing time does not include the day of submission.
- 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 services like Russia Support, Real Russia, or Way to Russia for £15–30. The invitation contains your travel details and confirms your accommodation.
- Where can I apply for a Russian visa in the UK?
- Russian visa applications are processed through the IBS VP Russian Visa Application Centre in London. You must attend in person for biometric data collection if you have not provided fingerprints for a Russian visa in the past 5 years. Limited services may be available in Edinburgh and Manchester.