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27.04.2009 Russian Visas For research in Russia A scholar traveling independently to Russia for archival or other research will most often arrive on either a tourist visa (good for up 30 days) or a commercial visa (good for up to 90 days). More information on obtaining these visas is included below.    Visiting Scholars   Planning to research for more than 90 days? See SRAS's visiting scholar program for a flexible solution or one of SRAS's standard programs for a more intensive program.           Russian Archives    Click the RGASPI entrance for more on entering Russian archives and finding primary documents. Scholars wishing to stay more than 90 days can do so on the basis of a student visa, which are supported by a Russian university on the basis of a tuition-paid academic program. Scholars planning long-term research projects often find SRAS's visiting scholar program an affordable and flexible option for obtaining a visa. The Process: Getting a Russian visa is a two step process. First, you will need to get an official letter of invitation from a company authorized by the Russian Ministries of Foreign and Internal Affairs. This document is called either a "Visa Support Document" or an "Invitation." Then, you will need to physically take this invitation along with the application form, a passport-size photo and your original passport to a Russian Consulate to have your visa processed. If you are not located near a consulate, you may mail your material to a visa agent for this process (contact SRAS for a recommended agent). A visa will be glued directly on one of the pages of your passport. Note that at the moment we are able to provide visa support only for citizens of countries in North America and Europe. To read more about how to process your visa click here. Registration: Visas must also be registered after your arrival in Russia. This can be expensive and inconvenient if not done in a timely and proper manner. Please click here for more information. Choosing Your Visa: You have to choose a visa support type that best suits your purpose of travel. The most popular visas are tourist and business visas. If you are travelling to Russia for general tourist purposes and for less than thirty days, you need a tourist invitation. Travel for longer periods or for business purposes requires a business invitation. For more information on all types of Russian visas, click here. Before proceeding, please read the Terms and Conditions. Tourist Invitation This invitation is issued for up to one month stay and can be a single or double entry. The invitation comprises the tourist voucher and the confirmation and has an official seal of the authorized issuing company. The invitation is delivered to you by email or fax. The original is available upon request should the consulate request it, which is not known to happen. Apply now for a TOURIST INVITATION   Group Tourist Invitation This invitation is issued for up to one month stay and can be a single or double entry. The invitation comprises the tourist voucher and the confirmation and has an official seal of the authorized issuing company. Invitation is delivered to you by email or fax. Original is available upon request should the consulate request it, which is not known to happen. Apply now for a GROUP TOURIST INVITATION Single- or Double Entry Business Invitation This invitation type is available for up to THREE months in duration and can be single or double entry. The invitation is processed by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and has an official seal. A copy of the invitation is delivered to you by fax or email. Originals can be sent upon request but an international shipping fee applies. Multiple Entry Business Invitation This invitation is issued a period of up to 90 days out of any 180, and a total of 180 days out of any callendar year (or, three months in Russia, three months out for one year) and allows unlimited entries during its validity period. The invitation is processed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has an official seal. Originals can be sent upon request but an international shipping fee applies. Apply now for a BUSINESS INVITATION CIS Visa Support If you plan to visit an FSU country, you will likely need to obtain a visa and invitation as well. Armenia Visa Support Azerbaijan Visa Support Belarus Visa Support Georgia Visa Support Kazakhstan Visa Support Kyrgyzstan Visa Support Moldova Visa Support Tajikistan Visa Support Ukraine Visa Support Uzbekistan Visa Support « back to Travel Services archive print this page email this page