Russia Visa for UK Citizens

Russia is a very popular tourist destination for travellers from the UK. Fascinating cities like Moscow and St Petersburg are very appealing holiday spots for British visitors, but you need to know more about the travel authorisation you require to allow you to enter the country legally.

Here at Byevisa we can give you the details you need and help you to make your application quickly and easily so you can have the paperwork you need in your hand ready for you to depart.

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Do I Need a Visa for Russia From the UK?

Yes. If you’re a British citizen, you need to have a visa for your Russian holiday trip. You must apply for this document before you travel and it must be applied for at one of the Russian embassy’s processing centres in the United Kingdom. It is not possible to apply online at this time.

What Does the Russia Visa Cost for UK Travellers?

When you apply for your Russian visa as a British citizen, you are required to pay the government fee of 79.75 USD for a Single Entry document or 127.75 USD for a Double Entry permit, plus the application charge of 48.50 USD. These prices are for standard service; there are additional charges for expedited services.

How to Get a Visa for Russia as UK Tourists

British citizens travelling as tourists on a Russian holiday must apply in advance for a Russian visa to allow them to enter the country. This can only be done through the Russian Embassy in the UK via one of the Russian visa processing centres.

These are located in 3 British cities – London, Manchester and Edinburgh. You must attend in person and bring with you your completed application form as well as the required documentation and the necessary fee.

What Questions Are on the Russian Visa Application for UK Tourists?

When you’re completing your application form to obtain your Russian travel authorisation, there are certain details you must provide. These include:

• Your first name and last name.
• Your nationality.
• Your passport number and place of issue.
• Your birth date.
• The country you were born in.
• Your address.
• Your phone number.
• Your email address.
• How long you plan to stay in the country.
• Details of your accommodation during your visit.

What Are the Visa Requirements for Russia for UK Citizens?

As a British citizen you must supply certain documentation when making an application for your travel authorisation. The documents you must supply include:

• A valid passport with 6 months’ minimum validity remaining after the expiry date of the visa and with 2 consecutive blank pages.
• A completed and printed visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A tourist confirmation document and tourist voucher stamped and signed by an authorised person.

How Long is a Visa to Travel to Russia From the UK Valid For?

When you obtain your travel authorisation to head off on your Russian holiday from the United Kingdom, your document allows you to visit the country for a maximum period of 30 days. There are both Single Entry and Double Entry authorisations available to suit your needs.

Russian Visa Application for UK Travellers FAQ

We’ve now given you the basic information you require about making your Russian visa application from the UK. However, should you need any more advice we have also supplied answers for some more frequently asked questions so that you can be well-informed before setting off on your trip.

Will I Need to Give Biometric Data When I Apply for the Russia Visa as a UK Citizen?

Part of the process of completing your Russian travel authorisation application involves providing biometric data. This is one of the reasons why you are required to attend one of the British processing centres in person. You are required to have your fingerprints taken if you are aged 12 or over and are travelling to the country for purposes of tourism.

What Is the Processing Time for Getting a Russian Visa for UK Travellers?

It may take up to 20 working days for you to receive your Russian travel authorisation as a British tourist. This is something you need to bear in mind when making your application since you must leave sufficient time for your document to be in your possession before setting off on your trip.

If you opt for the Manchester or London application processing centres, you can expect your document to be processed in around 20 days or in 3 days if you opt for Express processing services. If you go to the Edinburgh processing centre you can expect the authorisation to be processed within around 5 working days or within 1 working day if you opt for the Express service.

Is Russia Safe for UK Travellers?

Most UK visitors enjoy a trouble-free stay when they choose a Russian vacation. However, petty crime can happen anywhere, so you need to take the same security procedures to protect yourself as you would when travelling anywhere overseas.

Be aware of the possibility of pickpocketing in tourist areas and in train stations, and never leave your bags unattended. Avoid walking alone late at night and make sure you keep your passport safe.

Do I Need a Russian Visa Invitation for UK Travellers?

British tourists hoping to travel on a Russian holiday need to obtain a Russian visa invitation. Simply ensure you have the following documents:

• A passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity remaining from the day you arrive in Russia.
• Accommodation information for your trip.
• Your travel dates.
• Your email address.
• A means of payment.

More About the Visa Application for Russia From the UK

We hope that we’ve helped you understand how to process your application for a Russian tourist visa for your holiday. However, if you need more help and guidance, see our eVisa for Russia page or our Visit Russia page here. You’ll find extra support and advice about how to make your application so you can get your trip underway.