Private Visa to Russia for Foreign Citizens

A private visa allows foreign citizens to visit relatives or friends in Russia for up to 90 days. It requires a private invitation from a Russian citizen.

Who can invite: Russian citizens, foreign citizens with permanent residence in Russia, or stateless persons permanently residing in Russia.

Invitation process: the host visits their local MVD (migration office) with their passport and the guest's passport details. Processing: 30–45 days.

Visa application documents: passport, completed form, photo, private invitation, travel insurance, and sometimes proof of relationship.

Advantages over tourist visa: longer stay (90 vs 30 days), possibility of double entry, more suitable for family visits.

Disadvantage: long invitation processing time (30–45 days vs 5 minutes for tourist). For short visits, a tourist visa may be more practical.