A visa to the Russian Federation is a document, permitting stay in Russia for a specific period of time. Visa lists entry/exit dates, your name, passport details, and a purpose of travel. Please note, that your Russian visa is an exit permit just like it's an entry permit: if you lose it or stay over your designated departure date, leaving the country could be more troublesome than entering it.

The Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR of the PRC on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Nationals of the Russian Federation and Permanent Residents of the Hong Kong SAR of the PRC came into force on 1 July 2009. The Agreement provides for a mutual visa-free access to the nationals of the Russian Federation and permanent residents of the Hong Kong SAR (holders of the Hong Kong SAR passport) for a stay of up to 14 days in the area of the Hong Kong SAR and the territory of the Russian Federation respectively.

We can assist you with the following types of Russian visas:

• Tourist visa

      - Single entry, valid up to 1 month

      - Double entry, valid up to 1 month

• Business visa

     (Business visa is required in case you wish to enter Russia on business, to work or study in Russia)

     - Single entry, valid up to 3 months

     - Double entry, valid up 3 months

     - Multiple entries, valid for 1 year

• Working visa

    (Work visa is required in case you wish to enter Russia for employment)

    - Single entry, valid up to 3 months

• Humanitarian visa

     (Humanitarian visa is required in case you wish to enter Russia for cultural purposes, science, sports, religion etc)

     - Single entry, valid up to 3 months

     - Double entry, valid up 3 months

    - Multiple entries, valid for 1 year

• Student Visa

    (Student visa is required in case you wish to enter Russia to study in any Russian University or attend short term courses)

     - Single entry, valid up to 3 months

• Private visa

     (Visits to Relatives and Friends)

     Valid up to 3months, based only on private invitation from relatives / friends in Russia

• Transit visa

     A Transit Visa is not required if you remain in the transit zone of the airport in order to catch an onward or connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival. Transit visas are normally valid for maximum of 3 days if traveling by air and 10 if traveling by train.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ABTC CARDHOLDERS

The Government of the Russian Federation has issued decree (N 773 of 02 October 2009) on participation of Russia in APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme under certain conditions, which can be regarded as “transitional membership”. Under the decree, which comes into force since 12th April of this year, the ABTC holders will enjoy special fast-track entry and exit lanes at international airports and seaports. Although the ABTC cardholder is still to apply for entry visa, unless otherwise exempt under international agreements of the Russian Federation, our Consulate General will process such visa application in a priority mode, including same day visa processing.

Any ABTC cardholder applying for a visa should have an invitation from some organization in Russia, completed application form, one photo and passport.

Please notice that on arrival to Russia the ABTC cardholder should show his passport with visa and the card to pass through the lanes “For APEC Business Travel Card holders” or “For ABTC holders”, which can be the same as “For Diplomatic passport holders”.