Guidance note 16
Frequently asked questions
The questions applicants ask most often, answered without sales language.
Questions
What is a Russia invitation letter?
An official document from a registered Russian host stating that you are expected on given dates. It carries a registry reference and a unique confirmation number, and the consulate will not process the application without it.
How much does an invitation letter cost?
Tourist invitations are the cheapest category and are priced per traveller; business invitations cost more because a company and often a state authority are involved. The consular fee is separate and paid to the mission.
How long does it take to get one?
A tourist invitation is normally issued the same day once your details are confirmed. Business invitations take working days to weeks, and private invitations take weeks because a migration office is involved.
Can I check that an invitation is genuine?
Verify it with the issuing organisation using the confirmation number on the document, and make sure the operator's registry number is present. A letter that cannot be traced to a registered issuer should not be filed.
Is a hotel booking enough instead?
No. A reservation from an online travel site is not visa support. It may be attached as proof of accommodation, but it does not replace the invitation.
Can one invitation cover a family?
No. Each passport needs its own document, because the invitation carries personal data and a unique number.
Does an invitation guarantee a visa?
No. It is a required supporting document. The consulate assesses the whole application and can refuse it.
Full question index
Every other question we answer, grouped by the page that covers it in full.
Do I need one?
- Do British citizens need an invitation for Russia?
- Do US citizens need an invitation?
- Do Indian citizens need an invitation?
- Does a residence permit in an e-visa country help?
- Is an invitation needed for a transit stop?
Invitation letter
- Do I need an invitation letter to visit Russia?
- Is the invitation the same as the visa?
- Will a PDF be accepted, or do I need the original?
- Can one invitation cover my whole family?
- Can I stay in a different hotel from the one named?
- What happens to the invitation if my visa is refused?
Tourist
- What is a Russia tourist voucher?
- Can I get a tourist invitation without booking a hotel?
- How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
- Can I visit cities not listed on the voucher?
- Is the tourist invitation valid for a business trip?
Business
- What is a TELEX invitation?
- Can I use a business invitation for tourism?
- Do I need an existing Russian partner company?
- How long can I stay on a business visa?
- Is a business invitation more likely to be accepted?
Private visit
- Can my friend just write me a letter?
- Is a private visa longer than a tourist visa?
- Can I visit friends on a tourist visa instead?
- Who registers my stay if I sleep at a friend's home?
Hotel invitation
- Is a hotel booking the same as a hotel invitation letter?
- Can a hostel or apartment host issue an invitation?
- Does the hotel invitation force me to stay there?
- Which is cheaper?
Check a letter
- Can I check a Russia invitation letter online?
- How do I know the issuer is registered?
- Are free invitation letters real?
- What if I spot a mistake after I have applied?
Invitation or e-visa
- Do I need an invitation for the Russian e-visa?
- Can I turn an e-visa into a multiple-entry visa?
- Which is faster?
- Can US or UK citizens use the e-visa?
- Is the e-visa accepted at every border?
Cost
- How much does a Russia invitation letter cost?
- Is the consular fee included?
- Do children pay for an invitation?
- Can I get a Russia invitation letter free?
- Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?
Processing time
- How long does a Russia invitation letter take?
- How long does the visa itself take?
- Can the invitation be rushed?
- When should I start?
Multiple entry
- Can I get a 3-year invitation letter for Russia?
- Can a single-entry visa be upgraded?
- Does a multiple-entry visa let me stay continuously?
- Is a multiple-entry invitation more expensive?
Terminology
- Is a visa support letter the same as an invitation?
- Is the voucher separate from the confirmation?
- What does priglashenie mean?
- Do I need both a voucher and a letter of invitation?
Sample
- Can I see a real invitation letter before I apply?
- Is the invitation bilingual?
- Should the document be in colour?
- Is a photograph attached to the invitation?
About us
- Are you affiliated with the Russian government?
- Can you guarantee my visa will be issued?
- How do I report an error on this site?
Sources
Rules and fees on this page are checked against the primary authorities below. Where they disagree with us, they are correct.