Russian Visas

• All travelers to Russia need visas, including people transiting Russia from or to countries of the former Soviet Union.
• Travelers arriving without a Russian visa can expect to be turned back at the point of entry.
• All travelers are required to show an exit visa in order to leave the country.
• All Russian visas, except transit visas, are issued on the basis of an invitation from a Russian organization or individual, known as a sponsor. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how to contact them.
• Russian law requires that sponsors -- not the foreign visa holder -- apply to replace, extend or change visas. Without the support of your sponsor, replacement of a lost or stolen visa can be difficult and time consuming; extensions or changes to your visa may be impossible.
• The Consulate cannot act as your sponsor.

The Russian agency PVS (Passport Visa Service) deals with visa problems.

Central address in Vladivostok: 49 Fontannaya Street. Telephone: 214-509

Difference Between "Tourist" (Non-Immigrant) and "Guest" (Immigrant) Visas

Please be aware that Russian law distinguishes "tourist" and "guest" visas. Tourist visas can be obtained through a U.S. travel agency working with a Russian tour agency sponsor. "Tourists" typically stay in hotels and visit tourist sites during their time in Russia. In contrast, individuals planning to visit friends or relatives in Russia must obtain a "guest" visa. "Guest" visas require an invitation from a private Russian citizen who has obtained the "izveschenie"- permission from local officials (PVS - Passport Visa Service) and has agreed to be the individual's sponsor. Russian law considers this sponsor legally responsible for the traveler during his stay in Russia.

In the Russian Far East, the difference between "tourists" and "guests" tends to be transparent to border officials. There are only a few local travel agencies that are authorized to sponsor tourists. Most travel agencies cooperating with U.S. firms are registered and located only in Moscow. When an individual arrives in Vladivostok with a tourist visa sponsored by a Moscow travel agency, there is no local sponsor capable of taking responsibility for the traveler and meeting the requirements of Russian law. The bearer of such a visa may be subject to immediate deportation and/or a fine and expedited departure at the discretion of the Russian authorities.