Russia is well known for its beauty, monuments, and a large array of activities. This makes it a perfect destination for tourists. Other reasons why people travel to Russia is for business purposes or to visit loved ones. If you would like to apply for a Russian tourist, visit, or business visa in Nigeria, then you are in the right place. This article explains all you need to know and how to go about obtaining a Russian visa, whether it be tourist, visit, or business visa in Nigeria.
How to Get Russian Visa in Nigeria
Business visa
It is required that one obtains a business visa if visiting Russia for business purposes such as a business meeting, negotiations, etc. A business visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry. A business visa may also be issued for one year and be multiple entries (however, the total period of stay is 90 days within each period of 180 days).
Requirements to obtain a Russian Business visa
Valid International Passport: This passport must not be expiring earlier than six months after the visa’s expiry date. It also must have at least 2 blank pages
Visa Application form which must be downloaded at the website for the Russian embassy in Nigeria. Fill the form and print it on the website. This is the only existing official form of application. Other forms of application are not accepted by the Russian embassy.
One recent colour photo which must be compliant with the following specifications:
Colour photo must not be older than 6 months.
For minors who are less than 12 years old, the photo must not be older than 1 month.
The photo should be taken against a light background (this could be white or off-white)
Photo must be printed on photographic paper (camera print)
Face in the photo must be non-smiling (without sunglasses or any head covering except for applicants wearing certain headdress because of religious belief or ethnic background)
Photo should be stuck on the Visa Application Form
Original Letter of Invitation issued by the General Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Interior of Russia
An introductory letter from the applicant’s workplace providing details of the applicant and expressing knowledge of the trip.
Self-employed applicants, company directors or unemployed applicants should provide bank statements from the last three months.
Non-Nigerian nationals must provide a copy of residence permit (CERPAC)
The submission of the visa must be done in person by the applicant. Submission through a third party or an agent is not accepted. However, an applicant can authorize an agent to collect the documents.
Ensure you do not purchase flight tickets prior to getting a visa. This is only advisable when it required as part of visa application
Having reserved spaces at a Hotel does not guarantee that you will be issued a visa.
In some cases, an applicant may be requested to bring along additional supporting documents.
Humanitarian visa
A humanitarian visa is required if you intend to enter Russia for the following reasons: cultural purposes, science, sports, religious events, etc. A humanitarian visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry. A humanitarian visa may also be issued for one year and be multiple entries (however, the total period of stay is 90 days within each period of 180 days).
Requirements for Humanitarian Visa
All requirements written for the Business visa
Private visa
It is required that a traveler obtains a Private visa if s(he) intends to enter Russia for the purpose of visiting family or friends. A private visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry.
Requirements for Private Visa
All requirements are written for the Business visa in addition to:
Birth certificate and copy of parent’s Passport if applying for visa for a minor
Student visa
It is required that one obtains a student visa if traveling to study at a Russian University or attend some educational courses. A student visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry.
Requirements for Student Visa
All requirements written for the Business visa in addition to:
HIV/AIDS certificate valid for the next three months
Tourist visa
It is required that one obtains a Tourist visa if entering Russia as a tourist or attending a social event such as exhibitions, graduation ceremonies or a medical examination. A tourist visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry.
Requirements for Tourist Visa
All requirements written for the Business visa in addition to:
Tourist Voucher or Tourist Confirmation.
Copy of the confirmed airway tickets
Birth certificate and copy of parent’s Passport, if applying for a visa for a minor.
Transit visa
It is required that you obtain a Russian Transit visa is required if you intend to travel through Russia. Transit visas can be issued for 3 days if traveling by air and for 10 days if travelling by train. Obtaining a Transit Visa is not required if you continue travelling by a connecting flight and remain in the airport transit zone within 24 hours from the time of arrival. However, passengers travelling to and from Belarus via Russia are required to obtain transit Russian visa irrespective of the duration of their stay in the airport.
Requirements for Transit Visa
All requirements written for the Business visa in addition to:
A valid visa (if required) to the country of destination
Photocopy of the confirmed airway ticket to and from Russia
Work visa
This is required if you are traveling to Russia for employment. Work visa can be issued for 90 days and this can be single or double entry. It may also be issued for one year or three years and be multiple entry. Highly qualified specialists may apply for a 3-year multiple entry work visa.
Requirements for Work Visa
All requirements written for the Business visa in addition to:
HIV/AIDS certificate valid for the next three months
Birth certificate and copy of parent’s Passport, if applying for visa for a minor
Always bear in mind that а Russian visa can only be applied for in person. Making use of agencies, visa agents, consultants and other acclaimed professionals will not in any way make you qualified for a Russian visa. In fact, reliance on a third party may deny you of a Russian visa.