jphripjah

I read that Russia will resume flights from the USA and 7 other countries soon.

https://simpleflying.com/russian-fli...states-return/

My 3 year Russian visa has expired. Is there any word on whether Russia has/will resume issuing tourist visas to Americans? If so what are the entry requirements for a vaccinated American to visit Russia as a tourist?

Palal

You should be able to go if you can snag a ticket to the Switzerland vs. Spain game that's scheduled for July 2. No word on when tourist visas will resume.

BuildingMyBento

I spoke with a visa agent in the US late last week; she said that Russia once again is issuing tourist visas. Just expect higher application costs and a longer wait time...

pstm91

Yes, they started issuing them again on July 1st. With that said, response times are even slower than before (hard to believe but true), they seem to be operating weird hours and limited staff. This visa was already enough of a nightmare to get, I'd highly recommend using a visa service. They are unable to confirm how long the process will take but I can tell you I submitted mine back on July 15th and can follow up when I know more.

LordJohn

As I understand from Russian Friend, there is still a pissing contest between US and Russia. US is offering NO visas to Russians (at any embassy in Europe either) They say because US will not let allow russian employees in embassy's. From this, I was told by US embassy in Glascow (where I tried to get my friend one) that Russia is not issuing normal tourist visas either. May be offering tour visas but not individual

pstm91

It is indeed a pissing contest and no longer due to any COVID restrictions (been this way for a few months now). I can't speak to Embassies abroad, but here in the US it is possible to get a standard tourist visa again. Due to the staffing issues (or lack of staffing I should say), you need to use a visa service. I actually just received an update yesterday that mine is being processed, so I will update you when I've heard more or received it.

jphripjah

Thank you so much. What are the entry requirements for American visa holders who wish to visit Russia as tourists?

Also, can you share the name of which visa company you are using?

I ave used traveldocs (TDS) and CIBT in the past and the issuance of the visa would take a week or two. Please let us know how long yours takes. I assume you're getting a three year visa as an American?

LordJohn

From what I was told that the visa's are only if you are using a certified travel agency while in Russia. Not yet allowing random touring with Russian friends

eielef

posted by mistake...

pstm91

I apologize for the delay here. Was traveling the past few weeks and completely forgot about this.

I used USA Royalty Travel - they were referred to me by a friend and were very good. Trust me, do not judge it by the website (unless you're looking for an "authentic" touch lol). They are based in Brooklyn, Aldona was great to work with and very responsive. 99% of the time I do my own visas, but I swore after my first experience with a Russian visa that I would not go through that again and would just use an agency. I do believe right now that is only way to get a visa.

I FedEx'ed all my documents to them and received my passport and visa back in 3 weeks. I didn't need to send any of the "letter of invitation" or any of that extra stuff. Just the application, passport photos, and passport.