Visa to Russia: tourist or business?
I am a French citizen going to Russia for a 6 day scientific conference. I have an official invitation letter (all in Russian) from the organizers, I have booked hotel and plane, and I am now looking at visa information… and it's driving me crazy! The sheer complexity of the system makes me imagine that it may be a scheme to drive unemployment down by hiring thousands of civil servants.
My specific question is: what are the differences between a tourist and business visa?
Business visas apparently allow longer stays, multiple entries, etc. Given that my stay will be short and simple (I come to Moscow, stay in Moscow, leave from Moscow), should I ask for a business visa or can I get a slightly less expensive tourist visa?
Pictures about "Visa to Russia: tourist or business?"
Does Russia issue tourist visas?
Keep in mind most visitors need a visa to enter Russia. Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter.How long can you stay in Russia on a business visa?
A business Russian visa can be valid from 1 month to 12 months, and be either single-, double- or multiple entry. A person who obtained a multiple 1-year business visa can continiously stay in Russia for the period not longer than 90 days every 180 days.How much does a Russian business visa cost?
Electronic business invitations processed via Ministry of Interior Affairs (ex FMS)BusinessType of VisaProcessing Period (business days)PriceSingle-entry for 3 months20 days TELEXUSD 807 days TELEXUSD 125Double-entry for 1 month20 days TELEXUSD 809 more rowsWorking In Russia On Tourist or Business Visa || HINDI || pathway to europe
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ian Probets, Aleksandar Pasaric, Pixabay, mentatdgt