FAQ: How To Get Russian Visa For Layover?

You can get a transit visa at the Russian Consulate upon presenting your tickets to and from the Russian airport. Transit visa is valid only for a period of 72 hours. For a longer stay, we recommend you to get a tourist visa.

How long does it take to get a Russian transit visa?

The processing time for a Russia transit visa application is from three working days to seven calendar days. Expedited processing is available for those in a hurry to get a visa. It takes one to three working days.

How do you get a layover visa?

You can apply for a transit visa by filling out the application for a Temporary Resident Visa and selecting transit visa from the list of options on the form. You may not need a transit visa if you are travelling to or from the United States.

Do I need a visa to transit through Moscow airport?

Citizens of the Russian Federation in airside transit do not require a visa.

Can I get Russian transit visa at the airport?

Transit visa is required only for those travelers who are going to leave the customs zone of the airport. You can get a transit visa at the Russian Consulate upon presenting your tickets to and from the Russian airport. For a longer stay, we recommend you to get a tourist visa.

Can I travel to Russia now?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Embassy Moscow advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia. The Russian Federation is one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Which countries ask for transit visa?

The nationals of the following countries need an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport:

• Afghanistan.
• Bangladesh.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Eritrea.
• Ethiopia.
• Ghana.
• Iran.
• Iraq.

Can you leave the airport during a layover in Russia?

You can leave the airport and explore the Russian capital for up to 90 days (just don’t miss your flight – and remember that check-in takes time, too). The same rules apply for citizens of Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and most other South American countries.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Russia?

A visa on arrival is not available for the Russian Federation. Eligible foreign citizen can obtain an electronic visa through an online application for a short period of stay in select Russian territories in an easy and comfortable way, without having to apply in person for an embassy visa.

How long is a transit visa valid for?

All types of American transit visas (C1 visa, C2 visa, or C3 visa), are valid for a period of a maximum of 29 days or until the date to depart the US is on your ticket, whichever one is sooner.

How long does it take for transit visa?

You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. Sometimes it can take up to 30 days if more time is needed, and up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.

Do I need a transit visa if I don’t leave the airport?

Most countries that normally require that you have a visa, do not require the visa if you are a transit passenger, someone who is only transiting through the airport. As you don’t go through immigration, and you don’t enter the country, hence no visa is needed.

Can I have a layover in Moscow without visa?

Re: Layover at SVO, Do I need a VISA? No, you don’t need a transit visa if you are just going between terminals at Sheremetyevo, and you will be there less than 24 hours. This airport can be confusing, though, so ask, ask, ask. Ask the flight attendants before you leave your plane in Moscow, they can help you.

Can you have a layover in Russia without a visa?

Transit Visas are issued to those travelling through the Russian Federation to an onward destination. If you are on a transit flight, will be spending less than 24 hours in Russia, and do not intend to leave the airport transit area, then you will not need a Russian Visa for your trip.

Can I fly through Moscow without a visa?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. Travelers who arrive in Russia without an entry visa will not be permitted to enter the country, and face immediate return to the point of embarkation at their own expense.