Obtaining a Russian Business Visa

IMPORTANT!  Russia and U.S. Visa and Entry Restrictions Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

The U.S.-Russia Business Council would like to alert you to the following developments related to the spread of the coronavirus:

Visa Restrictions
Starting on March 18th, Russian embassies and consular offices will temporarily suspend their acceptance of documents, registration, and issuance to foreign citizens and stateless persons for all categories of visas, with exceptions for diplomats and other officials, as well as drivers and crews of international automobile, aircraft, sea, and locomotive traffic. Also starting on March 18th, the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry is temporarily suspending the acceptance of documents, registrations, and issuances of invitations to foreign citizens and stateless persons to enter Russia for training and labor activities, as well as permissions to attract and use foreign workers, and work permits to those citizens. More details on Russian visa restrictions can be found here.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and the U.S. consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok are cancelling routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa appointments until further notice. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ustraveldocs.com/ru/ru-niv-expeditedappointment.asp to request an emergency appointment.  More details on the suspension of visa appointments by U.S. embassies and consulates in Russia can be found here.

Entry Restrictions
Russia will be closing its borders to foreigners effective Wednesday, March 18th until May 1st, as Prime Minister Mishustin said in a call with foreign leaders yesterday (see yesterday’s Daily Update for details). These restrictions will not apply to certain groups including transit passengers, those with permanent residency in Russia, and members of diplomatic missions. The entry of foreign citizens through the land borders of Russia with Poland and Norway has been suspended. The borders of Russia with Belarus and Georgia are closed for the movement of people. Limited air service between Moscow and European capitals continues through Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.

Additionally, entry into the U.S. by foreign nationals who were physically present in the following countries 14 days prior to attempted entry into the U.S. is suspended: