Tourist vs Business Russian Visa: Which One Do You Need?

If your trip is short and leisure-focused, a tourist visa is almost always the right choice. If you need longer stays, multiple entries over many months, or you are travelling for work, a business visa is worth the extra cost.

Duration and entries

Tourist visas allow up to 30 days, single or double entry. Business visas can be issued for 3 months, 6 months or a full year, with single, double or multiple entry depending on the option.

Cost

Tourist invitations start from $19. Business invitations start at $149 for 3 months, $249 for 6 months and $399 for a one-year multiple-entry visa.

The invitation is different

A tourist invitation is a voucher; a business invitation is an electronic telex sent directly to your chosen consulate. Business invitations take longer to process — plan 9 to 21 working days.

Quick rule of thumb

• Holiday up to a month → tourist visa.
• Repeat trips across the year → business multiple-entry.
• Conferences, meetings, contractor work → business visa.