There are four types of Russian visas:
1. BUSINESS VISA
This type of visa will be issued if you are going to visit Russia for any business reasons: negotiations, consultations, etc. Business visas may be issued for single, double, and multiple entries. Visitors applying for business visas have preferences in Russian consulates in comparison with tourist visa applicants.
Multiple-entry visas are the most convenient for regular visits to Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues multiple-entry visa invitations for any number of months from 3 up to 12 (a one-year multiple-entry visa). It takes 21 week days to obtain a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Besides, the names of your children cannot be inserted into this visa: they have to get their own visas, except they are under the age of 16 and are registered in your passport. Family members traveling with you can obtain the same type of business visa.
2. TOURIST VISA
This type of visa is issued for tourists who have confirmed their accommodations in Russia. It can be used for one short tour trip. This visa is issued for single and double entries for a period of 25 days maximum. We provide confirmations for tourist visas only for travel agencies outside the Russian Federation.
3. PRIVATE VISA
For this type of visa you will need the original letter of invitation called "izveschenie", which your Russian relatives or friends have to obtain from a local Visa and Registration Department of the Ministry of the Interior (OVIR). This procedure takes 45 days.
Please notice that private visas are granted just for single trips to Russia and only to the city where an "izveschenie" has been issued.
4. TRANSIT VISA
Russian transit visas are valid for a short period of stay in the country that does not exceed 72 hours, and granted if you have to travel to a third country through the Russian territory.