Original vs Copy: What the Russian Embassy in London Requires
For a private (family/friend) visa to Russia applied from the United Kingdom, the question of whether you need the original invitation letter or if a scanned copy/printout is acceptable depends on the type of invitation:
Types of Private Visa Invitations
| Invitation Type | Original Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FMS/MVD invitation (official) | Yes — original must be posted | Issued by Russian migration authorities; must be submitted as physical original |
| Notarized invitation from host | Yes — original required | Notarized by a Russian notary; original document needed |
| Electronic invitation (telex) | No — reference number only | Sent electronically to the consulate; you just provide the reference number |
Key Facts for UK Applicants
- The Russian Embassy in London and the Consulate in Edinburgh both require the original FMS invitation for private visa applications
- A printed scan or photocopy is NOT accepted for the traditional paper invitation
- The original must be sent from Russia to the UK by international courier (DHL, FedEx, EMS) — this typically takes 5–10 business days
- The electronic (telex) format eliminates the need for posting originals, but is less commonly used for private visas
Alternative: Tourist Visa Instead of Private Visa
If obtaining the original private visa invitation is difficult or time-consuming, consider applying for a tourist visa instead:
- Tourist visa invitation is delivered instantly by email — no originals needed
- Allows stays up to 30 days (same as private visa)
- Актуальные цена услуги, способы оплаты, расчётный срок и условия исправлений показываются до оплаты. Решения по визе и въезду принимают компетентные органы.
- You can still visit family/friends on a tourist visa
- Order tourist visa invitation now →
How to Get a Private Visa Invitation
- Your Russian host visits their local MVD (migration office) with their passport and your passport details
- MVD processes the invitation (takes 2–4 weeks)
- Original invitation is issued and must be sent to you by courier
- You submit the original with your visa application at the embassy
Processing at the Russian Embassy in London
| Service | Fee (GBP) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | £121 | 5–20 business days |
| Express processing | £181 | 1–3 business days |
Note: Since Brexit, UK citizens no longer benefit from the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. Fees are higher than for EU nationals.
Recommendation
Unless you specifically need a private visa (e.g., for stays over 30 days or specific visa regime requirements), we recommend the tourist visa route — it is faster, cheaper, and does not require posting original documents internationally.