How to Check an Electronic Invitation (MFA Portal)
Electronic invitations issued by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) can be verified online. This is the most common type of invitation for business visas and some tourist visas.
Step-by-Step Verification:
- 1Go to the MFA PortalVisit the official verification website at invite.mid.ru.
- 2Enter Invitation DetailsInput the invitation number exactly as it appears on your document.
- 3Enter Passport InformationProvide your passport number to confirm your identity.
- 4Submit and ReviewComplete the security check and view the status of your invitation.
How to Verify a Tourist Voucher
Standard tourist vouchers (consisting of a Tourist Confirmation and a Tourist Voucher) issued by authorized Russian tour operators are not verifiable through the MFA portal.
Check the Reference Number
Ensure the voucher includes a valid Reference Number (MBT number) of the tour operator, which proves they are registered with the Federal Agency for Tourism.
Contact the Issuer
To verify authenticity, contact the issuing tour operator directly using the phone number or email address provided on the voucher document.
What If Your Invitation Is Not Found?
Common Reasons for "Not Found" Errors:
- Typo in details: Double-check the invitation number and passport number.
- Processing delay: It can take 24-48 hours for new invitations to sync to the database.
- Wrong portal: You are trying to check a tourist voucher on the electronic invitation portal.
- Invalid document: The invitation may be fake or cancelled by the issuer.
If you suspect your invitation is invalid, contact the agency that issued it immediately. Do not apply for a visa with an unverified document.
Verification Methods by Invitation Type
| Invitation Type | Verification Method | Required Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Invitation (MVD/MFA) | Online via invite.mid.ru | Invitation Number, Passport Number |
| Tourist Voucher | Direct contact with Tour Operator | Voucher Number, Tourist Name |
| Business LOI (Company Letterhead) | Direct contact with Issuing Company | Reference Number, Applicant Details |
| E-Visa | Online via evisa.kdmid.ru | Application ID, Password |