Skip the 45-day private visa wait. Order a tourist visa invitation online and visit your family in Russia within weeks. current terms shown before payment, sent after payment and the required data checks.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can visit family in Russia with a tourist visa. A tourist visa invitation pricing is shown before payment and is Sent after payment and required data checks — no need to wait 45 days for a private visa. The tourist visa allows a 30-day stay and is Reviewed by the competent authority for each application. Order at GetRussianVisa.com.
Fast & Easy
Traditional Route
Many people assume they need a private (family) visa to visit relatives in Russia. In reality, a tourist visa is perfectly legal for visiting family and is by far the faster, easier option for stays of 30 days or less.
Russian immigration law does not restrict your activities during a tourist visa stay. You can visit family members, attend weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations, stay at your relative's home, or combine tourism with family visits.
tourist confirmation
Sent by email after payment and required data checks — no waiting weeks
No Burden on Host
Your family doesn't need to visit any government office
Works Worldwide
subject to the requirements of the authority handling the application
Stay Anywhere
Stay at your family's home — no hotel required
A private (family) visa is only necessary in specific situations. Consider it if:
You need to stay longer than 30 days
Private visa allows up to 90 days (vs 30 for tourist)
You need multiple entries over a year
Close relatives of Russian citizens can get 1-year multiple-entry private visa
You plan to apply for temporary residence
A private visa can be a stepping stone to a residence permit
For all other cases — short family visits, celebrations, holidays — the tourist visa is the practical choice. Read our full guide on private visa invitations →
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Private Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation estimate | Shown before payment | 30–45 days |
| Cost | current terms shown before payment | Free (but bureaucratic) |
| Max Stay | 30 days | 90 days |
| Entry Type | Single / Double | Single / Double / Multiple |
| Host Involvement | None required | Must visit MVD office |
| Documents from Host | None | Passport, income proof, guarantee |
| Can Visit Family? | Yes | Yes |
| Can Stay at Relative's Home? | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Visits up to 30 days | Extended stays, frequent visits |
Review current tourist-confirmation terms before payment and submit the required data.
Complete the Russian visa application form online at visa.kdmid.ru with your personal details and travel dates.
Prepare your passport, invitation letter, passport photo, and travel insurance policy.
Book an appointment at your nearest Russian consulate or visa center and submit your documents.
Pick up your passport with the visa stamp. Standard processing takes 5-20 business days depending on your country.
Sent after payment and required data checks
Don't make your family wait 45 days. review your tourist visa invitation under current terms shown before payment and start planning your trip today.
Order Invitation NowHave questions about visa invitations or the visa process? Our team is ready to help.
Dubai, UAE
TARGUS K1 DMCC, Tower Armada 2, JLTSt. Petersburg, Russia
Leninsky pr., 153, Lit. A, office 706Local time in each office
Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM