Visa Types

Russian Transit Visa

A visa for travelers passing through Russia to reach another country. Valid for up to 10 days for air transit or up to 10 days for land/sea transit.

Detailed Explanation

A Russian transit visa is issued to foreign nationals who need to pass through Russian territory to reach their final destination in another country. It is NOT for travelers whose final destination is Russia — they need a tourist or business visa.

Transit visa types: 1. Air transit (up to 72 hours): For passengers with a connecting flight through a Russian airport who need to leave the international transit zone 2. Land/sea transit (up to 10 days): For travelers crossing Russia by train, car, or ship to reach another country

When you DON'T need a transit visa:

  • If your connecting flight is within 24 hours AND you don't leave the international transit zone
  • If you're a citizen of a CIS country
  • If you hold a valid Russian visa of another type

When you DO need a transit visa:

  • Changing airports in Moscow (e.g., Sheremetyevo to Domodedovo)
  • Overnight layover requiring hotel stay
  • Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway through Russia to Mongolia/China
  • Driving through Russia to reach another country

Requirements for transit visa:

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Visa or entry permit for your final destination country
  • Confirmed tickets showing transit through Russia
  • Transit visa invitation (not always required — depends on consulate)
  • Completed application form
  • Photo (3.5×4.5 cm)

The transit visa is relatively easy to obtain compared to tourist/business visas, but it strictly limits your activities in Russia — you cannot engage in tourism or business, only transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight in Russia?

Only if you need to leave the international transit zone (e.g., changing airports, overnight layover). If your connection is within 24 hours in the same airport's transit zone, no visa is needed.

How long can I stay in Russia on a transit visa?

Air transit visas allow up to 72 hours (3 days). Land/sea transit visas allow up to 10 days to cross Russian territory.

Need a Visa Invitation?

Get your Russian visa invitation in 5 minutes. Accepted by all consulates worldwide.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Have questions about visa invitations or the visa process? Our team is ready to help.

Email Us

We respond within 2 hours

[email protected]

Call Us

Mon–Fri, 10:00–19:00

+7 921 334-13-13St. Petersburg+971 4 397 7988 (Dubai)

Our Offices

Dubai, UAE

TARGUS K1 DMCC, Tower Armada 2, JLT

St. Petersburg, Russia

Leninsky pr., 153, Lit. A, office 706

Working Hours

Local time in each office

Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMOnline orders processed 24/7 automatically