An official document issued by a licensed Russian tour operator or company, required to apply for a Russian visa at any consulate worldwide.
A visa invitation (also called a visa support letter, priglashenie, or tourist confirmation) is the primary document required by Russian consulates to process a tourist or business visa application. It is issued by a licensed Russian tour operator registered with the Federal Agency of Tourism (Rosturizm) or by a Russian company accredited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
For tourist visas, the invitation consists of two parts: (1) the Tourist Voucher (putevka) and (2) the Confirmation of Reception of Foreign Tourists. Both documents together confirm that a Russian travel agency has arranged accommodation and an itinerary for the applicant.
For business visas, the invitation can take several forms: an original FMS letter, an electronic FMS invitation with barcode, a TELEX number sent to the consulate, or a company letterhead invitation.
The visa invitation does NOT grant entry to Russia by itself — it is only used to apply for the visa at a consulate. Once the visa is issued, the invitation is no longer needed for travel.
Key facts:
A visa invitation (also called visa support letter) is an official document from a licensed Russian tour operator or company that you must present to a Russian consulate when applying for a tourist or business visa. Without it, your application will be rejected.
Tourist visa invitations can be delivered by email in as little as 5 minutes after payment through automated online services. Business invitations typically take 5–14 business days.
No. The Russian e-visa does not require any invitation or support letter. You apply directly through the official MFA portal at evisa.kdmid.ru.
A document issued by a Russian travel agency confirming hotel accommodation and travel itinerary in Russia. Required for tourist visa applications along with the tourist confirmation.
Another name for a Russian visa invitation. This document confirms that a Russian organization supports your visa application and is required by all Russian consulates.
A confirmation number sent by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a specific Russian consulate, authorizing them to issue a business visa. Required for multi-entry business visitations.
A formal letter from a Russian organization inviting a foreign citizen to visit Russia for business purposes. Required for business visa applications.
The Russian government agency formerly responsible for migration control, registration of foreign visitors, and visa regulation. Now part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
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