Visa-Unterstützungsschreiben

A visa support letter is the English-language term commonly used for the Russian visa invitation document. It is functionally identical to what is called a "visa invitation," "priglashenie," or "tourist confirmation" — all refer to the same required document for Russian visa applications.

The term "visa support letter" is more commonly used in the context of business visas, where a Russian company provides a letter confirming they are inviting and supporting a foreign national's visit. For tourist visas, the same concept is usually called a "tourist voucher" or "visa invitation."

Regardless of the terminology used, the document serves the same purpose: it proves to the Russian consulate that a legitimate Russian entity (tour operator, hotel, or company) is sponsoring or facilitating your visit to Russia.

All Russian consulates worldwide accept visa support letters from licensed tour operators. The document must include: the applicant's full name (as in passport), passport number, dates of stay, cities to be visited, and the issuing organization's registration details.