Updated 18.9.2026. In short: a private visa to visit relatives or friends is made on an invitation that the inviter living in Russia obtains through the Russian Interior Ministry. Through Rustravel a private visa costs 130 € for one entry and 205 € for two. For a short visit a tourist visa is often the quicker option, because we obtain the tourist confirmation for it ourselves.
Private visa or tourist visa?
| Private visa | Tourist visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation | The inviter obtains it through the Russian Interior Ministry | We obtain the tourist confirmation for you |
| Stay | As stated in the invitation, up to 90 days | Single-entry up to 30 days, double-entry up to 90 |
| Price | 130 € (single), 205 € (double) | 135 € (single), 245 € (double) |
| Ordering | Through the office | Online or at the office |
Prices include the consular fee and our service. If the visit lasts up to 30 days and there is no invitation yet, a tourist visa is usually the most direct route.
How is the invitation obtained?
The relative or friend living in Russia applies for the invitation at the migration unit of the Russian Interior Ministry. A Russian authority processes it, so allow time for this before you fix your travel dates. When the invitation is ready, the inviter sends it to you.
Which documents are needed?
- a passport valid for at least 6 months after the visa expires
- a visa photo, 35 × 45 mm
- the invitation issued through the Interior Ministry
- the application form, which we complete for you
- travel insurance: valid in Russia, at least 30 000 € and repatriation included
I am a close relative of a Russian citizen. Is there another way?
According to the consulate's instructions, a family member or close relative of a Russian citizen can apply for a single- or double-entry visa of up to 90 days directly at the consular section with a written application. Original documents proving the relationship and their copies are then required, and both the applicant and the inviter must be present when the documents are lodged. This application can only be lodged in person, directly at the consular section, so we cannot handle it for you. We are still glad to tell you which way suits your situation.
I also hold Russian citizenship
The consulate does not issue a visa into a Finnish passport for a person who also holds Russian citizenship. You then travel to Russia on the Russian passport. This applies to children as well.
How do I order?
A private visa is not ordered with the online form. Contact the office, tell us where the invitation stands and when you plan to travel, and we confirm the documents and the schedule. If you decide on a tourist visa, you can order it directly: Russian visa.
Good to know before you decide to travel
The land border between Finland and Russia is closed until further notice, and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Russia. Read the current situation.
Update history
- 18.9.2026: page published. Prices and practice confirmed by Rustravel's office, the close relative's application from the consular section's site.
- 18.9.2026: delivery time added and the practice for the close relative's application confirmed by the office.
Sources: Rustravel Oy's visa office, consular section of the Russian Embassy in Helsinki.