The agencies stay abreast of the changing rules and regulations and can cope with the bureaucracy, from start to finish. Getting a Visa First, plan ahead. It usually takes anywhere from four to six weeks to get a Russian visa, although it is technically possible to get one in as little as one day. To get a visa, you need first to get an invitation from a Russian organization. This can be a Russian firm, government organization, educational institution, or a representative office of a foreign firm.
Some international hotels can also arrange a visa invitation.
Keep in mind that the Russian consulate abroad also charges a fee, which is in addition to the fee you pay to the visa service company. The types of visas include tourist, business, diplomatic, and special visas for foreigners married to Russian citizens. Tourist visas are usually issued for one month, while the others are issued for anywhere from three months to one year. Multiple-entry visas allow you to enter and leave the country as many times as you wish. If you're applying for a multiple entry visa, you are officially required to present the results of an HIV test conducted during the preceding three months.