If you are planning to visit Russia from Nigeria, you need to apply for a Russia visa in Nigeria. Also, the application for a Russian visa is done online first then you visit the embassy for submission and biometrics.
Read on to find out more about the Russia visa and how to apply from Nigeria:
What is it like to tour Russia?
Russia is one of the most populous countries in Europe as well as the ninth most inhabited country in the world.
The capital and largest city in Russia is Moscow. Also, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s cultural centre and second-largest city.
Exploring the urban cities in Russia exposes you to diverse innovations, cultures, history and lifestyles. Besides, Russia is a rich country with value for tourism and a lot of beautiful experiences within the terrain.
Incredible reasons to plan a tour to Russia
Russia is top on the list of developed nations in the world. Therefore you can expect more from your trip to Russia, here is why:
Diversity
Russia is a free country with different ethnic groups and a chance to practice Christianity, Islam or no religion at all. Also, Russia has a presidential system of government.
Culture
The historical development of Russia plays a major role in her culture. This is evident in traditions, historical sites, written literary works and national symbols.
Russia also has 30 notable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with additions in view. Similarly, the Russians have also greatly influenced classical music, ballet, sports, arts and theatres.
Tourism
Russia is visited by up to 30 million people yearly. It is one of the most visited countries in Europe and the sixteenth most visited country in the world.
Moreover, tourism accounts for about 5% of Russia’s GDP which is up to billions of dollars gained from tours. Major tourist routes in Russia include a journey around the historical pieces in Russia and a theme route of ancient Russian cities.
Also, there is a chance to cruise on large rivers such as the Volga, hike on mountain ranges such as the Caucasus Mountains, and journey on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway
Employment opportunities
Russia has one of the largest labour force in the world with about 4.1% of unemployment according to statistics. Also, there are about 70 million people who have standard employment in Russia.
Employment abounds in almost all sectors of Russia’s economy, including agriculture, industry, tourism, technology and many more.
Economy
Russia’s economy depends on different sectors, which makes it a mixed economy. Russia is known as part of the largest importers of natural gas in the world.
Similarly, agriculture, industry and manufacturing sectors are also the determinants of economic advancements in Russia.
In addition, Russia has the largest gas and coal reserves which makes transport and energy another focus of its economy asides from tourism. Science, technology and space exploration in rocket science and satellites are also a priority of Russia’s economy.
Climate
Russia has two seasons, winter and summer, though spring and autumn are usually brief periods of change between extremely low and extremely high temperatures.
The coldest month in Russia is January while the warmest is usually July. Also, the wide temperature ranges are typical. Plus in winter, temperatures get colder both from south to north and from west to east.
Biodiversity
There are different habitats in Russia due to how wide the landscape is. This includes polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, mixed and broadleaf forest, forest-steppe, semi-desert, and subtropics.
Also, Russia has a tropical rainforest habitat, with forest reserves quite thicker than the ones in other countries. Therefore, this has been a natural resource that holds the world’s highest amounts of carbon dioxide.
There are diverse flora and fauna with species in thousands both on land and in water. Hence, Russia has hundreds of national parks and natural reserves you need to see during your tour.
Mind-blowing natural wonders
There are diverse mountains, lakes and freshwater habitats in Russia. Also, Russia has one of the biggest hydrospheres in the world which is made up of rivers, lakes and freshwater habitats.
For instance, Lake Baikal is the largest and most prominent among Russia’s freshwater bodies. Plus it is the world’s deepest, purest, oldest and most capacious freshwater lake, containing over one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water.
Do Nigerians need a visa to tour Russia?
Yes, Nigerians need a visa to tour Russia and it can be obtained after the submission of documents at the embassy.
Unlike other countries in Africa that provide a visa-on-arrival option for Nigerians, this is not the same with Russia.
Eligibility for Russia visa in Nigeria
To be considered eligible for a Russian visa, it depends on the category you want to apply for. This is because not all types apply to everyone and it is essential to have this in mind.
Likewise, this will help you identify your visa category because you can not intend to visit Russia for academic purposes and apply for a business visa. You will be considered ineligible for the business visa because you need a study visa instead.
Types of Russia visa available to Nigerians
You can apply for the following Russia visa in Nigeria.
Tourist visa
A Russian tourist visa is applicable if you want to tour Russia for a limited time within 30 days. The Russia tourist visa is also obtained for tourism, holidays, visitation, urgent medical care or the need to attend ceremonies in Russia.
The Russian tourist visa can be issued in Nigeria as a single or double entry. The single-entry allows an individual to enter and exit Russia once while double-entry permits two visits.
Business visa
Russia business visa applies to business owners and investors who intend to visit Russia for trade seminars, training and research.
This visa costs $108 and it is a multiple-entry or double-entry visa, dependent on your application.
Major documents for Russia Business visa in Nigeria
You will be required to provide evidence of business status, tax payments and cash flows within a year or more.
Also, an official invitation letter is required. The letter could be from your Russian business partners, work organizers or the General Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Interior of Russia.
Russia Student visa in Nigeria
The Russian student visa is obtained if you desire to study in Russia as a foreign citizen. The Russian study visa is available for the duration of your education.
However, you need to extend this visa to allow for multiple entries once you begin your education in Russia.
Before you can apply for this study visa, you must have gained admission into a known Russian institution. Furthermore, you will be required to provide valid certificates or transcripts from schools previously attended.
Best time to apply for a Russia visa
Application for a Russian visa must be done three weeks before your trip. Also, when you have been able to provide all travel documents including funds then you can apply.
Although, in the case of a disease outbreak or other emergencies, you will be informed on how to go about obtaining your visa.
Cost of Russia visa in Nigeria
Russia visa varies depending on the type of visa that you want. This depends on whether you are applying for a visit or study visa.
Prices are however subject to change based on foreign exchange and other policies put in place.
Validity of Russia visa
The Russian visa is valid for 30 days. However, it takes about three weeks to process this Russian visa. The validity of a Russian visa also counts from the moment you obtain it.
Also, a Russia visa guarantees you a short-term stay plus single, double or multiple entry options within 30 days.
Requirements for Russia visa in Nigeria
The following are required for a Russia visa application;
Valid means of identification
All means of identification you have provided should be valid and not due to expire anytime soon. This means that throughout your stay in Russia, your IDs should still be valid till you return to Nigeria.
Submission of the visa application form at the embassy
General documents needed to apply for the Russian visa in Nigeria
International passport
The passport must have at least 6 months validity with empty pages for a visa stamp. Also, do not apply for a Russia visa with a torn, damaged or invalid passport.
passport photographs
All passports are to be glued to your application form. However, the passports should align with the required size and backgrounds suggested by the Russian embassy.
Completed visa application form
Your Russia visa application form should be downloaded and completed. Also, all required documents should be added to it and forwarded to the embassy.
copy of your passport
A copy of your passport details should be provided as it would be returned to you along with your visa when it is ready.
Evidence of funds
Evidence of funds should be provided to show that you have enough money to cater for all expenses in Russia.
Medical insurance
A travel medical insurance fee is also to be obtained to cover emergency healthcare situations.
HIV/AIDS clearance certificate
Applicants must provide a certificate stating that they do not have HIV/AIDS. The certificate must not be older than 3 months old.
Accommodation (Hotel Reservations)
Details relating to where you intend to stay in Russia should be provided along with your application.
Also, proof of hotel reservations should be verifiable and valid throughout the stay is required.
Return flight ticket information
Your flight ticket which has been reserved should also be presented at the embassy. This serves as proof that you will return to your country on the agreed date.
Statement of purpose
A letter stating the reason why you are travelling to Russia is vital. This means that you have to carefully include all information needed.
Letter of invitation from a host
A letter of invitation is provided by the individual, institution or company that has invited you to Russia.
The letter should be well-drafted with your travel dates, intentions and itineraries included.
Besides, it should also contain information about your host which includes residential or company address, passport information, citizenship status, valid email address and contact information.
Travel plan or itinerary
A list of all places to visit during your trip, with dates and your motives is also needed in a documented format which you must print.
Payment receipt for tour guides to the tourism agency in Russia
Criminal records
All evidence of criminal records should be indicated, as well as an indication that you do not have any pending investigations.
Moreover, this is provided by law enforcement agencies and should be treated with utmost importance.
Step by Step application for Russia visa in Nigeria
This is a detailed guide to applying for a Russia visa in Nigeria:
Step 1: Apply for the Russia visa online by downloading the form
Step 2: Fill out the application form for Russia and include relevant documents.
Step 3: After filling and attaching all required documents, visit the Russian embassy.
Step 4: Pay your visa fees and submit all documents including your passport at the Russian embassy.
Step 5: Once the visa application for Russia is approved, you will be notified by e-mail.
Step 6: Pickup your passport from the Russian embassy which will include a visa stamp.
Step 7: You can now tour Russia and stay for the duration of your visa.
Important points to consider when applying for the Russian visa
These are vital points to note when applying for a Russia visa:
Application for the Russian visa is completed at the embassy
After you have completed the form, you need to be at the Russian embassy closest to you to submit it. As well, early submission and documentation also play a role in Russian visa approval.
Visa application is done per individual
To apply for a Russian visa, you must apply per person and not in groups. Even if you are applying with your children, their application should be done separately.
You must be at the Russian embassy in person
All submissions for your Russian visa must be done at the embassy. This also adds that you must take all your travel documents there yourself and not hand them over to anyone else except otherwise stated.
All Nigerians need a visa to tour Russia
Russia is not on the list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for Nigerians. Therefore, you need a visa to tour Russia, however, if you have dual citizenship it could be relevant.
That is if the country for which you hold dual citizenship allows for visa exemption. For example,
South Koreans can visit Russia without a visa for 60 days; while tourists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba, Laos, Macau, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Serbia, Seychelles and Thailand can visit for 30 days without a visa.
Applicants under the age of 18 are to submit extra documents.
These documents include a copy of original birth certificates and photocopies of parents’ passports.
Overstaying your visa is a serious violation of the law.
This could lead to deportation and a permanent ban from reentry into Russia in the future.
Registration of a Russian visa is important when you arrive there.
This explains that you need to register your visa at the immigration office in Russia upon entry. Hence, for every new location in Russia you visit, it must be registered on your visa as well.
Address of the Russian embassy in Nigeria
The Russian embassy is located at;
Russian Embassy in Abuja
Plot 1119, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja
Amazing tourist destinations in Russia
Russia is a country full of life, artistic expression and cultural heritage. Therefore, you can explore the following stunning locations in Russia;
- State Hermitage Museum
- The Historical Moscow Kremlin
- Savior on the Spilled Blood
- Peterhof Museum
- Bolshoi Theatre
- The State Tretyakov Gallery
- The State Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky
- The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
- Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure
- Mariinsky Theatre
Conclusion
Fortunately, we have made the process of obtaining a visa to Russia less stressful by outlining the steps and requirements that must be met. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need more information or if you need assistance with your visa application.
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