Everyone who visits Russia needs a visa. Oftentimes, obtaining this visa is the most difficult step in organizing a trip to Russia. Travelers should allow themselves at least two months prior to their trip to secure a tourist visa which is valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of entry. If you plan to stay longer than a month, it’s advised that you apply for a business visa instead.
Obtaining a Russian Visa Can Be Difficult
Obtaining a visa to Russia can be difficult, and it’s practically impossible without insurance. No matter which visa you choose to apply for, there is a well-defined process for applying and getting your Russian visa. The process begins in an unusual way, however – you must first have an invitation. Hotels and hostels will usually issue a visa invitation to anyone staying with them for a small fee. If you are not staying in a hotel or hostel, you will need to buy an invitation and this can be done through a travel agent.
With your invitation in hand, you can then fill out the application and submit it to any Russian embassy. The cost for processing the application varies widely and depends on the type of visa, how quickly you need it, and other unpredictable factors.
Why Travel Health Insurance is Required for Russia
To obtain a Russian visa, applicants have to submit proof of travel insurance with $30,000 coverage issued by a reliable insurance company. Generally, you need to purchase travel insurance that covers you for “one trip.” The health insurance policy must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Russia.
Having Travel Medical Insurance Means Not Having to Pay in Russia
Regardless of whether travel health insurance is required for you or not, the absence of it can be a reason for rejection of your tourist or business visa. In addition, while the travel medical insurance requirement does not extend to citizens of Schengen states, Israel, Estonia, and Finland who live and/or work in the Russian Federation (among other requirements), having travel medical insurance means that the traveler will not have to pay for their medical care costs in an emergency medical situation – injury, accident, or illness.
In addition, your travel medical insurance plan will cover life-saving medical evacuation if you’re severely injured during your trip in Russia. This fact alone can make the minimal amount a traveler spends on travel health insurance worth the premium they pay. Start planning your trip to Russia by learning about our visitors insurance plans.
