Russia - staying at friend's place with tourist visa

Once you have obtained a tourist visa, you can enter Russia and stay at the home of your Russian family or friend. If you are staying with friends or family for less than 30 days, it is much more practical to apply for a tourist visa (allowing stays of up to 30 days).

1. How long can you stay in Russia on a tourist visa?
2. Can you travel freely in Russia?
3. What happens if you overstay your visa in Russia?
4. Can a Russian woman get a tourist visa?
5. Is it hard to get a Russian tourist visa?
6. Is visiting Russia dangerous?
7. Is Russia friendly to tourists?
8. How do I not look like a tourist in Russia?
9. Does Russia get a lot of tourists?
10. Can you go to jail for overstaying your visa?
11. Can I extend my visa in Russia?
12. How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

How long can you stay in Russia on a tourist visa?

A tourist Russian visa is single-entry or double-entry only and can be valid for the period up to 30 days. If you are a US citizen, you can get a tourist visa to Russia valid for 3 years, and you can stay every 90 out of every 180 days on that type of visa.

Can you travel freely in Russia?

The process is fairly straightforward, but an invitation from a licensed tourism operator or from a Russian citizen is required. ... Visitors coming by sea are granted 72 hours visa-free entrance into Russia if they have made arrangements with a travel agent.

What happens if you overstay your visa in Russia?

What should I do? A valid visa is necessary to leave Russia. Travellers who overstay the validity of their visa, even by one day, will be prevented from departing. You will need to obtain an exit visa.

Can a Russian woman get a tourist visa?

It will likely be very difficult for her to obtain a visitor's visa unless she has strong ties to Russia. She can always apply. A visitor visa is not to be used to circumvent the is country's immigration laws. ... You could also choose to meet in a third country to which she can obtain a visa.

Is it hard to get a Russian tourist visa?

Keep in mind most visitors need a visa to enter Russia. Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter.

Is visiting Russia dangerous?

Crime: Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. U.S. citizens have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to impartially and thoroughly investigate crimes. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Is Russia friendly to tourists?

In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you're traveling as a tourist to large cities (such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc.) or if you are making the Trans-Siberian route. However, there are a number of risk areas in Russia, which is advisable not to travel to: The border with Ukraine.

How do I not look like a tourist in Russia?

The best thing you can do in a country like Russia is to try to blend in.
...
1. Stop smiling

1. Westerners casually smile to officials and anyone they meet eyes with.
2. Russians do not smile and look away.
3. If you want to blend in, stop looking at people and keep a sombre expression on the face.

Does Russia get a lot of tourists?

Rich cultural heritage and great natural variety place Russia among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. ... In 2013, Russia was visited by 33 million tourists, making it the ninth-most visited country in the world and the seventh-most visited in Europe.

Can you go to jail for overstaying your visa?

Overstaying a visa is not a crime in the US. While it is a misdemeanor to enter the US without being processed, it is not a crime to be in the US illegally. Therefore as a general matter, you cannot be jailed for trying to return.

Can I extend my visa in Russia?

Russian visas will be extended regardless of the purpose of the individual's entry to Russia. If the visa has already expired, the temporary stay will be extended.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

It takes between 4 working days and 6 weeks to get your Russian visa depending upon the type that you need. The cost also varies according to the visa's type and how quickly you need it. Please see our visa-specific pages for Russian visas (accessible here) for price options.