All foreigners are expected to complete a migration card while passing through customs. It has two parts: the top one is collected by the customs officials on entry, while the bottom part is collected when you leave the country.

You have to fill in your personal data, purpose of visit and the address you’re planning to stay at. It’s a must to write down the name and address of the inviting company (they’re marked in your invitation).

If the information you provide in your immigration card doesn’t match the official information on your visa, you run the risk of not being allowed into the country.

Important: Keep a copy of your invitation – you may be asked to show it. Make sure you know the name and address of your inviting organisation.

Foreign visitors are also asked how long they intend to stay in Russia and may be asked to show proof – like return tickets. Their migration card will then be stamped with a specific departure date – according to the information you provide, regardless of the validity of your visa. Even if the visa is good for, say, a full 30 days but the migration card was issued for only 25 days, you’ll need to leave Russia in 25 days or before that.

Important: Keep the bottom part of your migration card for the whole stay in Russia – you’ll have to produce it when registering your visa and when leaving Russia.

Mandatory Requirements

You may need medical insurance. Absence of medical insurance can be a reason for the rejection of a visa application. Not all foreigners are required to have it though. Contact the nearest Russian consulate for details.