Do Slovak citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Since August 1, 2023, an electronic visa has been available. It allows foreign citizens to stay in Russia for up to 30 days without an invitation. For longer stays, a standard visa issued through a consulate is required.
How can Slovak citizens apply for a Russian visa?
Step 1. Get an invitation
To apply for a Russian visa, Slovak citizens need to prepare a set of documents, the most important of which is an official invitation. The type of invitation depends on the visa category requested: tourist, business, private, work, or another type, depending on the purpose of the visit.
Step 2. Choose how to submit your documents
- Through the Russian consulate.
– Applications are accepted by appointment only.
– The number of applications accepted per day is limited, so long queues are possible. - Through an agency – a full visa service.
– Agencies help arrange a visa without the applicant having to appear in person.
– This option is suitable for busy applicants or anyone who wants to reduce paperwork.
Since the official Russian visa center in Slovakia is closed, documents can currently be submitted either in person at the consulate or through an agency. When contacting the Russian consulate, please note that visa documents are accepted strictly by prior appointment.
⚠️ Regardless of the submission method, start the visa application process in advance – this will help you avoid unexpected delays. However, a visa application may be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the planned date of entry.
Apply for an invitation
Price from €14
Full visa service for Russian visas in Slovakia
For Slovak citizens, GoingRus offers a remote full visa service with submission through our representative office in Germany to the Russian Consular Section in Bonn. German residency is not required. The applicant does not need to visit the consulate in person or contact a visa center to submit the visa application. We will prepare all the necessary documents and arrange passport delivery from the applicant to our partners in Germany. They will submit the documents to the consulate and, once the visa is ready, collect the passport with the issued visa and send it back by courier.
The standard processing time for a single- or double-entry visa is 8–10 business days, counted from the moment your documents are received at our office in Bonn. Urgent processing is also available and takes 2 business days. For a multiple-entry visa, the processing time is 12 business days, and expedited processing is not available for this type. Please add another 2–4 business days for document delivery in both directions.
All visa packages for Slovak citizens include the following services:
- Consular and visa fees for visa processing.
- Remote visa processing for EU passport holders through our office in Bonn – with no need to confirm German residency.
- Completion of the consular visa application form on the applicant’s behalf, based on the information provided by the applicant.
- Round-trip delivery of original documents by DHL (to our office in Germany and back).
The price of the full visa service includes mandatory consular and visa fees, DHL courier delivery within the EU (€99), and our company’s service fee. Standard packages start from €119, while urgent packages start from €179. Consular and visa fees vary depending on the number of entries and processing urgency. The invitation and medical insurance are paid separately: the invitation price depends on its type, duration, and number of entries; the insurance price depends on the insurance program, the number of insured days, and the applicant’s age (from €1 per day).
Full visa service
Price from €119
Main types of Russian visas for Slovak citizens
- Tourist visa – for example: tourism, excursions, sightseeing;
- Business visa – conferences, business meetings;
- Electronic visa – short-term trips;
- Work visa – employment in a Russian company;
- Private visa – visiting relatives or meeting friends in Russia (although it is usually more practical and cheaper to use a tourist or electronic visa).
Validity periods of Russian visas for Slovak citizens
| Visa | Validity period | Purpose of entry |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 1–180 days | Tourism, leisure, excursions, cultural events, and visits to friends or relatives in Russia |
| Business | 1 month to 5 years | Business meetings and negotiations, looking for business partners, attending conferences, and long-term visits to relatives in Russia |
| Electronic | 1–30 days | Short-term trips |
| Private | 30 days to 1 year | Officially arranged visits to relatives and friends in Russia |
| Work | up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension for up to three years | Employment in Russia |
Documents for a Russian visa for Slovak citizens
- Invitation.
– Depending on the visa category (tourist, business, private, etc.) – in accordance with consular requirements. - International passport (original)
– At least two blank pages.
– Validity – at least 6 months after the visa expires. - Visa application form.
– Completed online at visa.kdmid.ru (in Russian or English).
– Printed and signed in person. - Passport photo.
– Color photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, against a light background.
– Taken within the last 6 months. - Medical insurance.
– An insurance policy valid throughout the Russian Federation for the entire visa period, with coverage of at least €30,000. - Proof of legal residence in Slovakia (not required for Slovak citizens).
– For third-country nationals – the original and a copy of the Slovak residence permit. - Documents for minor children.
– Birth certificate (original + copy).
– For children travelling with third parties – parental authorization, a copy of the parent’s passport, and the child’s birth certificate.
Processing times for a Russian visa for Slovak citizens
Visa applications are processed by the staff of the Embassy or Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Slovakia. Processing times start from the next business day after the complete set of documents has been received.
The standard processing time is 4–10 business days. If necessary, urgent processing is available and may take up to 3 business days; however, this service requires prior approval and is not provided automatically.
Please note that processing times may increase during the high season. For business visas issued on the basis of an official invitation from a company, urgent processing is not available – in this case, the standard 10-day processing time applies.
In the case of group applications or unforeseen circumstances, processing times may be extended. We recommend planning document submission in advance.
How much does a Russian visa for Slovak citizens cost?
The cost of a visa for Slovak citizens depends on:
- The number of entries (single-entry, double-entry, multiple-entry).
- The processing time (standard or urgent).
For urgent processing, the fee doubles.
Consular fee rates (in euros):
- Single entry:
- 4–10 days – €80.
- 1–3 days – €160 (urgent processing).
- Double entry:
- 4–10 days – €128.
- 1–3 days – €256 (urgent processing).
- Multiple entry:
- 4–10 days – €240.
- 1–3 days – €480 (urgent processing).
The prices shown are for informational purposes only – the final amount may vary depending on additional services and the current exchange rate.
Tourist visa for Russia for Slovak citizens
If a visit to the Russian Federation is planned for sightseeing and leisure, a tourist visa is required. The invitation for this type of visa is issued by tour operators listed in the federal register and holding their own reference number [1].
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Russian visa
The format of the invitation may vary, but the document must contain the travel company’s details and reference number, as well as the Slovak citizen’s passport details. The tourist invitation must state the travel dates and number of visa entries, the planned itinerary (cities to be visited), and places of accommodation.
You can check the status of a tourist invitation at this link.
To apply for a visa, Slovak citizens will also need mandatory medical insurance.
What is the validity period of a tourist visa for Slovak citizens?
Up to 90 days with single or double entry, or for 180 days with multiple entry (under a multiple-entry tourist visa, the permitted stay must not exceed 90 days out of 180).
Apply for a tourist invitation
Price from €14
Business visa for Russia for Slovak citizens
Slovak citizens planning to conduct business negotiations, search for business partners, sign or extend contracts, or participate in seminars or auctions in Russia need a business visa. This visa requires an invitation from a Russian legal entity, issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (formerly the FMS) or the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or on the letterhead of the inviting organization.
What is the validity period of a business visa for Slovak citizens?
The maximum validity period of a business visa for Slovak citizens is five years. At the same time, the permitted continuous or total stay in the Russian Federation under multiple-entry business visas for all EU citizens must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
If a Slovak citizen has not previously had Russian business visas but needs a business visa for longer than three months, the visa must be requested on the basis of an invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (electronic) or a telex. Such official invitations are issued immediately for 365 days with multiple entry, even if the applicant has no previous Russian visas.
Types of business invitations for Russia for Slovak citizens:
- company letter;
- electronic invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- telex from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An invitation on company letterhead – this is a letter of request from a Russian organization asking a Russian consular office to issue a visa to a Slovak citizen. This invitation is issued within one day.
Electronic invitation is issued by migration divisions of territorial bodies of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly the Federal Migration Service) on the basis of a petition from an accredited organization inviting the foreign citizen. An electronic invitation with a barcode is sent digitally to the database of the Russian consulate specified when the document is issued, and the applicant receives a printable copy of the invitation by email. Only the printed copy is required for the visa application, as no original exists. The processing times for an electronic invitation for Slovak citizens are regulated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and are 20 to 30 business days.
Telex – this is a direct instruction from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a Russian consular office. In this case, when applying for the visa, the foreign citizen only needs to provide the telex number (visa instruction number) provided by the inviting party. The processing time for a telex for Slovak citizens is also 20 to 30 business days.
What is the difference between a telex and an electronic invitation?
If a Slovak citizen has already had Russian business visas, we recommend applying for a written company invitation:
- A company letter is cheaper than a telex or an electronic invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- It is issued online in five minutes – a copy of the invitation is sent by email immediately after the order is paid.
- With this type of invitation, it is possible to obtain a visa valid for two to five years (provided there are previously used multiple-entry visas to Russia), whereas an electronic invitation or telex allows you to request a visa for a maximum of one year.
Important:
-
Business visa applications based on a company letter are processed by Russian consulates within 12 business days; expedited processing is not possible.
-
Slovak citizens must submit this type of invitation (on company letterhead) to the consulate in original form if applying for a multiple-entry visa. You can order courier delivery of the original invitation to Slovakia from us.
How to quickly obtain an invitation on company letterhead for a Slovak citizen:
- Fill out a short online application form
- Pay for the order by bank card on the website.
- Receive a copy of the invitation by email immediately after payment.
Apply for an invitation letter online
Price from €49
Electronic visa for Russia for Slovak citizens
The unified electronic visa is a new format of visa document that allows foreign citizens to visit the Russian Federation without obtaining a regular visa (a sticker in the passport). No invitation to Russia is required to apply for this visa.
The electronic visa is intended for tourist, business, humanitarian, and guest trips, as well as for participation in socio-political, economic, and sporting events. The electronic visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. The permitted stay in Russia is no more than 30 days from the date of entry. The e-visa can only be single-entry.
To apply for an electronic visa, Slovak citizens only need a digital personal photo, a copy of the passport, and an application form completed on our website.
Price from €84
Private visa for Russia for Slovak citizens
To visit relatives or friends, Slovak citizens should formally apply for a private visa. The inviting party must arrange a private invitation for the foreign citizen in accordance with Russian law. The inviting party may be a Russian citizen or a foreign citizen holding a residence permit. In practice, however, this option is not always convenient: here is why using a private visa is not recommended.
Private visa validity period
A private visa may be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. It is issued for a period from 30 days to one year and allows the foreign citizen to stay in Russia for the entire validity period of the visa without leaving the Russian Federation.
Obtaining a private visa by invitation
If a Slovak citizen is invited to the Russian Federation by a private individual, that person must contact the Main Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the place of registration. If the inviting party is a company, the application is submitted to the same authority at the place of the company’s accreditation.
The invitation is issued on a Ministry of Internal Affairs form in paper or electronic format with an individual number. Processing takes up to 30 days: during this period, checks are carried out to verify the presence or absence of criminal records, as well as visa and administrative violations. If the Slovak citizen violated Russian law during previous trips, the invitation will be refused.
Obtaining a private visa based on an application from a close relative
Since September 2021, Slovak citizens who are close relatives of Russian citizens may apply for a one-year private visa on the basis of a written application from a Russian citizen for the entry of their close relative into Russia.
Who qualifies as a close relative:
- parents;
- spouses;
- children;
- children’s spouses;
- full and half siblings;
- adoptive parents and adopted children;
- grandchildren;
- grandparents.
The Russian citizen must submit this application in person to the Russian Consular Section in Slovakia or through a Russian visa center. If the applicant is located in the territory of the Russian Federation, the original notarized application will be required to obtain the visa. It is also necessary to provide the original or a notarized copy of a document confirming close kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) that is recognized as valid in Russia.
Private visa for special cases
In exceptional circumstances, a private visa to Russia may be issued without an invitation – on the basis of a decision by the Ambassador or Consul of the Russian Federation in Slovakia upon a written application from the foreign citizen. A private visa for special cases may be issued to a Slovak citizen who needs to enter Russia urgently due to the serious illness or death of a close relative, or to receive urgent medical treatment in the Russian Federation. The need for urgent entry must be confirmed with documents.
Apply for a private invitation to Russia for Slovak citizens
Our company does not arrange private invitations. In addition, we recommend a tourist visa or a business visa, as these options take less time. A private invitation must be arranged independently by contacting the Main Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the place of registration.
Work visa for Russia for Slovak citizens
Slovak citizens must have a work visa to work legally in Russia. A work visa should not be confused with a business visa – only a work visa allows a foreign citizen to work officially and receive a salary. The invitation for a work visa is arranged by the employer planning to hire the Slovak citizen. This is a complex and time-consuming procedure that includes several stages:
- Obtaining a work permit (handled by the employer company).
- Obtaining an invitation for a 90-day work visa.
- Registering the foreign citizen for migration purposes after arrival in Russia.
- Extending the work visa for the entire validity period of the work permit.
- Registering the foreign citizen for migration purposes for the entire visa validity period.
The maximum period for which a work visa may be issued is three years (for highly qualified specialists), and unlike a business visa, a work visa allows foreign citizens to stay in Russia for the entire validity period. In addition, a work visa can be extended without leaving the country.
Our company does not arrange work invitations.
Where can Slovak citizens apply for a Russian visa in Slovakia?
A visa for Russia can be obtained through the Russian consular office in Slovakia, in Bratislava.
Russian consular offices in Slovakia
Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Slovak Republic, Consular Section of the Embassy (Bratislava):- Address: Maróthyho 3, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Phone: +421/2/544 14 994.
- Fax: +421/2/544 14 664
- E-mail: konzulat.slovakia@mid.ru
- Website: slovakia.mid.ru
- Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 15:30
Visitors are received only by prior appointment.
Frequently asked questions
- Clarify the reason for the refusal – request a written explanation from the consulate if it was not provided automatically. Please note that the consulate has the right to refuse a visa without giving reasons, and a request for clarification may also be rejected.
- Correct any mistakes – recheck the documents (application form, invitation, passport validity) and submit the application again after correcting the deficiencies.
- File an appeal – challenge the refusal through the consulate or court if it is unfounded, with the help of lawyers or the inviting party.
- An administrative fine – from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, and up to 500,000 rubles for the host party (for example, an employer or relative).
- Entry ban – in cases of serious violations (for example, illegal employment or visa overstay), entry to Russia may be banned for up to several years.
- Deportation – in cases of major violations, such as forged documents or illegal stay, deportation may be imposed, followed by entry restrictions.