IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THE BRITISH EMBASSY OR CONSULATES REGISTER YOUR VISA WITH THE RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES FOR YOU

 

 

New System: Notification Instead of Registration

 

The Russian Visa Registration law, which came into force on 15 January 2007, introduces the new system of notification of foreigners’ entry into the Russian Federation. It is intended to simplify registration procedures for foreign nationals. The process is now of a notification nature and the responsibility of registration has shifted to the inviting or receiving party. The inviting party is the person or the organisation that supports the visitor’s initial visa application. The receiving party is the person or the organisation, which hosts and provides accommodation for the foreign national during the period of his or her stay or work in Russia.

 

The 3 working days rule

 

It is obligatory to register a foreign national’s entry into the Russian Federation within three working days. However, if the duration of the whole visit is less than three working days it is not necessary to register the visa at all.

 

If a foreign national visits another part of Russia for more than three working days he or she has to register once again in that destination and re-register on his or her return to the initial destination. The rule also applies to multiple entry visa holders who leave Russia for more than three working days.

 

Notification Procedure

 

Notification can be done either by post or by applying directly to the local Federal Migration Services branch. The following documents should be submitted:

 

· copy of the migration card received at the border on entry to Russia.

(a migration card has to be completed upon arrival. One half is retained by the immigration officer, the other handed back to the foreign national and should be retained until departure when it is necessary to hand this in)

· Copies of the following passport pages:

-  the biodata page – the page that contains personal details of the holder

-  the page that was stamped by the border guard upon arrival.

 

Foreign nationals do not have to apply in person for registration. Irrespective of the method of application chosen, by post or directly to a FMS office, the procedure is as follows: 

 

·  If staying privately - a notification form is completed, the bottom part of it is stamped, torn off and given back to the foreign national as proof of registration. This receipt should be kept with the passport and the migration card at all times until departure when it is should be returned to the inviting/receiving party who in turn return it to the local FMS office.

 

·  If staying in a hotel - it is the hotel’s responsibility to register his or her arrival.

 

When a foreign national leaves the country, he or she only has to present a passport (with a valid visa) and the half of the retained migration card at the border. It is advisable (but not required)  to also have a photocopy of the registration receipt.

 

If a foreign national is not registered and is staying in the country for more then three working days then fines can be levied as follows: 2000-5000 Roubles for the foreign national, 2000-5000 Roubles for the receiving party (individual) and up to 50,000 Roubles for the receiving party if it is an organisation. 

 

For more information, please, visit the website: www.fms.gov.ru

 

Visa Rules for permanent residents:

 

A holder of an overseas passport with permanent resident status in Russia who wants to travel abroad must first obtain an exit/entry visa. At least six weeks prior to a planned departure the applicant must apply for a visa at the visa registration office. When the visa is ready the applicant submits his residence permit in exchange for the visa. Once he/she returns to Russia the residence permit is returned. Holders of residence permits can only be absent from the country for three months.