If you’re travelling to a different country through Moscow, you may encounter a layover in this vibrant and multicultural city. However, when planning your trip, one important consideration to keep in mind is the visa requirements for layovers in Moscow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a layover visa, as well as provide you with some tips and advice to make the process easier.

Key Takeaways

• Layover visas are required for all foreign citizens who require an airport transit visa and plan to leave the airport during their layover.
• The process for obtaining a layover visa is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation before arriving in Moscow.
• You can obtain a layover visa either through the Russian embassy in your home country, or through a visa center in Moscow.
• There are a number of restrictions and conditions that apply to layover visas, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these before applying.
• If you’re planning to spend more than 24 hours in Moscow, you’ll need to obtain a regular tourist visa instead of a layover visa.

Who Needs a Layover Visa in Moscow?

All foreign citizens who require an airport transit visa and plan to leave the airport during their layover need to obtain a layover visa in Moscow. This applies regardless of your age and your travel purpose.

How to Obtain a Layover Visa in Moscow

There are two main ways to obtain a layover visa in Moscow: through the Russian embassy in your home country, or through a visa center in Moscow.

Obtaining a Layover Visa Through the Russian Embassy

If you choose to apply for a layover visa through the Russian embassy in your home country, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Russia
• A printed copy of your airline ticket, which must show your departure from Russia within 24 hours of your arrival
• A filled-out visa application form
• A passport-style photo
• Proof of medical insurance valid in Russia for the entire duration of your stay

The processing time for a layover visa application through the embassy can vary depending on the embassy’s workload, so make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to obtain your visa.

Obtaining a Layover Visa Through a Visa Center in Moscow

If you’re already in Moscow and need to obtain a layover visa, you can do so through a visa center in the city. The visa center will need to see the same documents as you would provide to the embassy, but can usually process your application faster.

Layover Visa Restrictions and Conditions

There are a number of restrictions and conditions that apply to layover visas in Moscow. Some of the most important ones to keep in mind include:

• Layover visas are valid for a maximum of 72 hours.
• You must depart from the same airport you arrived at.
• You must remain in Moscow during your layover, and cannot travel to other parts of Russia.
• You cannot work while in Russia with a layover visa.
• If you’re planning to spend more than 24 hours in Moscow, you’ll need to obtain a regular tourist visa instead of a layover visa.

Tips for Navigating the Layover Visa Process

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the layover visa process go as smoothly as possible:

• Check the visa requirements well in advance of your trip to ensure you have plenty of time to obtain your visa.
• Double-check all the required documentation before you arrive in Moscow.
• Make sure you have a clear itinerary for your layover so you don’t accidentally break any visa restrictions.
• If you have any questions or concerns about the layover visa process, don’t hesitate to contact the Russian embassy or visa center for assistance.

With this guide, you should have all the information you need to obtain a layover visa in Moscow and enjoy your time in this fascinating city. Safe travels!

FAQ

Can I leave the airport during my layover in Moscow without a layover visa?

No, you must obtain a layover visa if you plan to leave the airport during your layover in Moscow.

Can I apply for a layover visa once I arrive in Moscow?

Yes, you can apply for a layover visa through a visa center in Moscow if you’re already in the city.

Can I extend my layover visa once I’m in Moscow?

No, it’s not possible to extend a layover visa in Moscow. If you need to stay in Moscow for more than 72 hours, you’ll need to obtain a regular tourist visa instead.