Russia is an amazing country to visit, but let’s be honest, it isn’t the easiest. Before you even get there, you’ve got the hassle of obtaining a Russian visa. Yes, you need a tourist visa to visit Russia.

Don’t let this put you off visiting Russia. Getting a Russian visa is an extra expense, but it’s not nearly as difficult as some people suggest. It’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s how to get a tourist visa for Russia along with some helpful tips for your visit.

How do I apply for a Russian visa?
You need to apply for a visa online before you leave. You can do this at http://www.visitrussia.org.uk/visa/. You will probably need a tourist visa. The form is simple to fill out; just follow the instructions. You’ll need to know which hotel you’re staying at, and although there are a lot of questions, they’re not too difficult.

When applying for your visa, you will need an official Russian invitation letter. If you don’t have one, you can get an invitation through the tourist board when you apply. This costs $19, but some companies may charge up to $50, so be careful where you get your invitation letter from. The invitation thing is just another way to make money, I guess.

You then pay online, print out your form, and send it off with a passport photo. You can post it to either Edinburgh or London, or if you live close to either office, you can hand it in or pick it up in person.

How much does it cost?
A single entry 30-day visa costs £125 and takes 7 working days to process. If you need an express visa, it can be processed in 2 days but will cost £220.

Other useful things to know:
If you’re traveling in the winter, it will be even colder than you can imagine, so remember your winter clothes and a good pair of boots with strong grips.

You can’t use your debit or credit card everywhere, but there are plenty of cash machines available.

Always carry your passport – a lot of tourist attractions require a passport for some reason. I couldn’t visit the TV tower because I didn’t have mine on me.

Russian people aren’t big on small talk. Don’t think they’re being rude if they’re not chatting away with you about the weather.

Don’t expect many people to speak English, particularly older people. Most are willing to help if you’re lost or need advice, but look for those under 25, and you’ll have a better chance of finding an English speaker.

So that’s pretty much it, and it’s way easier than most people think. If you have any questions about traveling to Russia or visas, just let me know.