As of February 2018, there are new visa requirements for Russian citizens. The biggest change on this list is the requirement for obtaining a specific visa for Indian citizens to enter Russia. This guide provides information about these changes and what Americans should know about applying for visas to Russia.
What is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card?
An OCI card is a travel document that is issued to citizens of India who are also citizens of one of the countries listed in the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without an INDIAN VISA FOR RUSSIAN CITIZENS.
To obtain an OCI card, you must submit an application and provide documentation that proves your Indian citizenship and your foreign citizenship. The application process can take up to six months, so be prepared for delays if you are applying from outside of India.
Once you have your OCI card, you can use it to travel to the United States as long as you have a valid passport from one of the countries listed in the Visa Waiver Program. You won’t need a visa if you’re traveling on an OCI card, but you will need to meet all other requirements for entering the United States, such as having a valid ticket and being in good health.
If you’re traveling on an OCI card and your passport from one of the countries listed in the Visa Waiver Program is expired, lost, or damaged, you can still travel to the United States provided that you have a valid passport from another
Who can apply for the OCI Card?
The OCI card is designed for foreign citizens who want to stay in Russia for a period of 90 days or less. The OCI card allows you to stay in Russia without a visa, and it is valid for multiple entries into Russia. The card costs $60 and can be applied for through the Russian embassy or consulate in your home country. To be eligible for the OCI card, you must have a valid passport and an onward ticket to leave Russia within 90 days. INDIAN VISA FOR SINGAPORE CITIZENS
To be eligible for the OCI card, you must have a valid passport and an onward ticket to leave Russia within 90 days.
If you are not a Russian citizen, you may still be able to obtain the OCI card if you are traveling on an official passport of a country that is a member of the European Union or Switzerland. You must also have proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in Russia.
Why do Russians need to travel with a US Visa?
The Agreement between the United States of America and the Russian Federation allows Russian citizens to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa if they are travelling on a plane or an ocean vessel.
As of January 1, 2018, all visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the United States.
If you are travelling with a children who is under 18 years old, they will need a passport and a visa if they are not travelling with you.
What are the limitations of using a US Visa?
If you are a Russian citizen and traveling to the United States, you will likely need a visa. A visa is a document issued by a US consulate or embassy that lets you enter the United States. To get a visa, you must meet certain requirements including having enough money to support yourself while in the United States, being able to demonstrate that you will not be a burden on the US government, and having a valid passport. Some exceptions to these requirements do exist, but they are few and far between. One common exception is if you are a journalist or member of an organization that is invited to speak at an American university.
Most Russians planning to visit the United States will need either a tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visa. These visas allow you stay in the United States for up to 90 days and can be obtained at any US consulate or embassy abroad. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, your passport validity date, and your return flight ticket. The fee for a B-2 or B-1 visa is $160 payable in cash or money order. Once you have obtained your visa, make sure that you have all of the required documents with you when you arrive
Conclusion
If you are a Russian citizen and want to visit or work in the United States, you will need a visa. There are two kinds of visas that Russians can apply for: tourist and business visas. Tourist visas allow holders to stay in the U.S. for up to six months, while business visas last up to one year and allow Russians easier access to important economic sectors like research, investment, and trade. Americans should be aware that there is a limited number of tourist visas available each year (10,000), so it’s important that they apply as early as possible. Additionally, American citizens who have visited Russia within the past five years are not eligible for tourist visas unless they have left the country and returned no less than three months prior to applying.
When it comes to business visas, most requirements fall under what is known as the “investor” category which includes having an annual income above $250,000 or owning assets worth more than $1 million dollars outside of Russia. Unlike other visa categories where dual citizenship is not a requirement, applicants must prove both Russian citizenship AND U.S residency in order for their application to be accepted..