Welcome, Visa Applicants!

ATTENTION: On August 1, 2012 the consular exchange rate went down from 35/1 to 34/1.  For example, the fee for a 2-year visa is now 3400 rubles.  We are encouraging people to bring the exact change for their visa fees.

ATTENTION: Pony Express no longer collects visa fees or makes visa appointments. Pony Express provides courier services only.

Russian citizens, like citizens of many countries, require a visa to enter the United States.

Nonimmigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to go to the U.S. on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.

What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

Who needs a visa?

Most travelers from the Russian Federation require visas to enter the United States, although some holders of foreign passports may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

New requirement: All VWP participants must register with the ESTA website before traveling.  VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.

Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

How do I apply for a visa?

As of August 1, 2011, all applicants must visit

• http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru/ or
• http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru_ru/ (Russian version)

to obtain information on how to apply for a U.S. visa at a consular section in Russia.

Visa Processing Time

Most applicants receive their visas the day after their interviews. However, some cases may require additional processing, particularly applicants working or studying in scientific or technical fields, which could result in a delay of up to eight weeks or more. Please note that once an application is submitted processing cannot be expedited.

Visa Appointment Wait Time

Wait times for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment may differ greatly depending on the time of the year. Please apply early. For more about "visa wait times", see here.

Visa Issuance

No assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you have been approved and have received your visa.

Visa Denials

For more information on visa denials, see here.

Please note that no one may accompany applicants into the embassy's visa waiting room. This includes American citizens, spouses, attorneys, sponsors, friends, and family members. Thus, any information these individuals would like to present should be submitted with the application materials or given to the applicant to present to the Consular Officer during the interview. We appreciate your understanding.