How to Check Russia Visa Status? [Updated Guide]

Indian travelers planning a trip to Russia must secure a visa before their journey. Knowing how to check Russia visa status in India is essential to avoid uncertainty and plan travel efficiently. You can track your visa application online using your reference number and personal details on the official Russian visa portal. 

This ensures real-time updates on your application, helps identify delays early, and allows you to take necessary action in case of rejections or additional documentation requests.

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Requirements to Check Your Russia Visa Status

To verify your Russia visa status online, you’ll need some specific information:

Application ID

When you submit your tourist visa application, you receive a unique application ID. This acts as the primary reference for Russia visa check by passport number and other details. An example Russian visa application ID is RUS123456789. Keep this handy for online status checks.

Passport Number

Your Indian passport number is required to match your identity to your application when you check your Russia visa status. Ensure you enter it accurately.

Captcha or Verification Code

Online status check portals often require you to enter a captcha code or verification code for security reasons. This helps prevent automated bots from misusing the system. Enter the code carefully to proceed.

Must Read: Russia Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

How to Check Russia Visa Status

Indians have multiple options to do Russia visa tracking:

• Online Portal: Use the official Russian government visa portal or authorized visa application center websites to check your Russia visa processing status by entering your application ID, passport details, and captcha code.
• Email or Phone: Contact the Russian embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you applied via email or phone. Provide your application ID and passport details for them to inform you of your current Russia visa status.
• In-Person: Visit the Russian embassy, consulate, or visa center personally with your application receipt, passport, and ID proof. Meet a consular officer to get an update on your application status.

Must Read: Russia Visa For Indians – E-Visa Detailed Guide

How to Check Russia Visa Status Online

Follow these steps for the online Russia visa status check:

1. Visit the Official Visa Portal: Go to the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://indianembassy-moscow.gov.in/e-visa-01-11-2024.php) or the authorized visa application center where you submitted your application.
2. Locate the Visa Status Section: Find the “Track Application Status” or similar link on the website homepage. Click on it.
3. Enter Your Application ID: Input the application ID from your visa application receipt in the relevant field.
4. Provide Passport Details: Enter your passport number and captcha code in the designated spaces.
5. Submit and Check Status: Click “Submit” or “Track” to view your current Russia visa application status. It will show if your application is in process, approved, or rejected, or if more information is needed.

How to Check Russia Visa Status with Passport Number

Currently, it is not possible to check Russia visa status using only your passport number. You must input your application ID along with your passport number for the online status check.

If you have misplaced your application ID, contact the Russian embassy or consulate directly with your passport number and other details. They may be able to provide alternative tracking methods.

Must Read: How To Check Russia Visa Status Using Passport Number?

How to Check Russia Visa Status Offline

To track your Russia visa application status offline, follow these steps:

1. Contact the Russian Embassy or Consulate: Find the contact details of the Russian embassy or consulate where you applied on their official website. Call or email them for a status update.
2. Provide Identification Details: Share your application ID, passport number, full name, and date of birth with the consular officer to help them locate your application in their system.
3. Verify Your Identity: The officer may ask additional security questions to confirm your identity, such as your birthplace, application date, etc. Answer correctly to proceed.
4. Note Down Status: The officer will inform you of your application’s current status. Note it down along with the date and their name for future reference.
5. Collect Additional Documents: If the officer needs more documents to process your application, collect the list of required papers. Submit them promptly to avoid delays.

Common Issues Related to Checking Russia Visa Status

Tracking your Russia visa status online or offline can sometimes present challenges for Indian applicants. Common issues include:

• System Glitches or Delays: The online portal may experience technical problems, server downtime, or delayed updates. This can lead to a “no status found” message or outdated information. Patience and retrying after some time usually resolve this.
• Incorrect or Incomplete Information: Entering wrong details such as passport number, application ID, or personal information, can prevent the system from retrieving your status. Always double-check all details against your application receipt before checking online.
• Application Errors: Mistakes in your application, like spelling errors in names, addresses, or travel dates, can cause delays or even rejection, affecting your visa status.
• Payment Issues: Failed or incomplete payments may prevent the processing of your visa, leading to an invalid or untracked application. Confirm that your payment has been successfully processed.
• Document or Passport Problems: Submitting incorrect, incomplete, or false documents, or using a passport with insufficient validity or blank pages, can result in processing delays or rejection.
• Additional Verification or Security Checks: Some applications may require extra background checks, which can extend processing times and temporarily affect your status updates.

What to Do if Your Russia Visa is Delayed?

If your Russia visa processing status shows no progress for a long time, take these steps:

• Contact the Embassy: Call or email the Russian consulate for an update on your application. Explain how long you’ve been waiting and request an estimated decision date.
• Provide Additional Documents: The embassy may request more documents like proof of funds, travel insurance, etc. Make sure you send these promptly to avoid further delays.
• Escalate if Needed: If you don’t hear back despite multiple follow-ups, escalate the matter to a senior consular officer or the head of the visa department. Be polite but firm in your request for a status update.
• Apply for Urgent Processing: For emergency travel, you may be able to apply for expedited visa processing for an additional fee. Check with the embassy if this option is available.

What Should You Do After a Russia Visa Rejection?

In case of a Russia visa rejection, your options depend on the visa type:

E-Visas

• Review Rejection Reasons: The embassy will email you the reason for your e-visa denial, such as incorrect documents, insufficient funds, invalid purpose of travel, etc.
• Rectify and Reapply: Carefully go through the rejection reasons. Correct all errors and gather additional documents to strengthen your application. Apply afresh with the rectified details.

Sticker Visas

• Understand Ineligibility: If your sticker visa is rejected, it may be because you are ineligible under Russian immigration rules. This can happen due to factors like criminal background, previous visa overstays, etc.
• Apply for Waiver: In some cases, you may be able to apply for an ineligibility waiver by providing additional documentation and justification for travel. Consult the embassy to explore this option.

Permits

• Check Rejection Reasons: If your permit is denied, identify the specific eligibility criteria you did not meet. This may include insufficient ties to your home country, inadequate proof of funds, etc.
• Strengthen and Reapply: Gather strong supporting documents to prove your eligibility for the permit. Apply again once you meet all criteria. Consult the embassy for guidance.

Must Read: Russia Visa Rejection for Indians and How to Avoid It

Russia Visa Appeal Process

If you feel your visa was wrongly rejected, you can file an appeal:

1. Submit an Appeal Letter: Write a letter to the embassy or consulate requesting a reconsideration of your application. Clearly explain why you believe the rejection was incorrect and how you meet all visa eligibility criteria.
2. Attach Supporting Documents: Include additional documents to support your appeal, such as a sponsor letter, employment proof, property ownership papers, etc.
3. Pay Appeal Fee: You may need to pay a non-refundable appeal fee for your case to be reviewed. Check with the embassy for the fee amount and payment mode.
4. Wait for Decision: The consular officer will review your appeal and supporting documents to make a decision. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the case complexity.
5. Check Outcome: If your appeal is approved, the embassy will issue your Russia visa and inform you of the collection process. If denied, they will provide a reason, and you can apply afresh with rectified details.

Filing a New Application (Re-Application)

If you do not wish to appeal a rejection or if your appeal is denied, you can file a fresh Russia tourist visa application:

• Review Eligibility Criteria: Carefully go through all the visa requirements on the official embassy website (https://indianembassy-moscow.gov.in/e-visa-01-11-2024.php). Identify any criteria you did not fulfill in your previous application.
• Gather Correct Documents: Prepare a new set of documents, carefully following the guidelines. Ensure all information is accurate and consistent across forms.
• Apply with Sufficient Lead Time: Submit your fresh application well in advance of your intended travel date to leave room for any unforeseen delays or issues. Track your Russia visa status diligently after submission.
• Consider Professional Help: If you face repeated rejections, consider seeking professional visa assistance services like OneVasco. Such experts can help identify gaps in your application and improve your approval chances.

Must Read: How to Book a Visa Appointment for Russia

FAQs: Checking Russia Tourist Visa Status for Indian Citizens

1. How to track your Russia visa application?

You can track your Russia visa application status online using the official visa portal or the authorized visa application center’s website. Enter your application ID, passport number, and captcha code to view the status.

2. Can you check Russia visa status online?

Yes, the easiest way to check your Russia visa status is online. Visit the official Russian government visa portal or the visa application center’s website. Input your application ID, passport number, and captcha code to view your current status.

3. Can you track your Russia visa application using your passport number?

No, you cannot track your Russia visa status using only your passport number. You must enter your application ID along with your passport number for the online status check. If you have lost your application ID, contact the embassy directly for alternate tracking options.

4. What Information do you need to check your Russia visa application status?

To check your Russia visa processing status, you need your application ID, passport number, and captcha code. You can find your application ID on the visa fee receipt issued during application submission.

5. How long does it take to process a Russia visa application?

Russia tourist visa applications typically take 4 to 20 business days to process, depending on the visa type and your nationality. E-visas may be processed faster than sticker visas. Check the official embassy website for the latest processing times.

6. What should you do if your Russia visa application gets denied?

If your Russia visa is denied, carefully review the rejection reasons shared by the embassy. Correct any errors in your application and gather additional supporting documents. Apply afresh with the rectified details. If needed, consider appealing the rejection or seeking professional assistance.

7. What is the validity of a Russia tourist visa for Indians?

Russia tourist visas for Indians are typically valid for stays of up to 30 days. The validity period starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry into Russia.