Mali passport → Russia

Russia visa for citizens of Mali

Embassy / VFSVisa · Tourist (up to 30 days)

Citizens of Mali need a visa for Russia and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visa · Tourist (up to 30 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Entries	Single entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement showing sufficient funds for the stay

How to apply

1
Gather required documents
Collect all necessary documents as per the checklist
2
Complete online visa application
Fill the Russian visa application form on the official website and print it
3
Schedule an appointment
Book an appointment at the Russian Embassy or Visa Application Centre in Bamako
4
Attend appointment in person
Submit documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 7-10 business days, but may vary
6
Collect passport
Return to the embassy/centre to collect your passport with the visa

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least two blank pages
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form
Form must be filled online and printed
Recent passport-sized photograph
Must meet Russian visa photo requirements

Travel

Travel itinerary or flight reservation
Round-trip or onward ticket
Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof
Must cover entire stay
Travel medical insurance
Coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area (Russia requires similar)

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements for last 3 months

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
Optional
May be requested to demonstrate return intention

Supporting

Visa support letter (invitation)
Issued by a Russian travel agency or host, registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required if traveling from an endemic country

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Sponsorship letter

Sufficient funds to cover accommodation and expenses

Good to know

Visa application must be submitted in person; no third-party submissions allowed.
Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants aged 12 and above.
Visa support letter must be obtained from a Russian host or authorized travel agency.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all entries and ensure consistency with supporting documents

Insufficient funds or unclear source of funds

Provide clear bank statements and a sponsorship letter if applicable

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay

Missing visa support letter

Obtain a valid invitation from a Russian host or travel agency before applying

FAQ

Do citizens of Mali need a visa for Russia?

Citizens of Mali need a visa for Russia and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa · Tourist (up to 30 days).

How long can citizens of Mali stay in Russia?

Up to 30 days.

What documents do citizens of Mali need for Russia?

Valid passport with at least two blank pages; Completed visa application form; Recent passport-sized photograph; Visa support letter (invitation); Travel itinerary or flight reservation; Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Russia?

At least 6 months.

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