--- title: Russia visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe description: "Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Russia and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $35. Processing: 10–20 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/russia/sao-tome-and-principe lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Russia visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe 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 · Consular visa · Tourist (up to 30 days) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 30 days - **Visa validity:** 30 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 10–20 days - **Government fee:** $35 - **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. **Determine visa type and purpose of visit** — Select tourist visa for stays up to 30 days. 2. **Obtain an invitation letter (Visa Support Letter)** — Request from a Russian host, hotel, or authorized agency. 3. **Complete the online visa application form** — Fill out on the Russian visa portal (visa.kdmid.ru) or embassy website. 4. **Print, sign and date the application form** — Bring two copies if required. 5. **Gather all required documents** — Include passport, photos, invitation, insurance, itinerary, and proof of funds. 6. **Schedule an appointment at the Russian embassy or visa center** — Book online through the embassy portal or VFS Global. 7. **Attend the appointment for biometrics and document submission** — Provide fingerprints and submit all documents in person. 8. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay the consular fee at the time of appointment (approx. $35 USD). 9. **Wait for processing (10–20 working days)** — Processing times vary; track status online if available. 10. **Collect the visa and passport in person or by courier** — If courier is available, arrange delivery at additional cost. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa expiry date. - **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Download from the Russian visa portal or embassy website. - **One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)** (Identity): White background, matte finish, no glasses. - **Invitation letter (Visa Support Letter) from a Russian host or hotel** (Supporting): Must be issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized hotel. - **Travel medical insurance valid for Russia** (Travel): Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for the duration of stay. - **Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): With valid reservation numbers. - **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter)** (Travel): Must cover the entire stay in Russia. - **Bank statements for the last 3 months** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for the trip. - **Valid passport copy (all pages with stamps)** (Identity): Notarized copy if required by the embassy. - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay at the embassy or designated bank. - **Cover letter explaining the purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): May help strengthen the application. - **Employment letter (if employed)** (Employment, optional): Include leave approval and return date. - **Previous visa copies (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially to Russia or Schengen countries. - **Marriage certificate (if spouse is a Russian citizen)** (Supporting, optional): To expedite processing. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of at least $50 USD per day of stay - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Pay slips - Sponsor letter with bank proof Cash or credit card may be accepted as proof at border. ## Good to know - Visa applications from São Tomé and Príncipe may be subject to additional scrutiny; apply well in advance. - The invitation letter must be an original or a copy officially registered by the Russian Ministry. ## Common refusal reasons - **Invalid or insufficient invitation letter** — Ensure the invitation is issued by a recognized organization and covers all dates. - **Inadequate proof of funds** — Provide bank statements showing sufficient balance and consistent transactions. - **Missing or incorrect documentation** — Double-check the embassy checklist before submitting. - **Passport validity less than 6 months after visa expiry** — Renew passport before applying if needed. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Russia? Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Russia and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Consular visa · Tourist (up to 30 days). ### How long can citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe stay in Russia? Up to 30 days. ### How much does the Russia visa cost for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe? Government fee: $35. ### How long does Russia visa processing take? Typically 10–20 days. ### What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for Russia? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form; One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm); Invitation letter (Visa Support Letter) from a Russian host or hotel; Travel medical insurance valid for Russia; Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Russia? At least 6 months. ## More - [Russia visa for every passport](/visa/russia) - [Every destination for São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders](/visa/passport/sao-tome-and-principe)