Documents: Passports, CPF, and Russian Visas in Russia: what actually matters to know
From real experience
tipRussian citizens can legally possess two valid 10-year foreign passports simultaneously.
This is highly recommended for frequent travelers, especially when applying for visas (e.g., Schengen), as the primary passport is held by the consulate for the duration of the application process (which can take 1-3 months, with Italy potentially up to 2-3 months). A second passport allows uninterrupted international travel to visa-free countries, business trips, or application for other visas during this waiting period.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toBrazilian citizens in Moscow can renew their passports following a specific procedure.
Applications and forms can be completed in advance. However, scheduling an appointment for the new passport is only possible once the current passport reaches its one-year mark. The in-consulate processing time is approximately 40 minutes. It is recommended to prepare documents early but adhere to the scheduling timeline based on the current passport's anniversary.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toApplying for a Russian e-visa takes exactly 4 days.
Payment tips: 1. Mastercard payments often fail; Visa is recommended. 2. If the payment is blocked, contact the card-issuing bank to authorize non-EU transactions. 3. Travel insurance is highly recommended; Russian bank insurance plans typically cost around 1,500 RUB for two people with a 3 million RUB coverage limit.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toTo legally extend stay in Russia beyond the standard tourist limit, consider options such as obtaining a patent (often requiring a work contract), applying for a temporary residency permit (VNZh) based on family ties or other grounds, or seeking specific permits from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
Consult the MVD for detailed procedures and requirements.
✓ 1 report from chats
ruleThe Honorary Consulate of Brazil in St. Petersburg does not process CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) applications for individuals.
Russian citizens needing a CPF must apply and retrieve it at the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow. This policy was confirmed as of summer 2025.
✓ 1 report from chats
ruleAn inquiry was made about the implementation of consular fee payments for tourist visas at the consulate in Vladivostok.
The response indicated that it is not currently planned.
✓ 1 report from chats
ruleThe process for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa for Russia is generally straightforward, provided the applicant meets all specified requirements.