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Verified · Jul 2026
Russian visa for US citizens: the quick answer
Facts on this page re-checked against official consular sources July 17, 2026.
US citizens can't use the $52 e-visa. Consulate direct is $185; the New York Visa Centre by mail is $550 flat — both plus roughly $30 for the invitation letter. Processing runs 4–10 calendar days at the window, longer by mail; budget 6–8 weeks end to end.
Consulate direct (DC / NY / Houston, by appointment): $185 + ~$30 invitation · 4–10 calendar days, or 1–3 days expedited with proof of urgency.
NY Visa Centre by mail: $550 flat ($185 consular + $365 service) + ~$30 invitation + shipping · the reliable route without a consulate appointment.
NY Visa Centre by mail: $550 flat ($185 consular + $365 service) + ~$30 invitation + shipping · the reliable route without a consulate appointment.
Get the 3-year multi-entry — the consular fee is identical to single-entry, so there's no reason to buy the single. Most refusals come from invitation/application mismatches, which is exactly what our Visa-Ready Package checks line by line.
Get your visa handled → from $29Verified July 17, 2026 · next review 2026-08-01 · raw data