To meet the increasing demand for Russian visas, while maintaining high standards of service, the Embassy of the Russian Federation has outsourced visa application processing in Finland to Russia Visa Application Service Centres operated by VF Services (UK) Ltd.

Russia Visa Application Service Centres commenced operations on 29th April 2011 in Helsinki, 6th May 2011 in Lappeenranta and Turku, and 12th May 2011 in Mariehamn. This new procedure does not only avoid queuing and waiting lists but also focuses on delivering the visa within a short period of time.

This service is available to all nationals resident in Finland who wish to apply for a Russian visa. The visa applications are to be submitted at the Russia Visa Application Service Centres in Helsinki, Turku and Lappeenranta without prior appointment. Applicants intending to apply at the Russia Visa Application Service Centre in Mariehamn are strongly advised to book an appointment although this is not obligatory. All applications will be assessed by the Embassy of the Russian Federation. We offer the option of courier service for return of passport, directly at your doorstep.
Applicants have the option of applying at the Russia Visa Application Service Centres or at the Embassy/Consulate/Chancellery by booking an appointment in advance on this website.

For Prospective Applicants

Applicants who wish to apply for a Visa are requested to kindly read the information on this site carefully. The guidelines listed on this site are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the chances of your application being incomplete or not being processed.

Please note that you may be required to see a Visa Officer for a personal interview at the Russian Embassy/Consulate/Chancellery prior to a decision being taken on your application.

Step 1 :	Holders of diplomatic and service passports as well as members of official delegations intending to visit Russia on official Business will continue to apply at the Russian Embassy/Consulate/Chancellery in Helsinki, Turku, Mariehamn and Lappeenranta prior to a decision being taken on your application.
Step 2 :	Before applying, please ensure you are very clear on your ‘purpose of visit’ - do remember we are here to assist and help you through the entire visa application process but are not permitted to advise or guide you on choosing a visa category. Since our work is primarily administrative in nature, we have no say on whether you will be granted a visa as this is entirely the prerogative of the Embassy / Consulate/Chancellery of Russia to decide on granting of visa.
Step 3 :	Please go to the link “All about visas” to understand details of short stay visas.
Step 4 :	The application form for all nationalities is available on this website in the section ‘Application form’. Please complete the application form online from this website only and print it. No postal application can be accepted.
Step 5 :	Please submit your printed and signed application form with all the additional documents to the Russia Visa Application Service Centre. Please note that every visa application needs to be accompanied by a visa fee for the amount applicable to your chosen visa category. Please note handwritten changes in the printed form are not accepted.
Step 6 :	Please ensure you read the security regulation notices before you visit the Visa Application Centre / Embassy/ Consulate/ Chancellery
Step 7 :	Please note that in order to collect your passport at the Visa Application Service Centre you will need to present the original receipt given to you during the submission which will be collected from you as a proof of delivery of your passport. Please make sure you have a copy of it if you require it for your records.
Step 8 :	It is Applicant’s responsibility to check the validity of the visa issued to ensure that it covers the period of stay requested, the number or entries required, and that it is valid for the purpose of trip immediately after collection of the passport.

If you have already submitted an application for a Visa at Russia Visa Application Service Centre in Finland you can track your application here.

You can track your application by entering your Receipt Number and your Date of Birth. Please click here