Russian Visa Application Centre

Paid £115 for a tourist visa in March 2020 only for the issued visa to be cancelled due to covid. Been trying since to get them to confirm my visa was cancelled so I can claim my money back through my insurance but they just don't respond. Even sent one email in Russian but to no avail. Shocking lack of service or customer care.

The rules for visa application were explained fully and the whole process was handled efficiently and professionally. There was no queue when I was in the Russia Visa Application Centre and after submitting the documents I was told when exactly to come back for my stamped passport. I am now looking forward to my trip to Russia

I went to hand in mine and my son's Russian visa application on the 6 August and have received them back today (14 August). I was there less than 20 minutes and the lady was very friendly, polite and efficient. This was a really good service.

I've been obtaining my Business visas through RVAC/VFS in Edinburgh for eight years. Initially, the staff can appear stern (unsmiling), distant and brisk. Visa application is a daunting process (I live 100km north of Edinburgh). However, persevere. They are professional and helpful (plus behind the mask they are normal human beings with a sense of humour). They do, however, expect you to have done your side of the deal. Read everything on the website carefully and check off (geddit!) a list of what you must fill in and bring. The staff has no flexibility regarding the rules laid down by the authorities (which are pretty well similar to UK visa requirements). Nevertheless, they will give very good advice should you need it. Always follow their advice. Key to much of this is the Letter of Invitation (the source of these varies and includes companies, hotels and licensed LOI suppliers). Don't turn up without one. Make sure it is dated to commence before you try to enter Russia and doesn't run out while you are there. The phone Helpline system RVAC use is expensive and not very effective: you deal with a third party. Far better to email any query. I have had responses within the hour. The key things are to be prepared and to persevere. Russia is surprising and worth the effort, for the natural history alone. Get over the media stereotypes and you will discover people more akin in character, in my experience, to Italians.

We received an excellent service for a large group travelling to Russia. Everyone involved was extremely efficient, helpful and easy to work with. Genuinely can’t thank them enough.

Easy to find, quick and straightforward process, can even get your photos done there. They can also provide a signed-delivery passport return to save you a trip back to collect it.

I drove from Durham to the visa centre in Edinburgh to submit my visa application. I was really surprised at how quick and easy the process was. I was expecting all kinds of things but the member of staff who processed my visa application was very polite and really assuring and helpful and processed my visa application literally in minutes.If you’re thinking of applying for a Russian visa I would definitely recommend going to the Russian visa application centre in Edinburgh. The staff are very professional and helpful. Thank you to the member of staff who processed my visa.Alan Johnson

Cost- £110 for a standard tourist visa ( as at September 2018). The entrance is at the REAR of the sandstone building in the photo. There is parking in the residential area on the left as you look at the front of the building. Collection of your visa and passport at the office if you opt for that, is between 4.30 to 5.30. Hours above cover application process only.

Very efficient. 5 minute visit to drop off application. Then 7 days later a 2 minute visit to collect my visa & passport.

Went a couple of years ago for my visa interview. Bit of a pain having to go in person on a weekday just for a tourist visa, but the staff are efficient, straightforward and polite. You should have nothing to worry about, so long as your forms are done correctly these guys will sort you out in no time at all.