Reconsider travel to Russia due to terrorism and harassment. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory
Do not travel to:
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Bomb threats against public venues are common.
U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. U.S. consular assistance to detained individuals is often unreasonably delayed by Russian officials. Russia also enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Russian nationals. Due to the Russian government-imposed reduction on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia, the U.S. government has reduced ability to provide services to U.S. citizens.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Russia:
North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus)
Civil unrest and terrorist attacks continue throughout the North Caucasus region including in Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local gangs have kidnapped U.S. citizens and other foreigners for ransom. There have been credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of gay men in Chechnya allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities.
Do not attempt to climb Mount Elbrus, as travelers must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in the North Caucasus region, including Mount Elbrus, as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the region.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Crimea
There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea. The Russian Federation is likely to take further military actions in Crimea as part of its occupation of this part of Ukraine. The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly against those who are seen as challenging their authority on the peninsula.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in Crimea as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Required six months beyond intended stay
2 pages per stamp
Yes
None
$10,000 or more must be declared
You may export up to $3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Russia for information on U.S. - Russia relations.
Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws. The Embassy of the Russian Federation website provides the most up to date information regarding visa regulations and requirements. In accordance with Russia’s Entry-Exit Law, Russian authorities may deny entry or reentry into Russia for 5 years or more and cancel the visas of foreigners who have committed two “administrative” violations within the past three years. Activities that are not specifically covered by the traveler’s visa may result in an administrative violation and deportation.
Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012, qualified U.S. applicants for humanitarian, private, tourist, and business visas should request and receive multiple-entry visas with a validity of three years. Visas issued under the agreement permits stays in the territory of the Russian Federation for up to six consecutive months. (Please note that other types of visas are not part of the agreement and those visa holders should pay close attention to the terms of their visas.) You must exit Russia before your visa expires. The maximum period of stay is shown on the visa.
Anyone entering Russia who has claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship held, is fully accountable to the Russian authorities for all obligations of a citizen, including the required military service.
Documentary Requirements: Consult with the Embassy of the Russian Federation or Consulates General for detailed explanations of documentary requirements. The following are only a sampling of examples.
The Russian Embassy or Consulate receiving the visa application may ask for additional documentation, including:
HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test. The Russian government may also ask these applicants to undergo tests for tuberculosis and leprosy. Travelers who believe they may be subject to these requirements should verify this information with the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Persons visiting or living in Russia remain potentially vulnerable to attacks by transnational and local terrorist organizations.
North Caucasus Region: Civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom.
Mt. Elbrus:
Crimea:
Harassment: Foreigners have become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials.
Demonstrations:
Crime:
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000, or the nearest consulate at the telephone numbers listed above in the Embassies and Consulates section. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. United States law enforcement agencies do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
For further information:
Arrest Notification: If you are detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. See our webpage for further information.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws. If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia.
Some crimes committed outside the United States are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Faith-Based Travelers: Russian authorities have detained, fined, and in some cases deported travelers for engaging in religious activities. Russian officials have stated that Russia recognizes four “historic” religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The Russian government places restrictions on so-called “missionary activity” and defines it broadly – travelers engaging in certain types of religious work may risk harassment, detention, fines, or deportation for administrative violations if they do not have proper authorization from a registered religious group. The Russian government has detained U.S. citizens for religious activities that they contend are not permitted under a tourist visa. Even speaking at a religious service, traditional or non-traditional, has resulted in immigration violations. See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.
LGBTI Travelers: Russian law bans providing "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. Foreign citizens face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. The Moscow Metro is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Medical care in most areas of Russia is below Western standards. The Russian authorities have cut hospital bed numbers resulting in increased deaths. The healthcare system budget will be cut 33 % in 2017. Moscow and St. Petersburg facilities may have higher standards but do not accept all cases and require cash or credit card payment at Western rates.
Prescription Medication:
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Most care providers in Russia only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
The following diseases are prevalent:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions and driver safety customs differ significantly from those in the United States. In some areas of Russia roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders. Many roads are one-way or do not permit left turns.
Public Transportation:
Traffic Laws: Russian authorities consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date. This is an increasingly frequent occurrence.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Russia's Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
None.
Russia and the United States are parties to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters. In July 2003, Russia unilaterally suspended all judicial cooperation with the United States in civil and commercial matters. The Russian Federation refuses to serve letters of request from the United States for service of process presented under the terms of the 1965 Hague Service Convention or to execute letters rogatory requesting service of process transmitted via diplomatic channels. The Russian Federation also declines to give consideration to U.S. requests to obtain evidence. While the Department of State is prepared to transmit letters rogatory for service or evidence to Russian authorities via diplomatic channels, in the Department's experience, all such requests are returned unexecuted. Likewise requests sent directly by litigants to the Russian Central Authority under the Hague Service Convention are returned unexecuted.
Russia's policy in these matters is assertedly based on objections to a fee, imposed by the United States on June 1, 2003, for all requests for service from any foreign country whether submitted under the Hague Service Convention or via diplomatic channels. This fee is designed to cover the costs incurred by a private contractor hired by the U.S. Department of Justice to administer the service functions of the U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Service Convention. Such fees are permitted under the Hague Service Convention and routinely charged by many States party to the Convention.
Between October 28 - November 4, 2003, the Special Commission on the Practical Operation of the Hague Service, Evidence and Legalization Conventions convened at The Hague. The Special Commission's Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, page 10, paragraph 53, provide:
"The Special Commission reaffirmed that according to Article 12(1), a State party shall not charge for its services rendered under the Convention. Nevertheless, under Article 12(2), an applicant shall pay or reimburse the costs occasioned by the employment of a judicial officer or other competent person. The Special Commission urged States to ensure that any such costs reflect actual expenses and be kept at a reasonable level."
The Russian Federation did not support this recommendation and reserved its position.
On December 3, 2004, the Russian Federation deposited a declaration with the Government of the Netherlands, the treaty depository, naming a Central Authority and taking a reservation regarding certain aspects of the treaty. The declaration provides:
"The Russian Federation assumes that in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention the service of judicial documents coming from a Contracting State shall not give rise to any payment or reimbursement of taxes or costs for the services rendered by the State addressed. Collection of such costs (with the exception of those provided for by subparagraphs a) and b) of the second paragraph of Article 12) by any Contracting State shall be viewed by the Russian Federation as refusal to uphold the Convention in relation to the Russian Federation, and, consequently, the Russian Federation shall not apply the Convention in relation to this Contracting State."
The Department of State and the Russian Foreign Ministry have exchanged several diplomatic notes setting out our respective positions on the matter, and met twice in Moscow to explore ways to provide normal judicial cooperation. A subsequent Special Commission convened at the Hague in 2009 recalled the conclusions of the 2003 Special Commission concerning costs and Russia again reserved its position. No future bilateral meetings on this subject are currently scheduled.
Because of the Russian suspension of executing U.S. judicial assistance requests in civil and commercial matters, we advise litigants that they may wish to seek guidance from legal counsel in the Russian Federation regarding alternative methods of service. The United States has informed the Russian Federation on numerous occasions that in the absence of a direct channel for U.S. judicial assistance requests, U.S. courts and litigants will explore other methods to effect service of process. Where service is effected by an agent in the Russian Federation, such as a Russian attorney, such a person may execute an affidavit of service at the U.S. embassy or a U.S. consulate in Russia as a routine notarial service.
Service on a Foreign State: See also our Service Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) feature and FSIA Checklist for questions about service on a foreign state, agency or instrumentality.
Service of Documents from the Russian Federation in the United States: See information about service in the United States on the U.S. Central Authority for the Service Convention page of the Hague Conference on Private International Law Service Convention site.
Prosecution Requests: U.S. federal or state prosecutors should also contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, Department of Justice for guidance.
Defense Requests in Criminal Matters: Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.
The United States has not accepted the Russian Federation’s accession to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters because the Russian Federation did not name a central authority at the time of its accession, and did not make any specific declarations or reservations regarding methods of obtaining evidence. Due to the Russian Federation’s unilateral suspension of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, requests for evidence submitted via diplomatic channels in the form of letters rogatory generally are not executed by Russian authorities. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will transmit such requests on behalf of U.S. litigants.
Requests from the Russian Federation to Obtain Evidence in the United States: Such requests are submitted via the diplomatic channel to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services, Office of American Citizen Services for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Office of Foreign Litigation1100 L St., N.W., Room 11006, Washington, D.C. 20530.
The Russian Federation does not permit the taking of voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in civil and commercial matters.
Russia is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Russia’s competent authority for the Hague Apostille Convention will authenticate Russian public documents with Apostilles. For information about authenticating U.S. public documents for use in Russia, see the list of U.S. Competent Authorities. To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, contact the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Vital Records Office.
The Department of State is aware that a number of Russian jurisdictions have rejected U.S. federal and state issued apostille certificates for reasons inconsistent with the requirements of the Apostille Convention, particularly in the context of intercountry adoption. Between October 28 - November 4, 2003, a Special Commission on the Practical Operation of the Hague Service, Evidence and Legalization Conventions convened at The Hague. The Special Commission's Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, page 5, paragraphs 13, provide:
The SC underlined the importance of the principle that an Apostille that has been established according to the requirements of the Convention in the State of issuance must be accepted and produce its effects in any State of production. With a view to further facilitating free circulation of Apostilles, the SC recalled the importance of the Model certificate annexed to the Convention. The SC recommended that Apostilles issued by competent authorities should conform as closely as possible to this model. However,variations in the form of an Apostille among issuing authorities should not be a basis for rejection as long as the Apostille is clearly identifiable as an Apostille issued under the Convention. The SC firmly rejects, as contrary to the Convention, isolated practices among States party that require Apostilles to be legalised.
As regards the rejection of Apostilles for reasons related to how the certificate is attached to the document, the Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, paragraph 16 specifically provide:
The SC noted the variety of means for affixing Apostilles to the public document. These means may include rubber stamp, glue, (multi-coloured) ribbons, wax seals, impressed seals, self-adhesive stickers, etc.; as to an allonge, these means may include glue, grommets, staples, etc. The SC noted that all these means are acceptable under the Convention, and that, therefore, these variations cannot be a basis for the rejection of Apostilles.
The Department of State has raised this issue with the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation on multiple occasions. In order to assist in avoiding future Apostille rejections in the Russian Federation for reasons that are inconsistent with the requirements of the Legalization Convention, the Department of State has also prepared a translation into Russian of the Conclusions and Recommendations of the 2003 Special Commission and provided it to the Russian Federation. Individuals who have had Apostilles rejected in the Russian Federation who feel that a Russian translation of these Conclusions and Recommendations may also find it on the website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Russia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Russia.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Russia acceded to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) on October 1, 2011; however, the United States and Russia are not yet treaty partners. Until Russia and the United States establish a treaty relationship per Article 38 of the Convention, parents whose children have been abducted from the United States to Russia or wrongfully retained in Russia are unable to invoke the Convention to pursue their children's return or to seek access to them.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Russia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Parental child abduction is not a crime in Russia. A parent or guardian must file a missing person report with the Russian police in order for the Ministry of the Interior (MVD) to take action. The Federal Bailiff's Service will assist with enforcement if a parent obtains a Russian court order granting custody or visitation.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Russia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Russia for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Russia are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law and here.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
Mediation is not a recognized legal process used in custody disputes in Russia, although local religious organizations may provide informal services.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Russia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Russian Federal law No 272-FZ remains in place banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.
This law entered into force on January 1, 2013. It bans the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens, bars adoption service providers from assisting U.S. citizens in adopting Russian children, and required the termination of the 2012 U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement. The Russian Supreme Court issued a letter to city and regional courts on January 22, 2013 explaining the implementation of Federal Law No. 272-FZ. The letter states that adoptions of Russian children by U.S. citizens may be completed only in those cases in which adoption orders were made before January 1, 2013, (including those that became final after January 1, 2013 following the 30-day waiting period). The U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement was terminated on January 1, 2014.
Additionally, on July 2, 2013 Russian Federal Law No. 167-FZ entered into force banning the adoption, custody, or patronage of children by same-sex couples and also to singles living in countries where same-sex marriage is allowed.
AFTER ADOPTION
The Government of Russia requires children adopted from Russia to be registered with either the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before they leave Russia or with the Russian Embassy or Consulate once they arrive in the United States.
Russia requires four post-adoption reports to provide information regarding the welfare of children adopted by U.S. families. We strongly urge parents with children adopted from Russia to comply with Russia’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process.
Reports should be prepared in accordance with the requirements established by the Russian government and as agreed to during the adoption process. All reports should be translated into Russian. Reports may be submitted either to the Ministry of Education and Science at the following address or to the regional authorities where the adoption was completed. The Ministry’s address is below. For contact information for the regional authorities, please see our Russian Regional Authorities Contact List.
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Rights
51 Lysinovskaya St.
Moscow, 115998
Post - Adoption Resources
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
U.S. Embassy in Russia
Address: #21 Novinsky Blvd.
Moscow, Russia 123242
Tel: 728-5000 switchboard
728-5567 (orphan visas)
Fax: 728-5247 (orphans only)
Internet: ru.usembassy.gov/
Russia’s Adoption Authority
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Right
Address: 51 Lysinovskaya St.
Moscow, 115998
Embassy of the Russian Federation
Address: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: 202-298-5700
Fax: 202-298-5735
Internet: russianembassy.org/
Russia also has consulates in: San Francisco, New York, and Seattle
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
CA/OCS/CI, SA-17A, 9th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
Internet: adoption.state.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None A B | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-2 | None B | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | One | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| I | None D | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-2 4 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-1 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| M-2 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Civil documents, except as noted below, are available in the Russian Federation. Individuals may request replacement copies of their civil records from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for lost or destroyed documents. Documents that have been certified by ZAGS or a local notary office can be affixed with an apostille by the Ministry of Justice or other selected offices empowered to do so. The apostille is accepted in all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention on the Abolition of Legalization of Documents. Documents that bear an apostille need not be authenticated by a U.S. consular officer for use in the United States.
In the United States, Russian documents can be requested through the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, or the Russian Consulates General in New York or Seattle. The process often takes several months.
Some civil records were destroyed during World War II. Local authorities generally will issue a certificate to that effect, although again, the process may take several months. A replacement statement of identity is also available from local authorities when the birth certificate is unavailable.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the Consulates General in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg, cannot assist in obtaining civil documents or verifying the accuracy of civil records in the Russian Federation.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство о рождении (Birth Certificate)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a green certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. To obtain a replacement copy, see “Procedure for Obtaining” above.
Exceptions: None
Comments: If a Russian citizen legally changes his or her name (excluding name changes due to marriage or divorce), a new birth certificate will be issued under the new name and the old record purged.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство о смерти (Certificate of Death)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a brown certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The surviving spouse or child of the deceased may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. To obtain a replacement copy, see “Procedure for Obtaining” above.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Свидетельство о заключении брака (Certificate of Marriage)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a red certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss, see above instructions to obtain a replacement copy.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Russia. Religious marriage ceremonies are not valid in Russia, unless a civil ceremony and registration is also conducted at ZAGS.
Crimea and occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk: Marriages and divorces in occupied Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (the “Donetsk People’s Republic” [DPR] and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” [LPR]) are not legally recognized in Ukraine and therefore do not establish a valid legal relationship for U.S. immigration purposes. Only marriages and divorces performed by Ukrainian authorities and evidenced by official documents issued by the Ukrainian authorities are valid.
As marriages and divorces performed in Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts are not legally recognized, individuals will need to legally marry outside Crimea or the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to create a legal relationship.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Свидетельство о расторженнии брака (Certificate of Divorce)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a blue certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss see above for instructions to obtain a replacement copy.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Russia. Religious marriage ceremonies are not valid in Russia, unless a civil ceremony and registration is also conducted at ZAGS.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство об усыновлении (удочерении) (Certificate of Adoption)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a blue certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss, see above for instructions to obtain a replacement.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Passport of a Citizen of the Russian Federation
Issuing Authority: Russian Federal Migration Service
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Dark red passport; inside is the stamp of the Federal Migration Service, a bio page with a photo and Machine-readable zone
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Russian citizens are issued internal passports at age 14; new passports are issued at age 20, and again at age 45
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: All Russian citizens are issued internal passports at age 14, which is their National ID. Internal passports show where the bearer is legally registered, any marriages or divorces, any children under age 14, and information about military service, if applicable. It also shows information about any external (travel) passports issued to the bearer.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: СПРАВКА (Police Clearance)
Issuing Authority: Ministry of the Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Original police certificate will have the stamp of the issuing MVD office and the signature of the official
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Russian law (MVD Order no. 965, dated November 1, 2001) mandates that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) provide police certificates both to Russian citizens and to foreigners who have lived or are living in Russia. The law states that in Russia, MVD offices must provide the certificate within 30 days of application. Those residing outside of Russia, both Russian citizens and non-citizens, may either delegate a Power-of-Attorney to apply for the certificate on their behalf in Russia, or apply directly to the Russian Consulate where they reside. Police certificates should note all names that the person has used in Russia, and should note the MVD branches in all locations that were queried.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions None
Comments:
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: There is no document name
Issuing Authority: The court have jurisdiction over the case
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal (s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a court record pertains may request a copy of the court proceedings and decision from the appropriate authorities.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: военный билет (Military book)
Issuing Authority: The regional military Kommissar
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Contains information on the length of service and circumstances of discharge.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The regional military Kommissar
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: If lost, a military book can generally not be replaced.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Those exempt from the draft may have a military “white book” showing their exemption, usually related to education responsibilities.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Those who have served in the military may also have this information reflected in their Russian internal passports.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: военный билет (Military book)
Issuing Authority: The regional military Kommissar
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Contains information on the length of service and circumstances of discharge.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The regional military Kommissar
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: If lost, a military book can generally not be replaced.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Those exempt from the draft may have a military “white book” showing their exemption, usually related to education responsibilities.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Those who have served in the military may also have this information reflected in their Russian internal passports.
Available
Comments: There are four types of documents with which a person may reside in the Russian Federation:
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia
Address:
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (495)728-5000
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg, Russia
Address:
15 Furshtatskaya St.
St. Petersburg 191028, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (812) 331-2600
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok, Russia
Address:
32 Pushkinskaya St.
Vladivostok 690001, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (4232) 30 00 70
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg, Russia
Address:
15 Gogal Street Yekaterinburg,
620151 Russian Federation
Phone Number: 343-379-3001
Comments / Additional Information: None
| Location |
Areas Serviced |
|---|---|
Moscow |
Immigrant visas: All areas of the Russian Federation. Crimea is in the consular district of U.S. Embassy Kyiv. All IV and K applicants, irrespective of citizenship, who are residents of Crimea, must apply in Kyiv. Nonimmigrant Visas: Those parts of the Russian Federation not contained within the consular districts of St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg or Vladivostok.
|
St Petersburg |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K): Regions, autonomous republics, and cities of:
|
Vladvostok |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K): Regions, autonomous republics, and cities of:
|
Yekaterinburg |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K):
|
deportation.from.usa@gmail.com
Washington, DC (202) 939-8900 (202) 939-8919
Houston, TX (713) 337-3300 (713) 337-3305
New York, NY (212) 348-0926(212) 831-9162
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
Required six months beyond intended stay
2 pages per stamp
Yes
None
$10,000 or more must be declared
You may export up to $3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Russia for information on U.S. - Russia relations.
Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws. The Embassy of the Russian Federation website provides the most up to date information regarding visa regulations and requirements. In accordance with Russia’s Entry-Exit Law, Russian authorities may deny entry or reentry into Russia for 5 years or more and cancel the visas of foreigners who have committed two “administrative” violations within the past three years. Activities that are not specifically covered by the traveler’s visa may result in an administrative violation and deportation.
Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012, qualified U.S. applicants for humanitarian, private, tourist, and business visas should request and receive multiple-entry visas with a validity of three years. Visas issued under the agreement permits stays in the territory of the Russian Federation for up to six consecutive months. (Please note that other types of visas are not part of the agreement and those visa holders should pay close attention to the terms of their visas.) You must exit Russia before your visa expires. The maximum period of stay is shown on the visa.
Anyone entering Russia who has claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship held, is fully accountable to the Russian authorities for all obligations of a citizen, including the required military service.
Documentary Requirements: Consult with the Embassy of the Russian Federation or Consulates General for detailed explanations of documentary requirements. The following are only a sampling of examples.
The Russian Embassy or Consulate receiving the visa application may ask for additional documentation, including:
HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test. The Russian government may also ask these applicants to undergo tests for tuberculosis and leprosy. Travelers who believe they may be subject to these requirements should verify this information with the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Persons visiting or living in Russia remain potentially vulnerable to attacks by transnational and local terrorist organizations.
North Caucasus Region: Civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom.
Mt. Elbrus:
Crimea:
Harassment: Foreigners have become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials.
Demonstrations:
Crime:
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000, or the nearest consulate at the telephone numbers listed above in the Embassies and Consulates section. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. United States law enforcement agencies do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
For further information:
Arrest Notification: If you are detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. See our webpage for further information.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws. If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia.
Some crimes committed outside the United States are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Faith-Based Travelers: Russian authorities have detained, fined, and in some cases deported travelers for engaging in religious activities. Russian officials have stated that Russia recognizes four “historic” religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The Russian government places restrictions on so-called “missionary activity” and defines it broadly – travelers engaging in certain types of religious work may risk harassment, detention, fines, or deportation for administrative violations if they do not have proper authorization from a registered religious group. The Russian government has detained U.S. citizens for religious activities that they contend are not permitted under a tourist visa. Even speaking at a religious service, traditional or non-traditional, has resulted in immigration violations. See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.
LGBTI Travelers: Russian law bans providing "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. Foreign citizens face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. The Moscow Metro is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Medical care in most areas of Russia is below Western standards. The Russian authorities have cut hospital bed numbers resulting in increased deaths. The healthcare system budget will be cut 33 % in 2017. Moscow and St. Petersburg facilities may have higher standards but do not accept all cases and require cash or credit card payment at Western rates.
Prescription Medication:
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Most care providers in Russia only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
The following diseases are prevalent:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions and driver safety customs differ significantly from those in the United States. In some areas of Russia roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders. Many roads are one-way or do not permit left turns.
Public Transportation:
Traffic Laws: Russian authorities consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date. This is an increasingly frequent occurrence.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Russia's Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
None.
Russia and the United States are parties to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters. In July 2003, Russia unilaterally suspended all judicial cooperation with the United States in civil and commercial matters. The Russian Federation refuses to serve letters of request from the United States for service of process presented under the terms of the 1965 Hague Service Convention or to execute letters rogatory requesting service of process transmitted via diplomatic channels. The Russian Federation also declines to give consideration to U.S. requests to obtain evidence. While the Department of State is prepared to transmit letters rogatory for service or evidence to Russian authorities via diplomatic channels, in the Department's experience, all such requests are returned unexecuted. Likewise requests sent directly by litigants to the Russian Central Authority under the Hague Service Convention are returned unexecuted.
Russia's policy in these matters is assertedly based on objections to a fee, imposed by the United States on June 1, 2003, for all requests for service from any foreign country whether submitted under the Hague Service Convention or via diplomatic channels. This fee is designed to cover the costs incurred by a private contractor hired by the U.S. Department of Justice to administer the service functions of the U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Service Convention. Such fees are permitted under the Hague Service Convention and routinely charged by many States party to the Convention.
Between October 28 - November 4, 2003, the Special Commission on the Practical Operation of the Hague Service, Evidence and Legalization Conventions convened at The Hague. The Special Commission's Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, page 10, paragraph 53, provide:
"The Special Commission reaffirmed that according to Article 12(1), a State party shall not charge for its services rendered under the Convention. Nevertheless, under Article 12(2), an applicant shall pay or reimburse the costs occasioned by the employment of a judicial officer or other competent person. The Special Commission urged States to ensure that any such costs reflect actual expenses and be kept at a reasonable level."
The Russian Federation did not support this recommendation and reserved its position.
On December 3, 2004, the Russian Federation deposited a declaration with the Government of the Netherlands, the treaty depository, naming a Central Authority and taking a reservation regarding certain aspects of the treaty. The declaration provides:
"The Russian Federation assumes that in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention the service of judicial documents coming from a Contracting State shall not give rise to any payment or reimbursement of taxes or costs for the services rendered by the State addressed. Collection of such costs (with the exception of those provided for by subparagraphs a) and b) of the second paragraph of Article 12) by any Contracting State shall be viewed by the Russian Federation as refusal to uphold the Convention in relation to the Russian Federation, and, consequently, the Russian Federation shall not apply the Convention in relation to this Contracting State."
The Department of State and the Russian Foreign Ministry have exchanged several diplomatic notes setting out our respective positions on the matter, and met twice in Moscow to explore ways to provide normal judicial cooperation. A subsequent Special Commission convened at the Hague in 2009 recalled the conclusions of the 2003 Special Commission concerning costs and Russia again reserved its position. No future bilateral meetings on this subject are currently scheduled.
Because of the Russian suspension of executing U.S. judicial assistance requests in civil and commercial matters, we advise litigants that they may wish to seek guidance from legal counsel in the Russian Federation regarding alternative methods of service. The United States has informed the Russian Federation on numerous occasions that in the absence of a direct channel for U.S. judicial assistance requests, U.S. courts and litigants will explore other methods to effect service of process. Where service is effected by an agent in the Russian Federation, such as a Russian attorney, such a person may execute an affidavit of service at the U.S. embassy or a U.S. consulate in Russia as a routine notarial service.
Service on a Foreign State: See also our Service Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) feature and FSIA Checklist for questions about service on a foreign state, agency or instrumentality.
Service of Documents from the Russian Federation in the United States: See information about service in the United States on the U.S. Central Authority for the Service Convention page of the Hague Conference on Private International Law Service Convention site.
Prosecution Requests: U.S. federal or state prosecutors should also contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, Department of Justice for guidance.
Defense Requests in Criminal Matters: Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.
The United States has not accepted the Russian Federation’s accession to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters because the Russian Federation did not name a central authority at the time of its accession, and did not make any specific declarations or reservations regarding methods of obtaining evidence. Due to the Russian Federation’s unilateral suspension of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, requests for evidence submitted via diplomatic channels in the form of letters rogatory generally are not executed by Russian authorities. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will transmit such requests on behalf of U.S. litigants.
Requests from the Russian Federation to Obtain Evidence in the United States: Such requests are submitted via the diplomatic channel to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services, Office of American Citizen Services for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Office of Foreign Litigation1100 L St., N.W., Room 11006, Washington, D.C. 20530.
The Russian Federation does not permit the taking of voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in civil and commercial matters.
Russia is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Russia’s competent authority for the Hague Apostille Convention will authenticate Russian public documents with Apostilles. For information about authenticating U.S. public documents for use in Russia, see the list of U.S. Competent Authorities. To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, contact the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Vital Records Office.
The Department of State is aware that a number of Russian jurisdictions have rejected U.S. federal and state issued apostille certificates for reasons inconsistent with the requirements of the Apostille Convention, particularly in the context of intercountry adoption. Between October 28 - November 4, 2003, a Special Commission on the Practical Operation of the Hague Service, Evidence and Legalization Conventions convened at The Hague. The Special Commission's Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, page 5, paragraphs 13, provide:
The SC underlined the importance of the principle that an Apostille that has been established according to the requirements of the Convention in the State of issuance must be accepted and produce its effects in any State of production. With a view to further facilitating free circulation of Apostilles, the SC recalled the importance of the Model certificate annexed to the Convention. The SC recommended that Apostilles issued by competent authorities should conform as closely as possible to this model. However,variations in the form of an Apostille among issuing authorities should not be a basis for rejection as long as the Apostille is clearly identifiable as an Apostille issued under the Convention. The SC firmly rejects, as contrary to the Convention, isolated practices among States party that require Apostilles to be legalised.
As regards the rejection of Apostilles for reasons related to how the certificate is attached to the document, the Conclusions and Recommendations of November 4, 2003, paragraph 16 specifically provide:
The SC noted the variety of means for affixing Apostilles to the public document. These means may include rubber stamp, glue, (multi-coloured) ribbons, wax seals, impressed seals, self-adhesive stickers, etc.; as to an allonge, these means may include glue, grommets, staples, etc. The SC noted that all these means are acceptable under the Convention, and that, therefore, these variations cannot be a basis for the rejection of Apostilles.
The Department of State has raised this issue with the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation on multiple occasions. In order to assist in avoiding future Apostille rejections in the Russian Federation for reasons that are inconsistent with the requirements of the Legalization Convention, the Department of State has also prepared a translation into Russian of the Conclusions and Recommendations of the 2003 Special Commission and provided it to the Russian Federation. Individuals who have had Apostilles rejected in the Russian Federation who feel that a Russian translation of these Conclusions and Recommendations may also find it on the website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, effective March 31, 2018 we are no longer able to provide services to U.S. citizens in St. Petersburg.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya,
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (4232) 300-070
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (914) 791-0067
Fax: +(7) (4232) 300-091
vladcons@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (343) 379-3001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) 917-569-3549
Fax: +(7) (343) 379-4515
consulyekat@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Russia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Russia.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Russia acceded to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) on October 1, 2011; however, the United States and Russia are not yet treaty partners. Until Russia and the United States establish a treaty relationship per Article 38 of the Convention, parents whose children have been abducted from the United States to Russia or wrongfully retained in Russia are unable to invoke the Convention to pursue their children's return or to seek access to them.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Russia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Parental child abduction is not a crime in Russia. A parent or guardian must file a missing person report with the Russian police in order for the Ministry of the Interior (MVD) to take action. The Federal Bailiff's Service will assist with enforcement if a parent obtains a Russian court order granting custody or visitation.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Russia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Russia for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Russia are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law and here.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
Mediation is not a recognized legal process used in custody disputes in Russia, although local religious organizations may provide informal services.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Russia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Russian Federal law No 272-FZ remains in place banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.
This law entered into force on January 1, 2013. It bans the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens, bars adoption service providers from assisting U.S. citizens in adopting Russian children, and required the termination of the 2012 U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement. The Russian Supreme Court issued a letter to city and regional courts on January 22, 2013 explaining the implementation of Federal Law No. 272-FZ. The letter states that adoptions of Russian children by U.S. citizens may be completed only in those cases in which adoption orders were made before January 1, 2013, (including those that became final after January 1, 2013 following the 30-day waiting period). The U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement was terminated on January 1, 2014.
Additionally, on July 2, 2013 Russian Federal Law No. 167-FZ entered into force banning the adoption, custody, or patronage of children by same-sex couples and also to singles living in countries where same-sex marriage is allowed.
AFTER ADOPTION
The Government of Russia requires children adopted from Russia to be registered with either the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before they leave Russia or with the Russian Embassy or Consulate once they arrive in the United States.
Russia requires four post-adoption reports to provide information regarding the welfare of children adopted by U.S. families. We strongly urge parents with children adopted from Russia to comply with Russia’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process.
Reports should be prepared in accordance with the requirements established by the Russian government and as agreed to during the adoption process. All reports should be translated into Russian. Reports may be submitted either to the Ministry of Education and Science at the following address or to the regional authorities where the adoption was completed. The Ministry’s address is below. For contact information for the regional authorities, please see our Russian Regional Authorities Contact List.
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Rights
51 Lysinovskaya St.
Moscow, 115998
Post - Adoption Resources
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
U.S. Embassy in Russia
Address: #21 Novinsky Blvd.
Moscow, Russia 123242
Tel: 728-5000 switchboard
728-5567 (orphan visas)
Fax: 728-5247 (orphans only)
Internet: ru.usembassy.gov/
Russia’s Adoption Authority
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Right
Address: 51 Lysinovskaya St.
Moscow, 115998
Embassy of the Russian Federation
Address: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: 202-298-5700
Fax: 202-298-5735
Internet: russianembassy.org/
Russia also has consulates in: San Francisco, New York, and Seattle
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
CA/OCS/CI, SA-17A, 9th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
Internet: adoption.state.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None A B | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-2 | None B | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | One | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| I | None D | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-2 4 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-1 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| M-2 | None C | Multiple | 36 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Civil documents, except as noted below, are available in the Russian Federation. Individuals may request replacement copies of their civil records from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for lost or destroyed documents. Documents that have been certified by ZAGS or a local notary office can be affixed with an apostille by the Ministry of Justice or other selected offices empowered to do so. The apostille is accepted in all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention on the Abolition of Legalization of Documents. Documents that bear an apostille need not be authenticated by a U.S. consular officer for use in the United States.
In the United States, Russian documents can be requested through the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, or the Russian Consulates General in New York or Seattle. The process often takes several months.
Some civil records were destroyed during World War II. Local authorities generally will issue a certificate to that effect, although again, the process may take several months. A replacement statement of identity is also available from local authorities when the birth certificate is unavailable.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the Consulates General in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg, cannot assist in obtaining civil documents or verifying the accuracy of civil records in the Russian Federation.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство о рождении (Birth Certificate)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a green certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. To obtain a replacement copy, see “Procedure for Obtaining” above.
Exceptions: None
Comments: If a Russian citizen legally changes his or her name (excluding name changes due to marriage or divorce), a new birth certificate will be issued under the new name and the old record purged.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство о смерти (Certificate of Death)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a brown certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The surviving spouse or child of the deceased may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. To obtain a replacement copy, see “Procedure for Obtaining” above.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Свидетельство о заключении брака (Certificate of Marriage)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a red certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss, see above instructions to obtain a replacement copy.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Russia. Religious marriage ceremonies are not valid in Russia, unless a civil ceremony and registration is also conducted at ZAGS.
Crimea and occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk: Marriages and divorces in occupied Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (the “Donetsk People’s Republic” [DPR] and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” [LPR]) are not legally recognized in Ukraine and therefore do not establish a valid legal relationship for U.S. immigration purposes. Only marriages and divorces performed by Ukrainian authorities and evidenced by official documents issued by the Ukrainian authorities are valid.
As marriages and divorces performed in Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts are not legally recognized, individuals will need to legally marry outside Crimea or the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to create a legal relationship.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Свидетельство о расторженнии брака (Certificate of Divorce)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a blue certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss see above for instructions to obtain a replacement copy.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Russia. Religious marriage ceremonies are not valid in Russia, unless a civil ceremony and registration is also conducted at ZAGS.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: свидетельство об усыновлении (удочерении) (Certificate of Adoption)
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) of the locality having custody of the records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies depending on date of issuance. The modern version is printed on a blue certificate with security features.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of ZAGS
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a civil record pertains may obtain a replacement copy of the record from the local office of the Bureau of Acts of Civil Status (ZAGS) in the event of loss of the original document. ZAGS will not issue certified duplicate copies of civil documents except as a replacement for a lost or destroyed document.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available. In case of loss, see above for instructions to obtain a replacement.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Passport of a Citizen of the Russian Federation
Issuing Authority: Russian Federal Migration Service
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Dark red passport; inside is the stamp of the Federal Migration Service, a bio page with a photo and Machine-readable zone
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Russian citizens are issued internal passports at age 14; new passports are issued at age 20, and again at age 45
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: All Russian citizens are issued internal passports at age 14, which is their National ID. Internal passports show where the bearer is legally registered, any marriages or divorces, any children under age 14, and information about military service, if applicable. It also shows information about any external (travel) passports issued to the bearer.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: СПРАВКА (Police Clearance)
Issuing Authority: Ministry of the Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Original police certificate will have the stamp of the issuing MVD office and the signature of the official
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Russian law (MVD Order no. 965, dated November 1, 2001) mandates that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) provide police certificates both to Russian citizens and to foreigners who have lived or are living in Russia. The law states that in Russia, MVD offices must provide the certificate within 30 days of application. Those residing outside of Russia, both Russian citizens and non-citizens, may either delegate a Power-of-Attorney to apply for the certificate on their behalf in Russia, or apply directly to the Russian Consulate where they reside. Police certificates should note all names that the person has used in Russia, and should note the MVD branches in all locations that were queried.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions None
Comments:
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: There is no document name
Issuing Authority: The court have jurisdiction over the case
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal (s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The person to whom a court record pertains may request a copy of the court proceedings and decision from the appropriate authorities.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: военный билет (Military book)
Issuing Authority: The regional military Kommissar
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Contains information on the length of service and circumstances of discharge.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The regional military Kommissar
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: If lost, a military book can generally not be replaced.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Those exempt from the draft may have a military “white book” showing their exemption, usually related to education responsibilities.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Those who have served in the military may also have this information reflected in their Russian internal passports.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: военный билет (Military book)
Issuing Authority: The regional military Kommissar
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Contains information on the length of service and circumstances of discharge.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The regional military Kommissar
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: If lost, a military book can generally not be replaced.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Those exempt from the draft may have a military “white book” showing their exemption, usually related to education responsibilities.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Those who have served in the military may also have this information reflected in their Russian internal passports.
Available
Comments: There are four types of documents with which a person may reside in the Russian Federation:
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia
Address:
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (495)728-5000
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg, Russia
Address:
15 Furshtatskaya St.
St. Petersburg 191028, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (812) 331-2600
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok, Russia
Address:
32 Pushkinskaya St.
Vladivostok 690001, Russian Federation
Phone Number: +7 (4232) 30 00 70
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg, Russia
Address:
15 Gogal Street Yekaterinburg,
620151 Russian Federation
Phone Number: 343-379-3001
Comments / Additional Information: None
| Location |
Areas Serviced |
|---|---|
Moscow |
Immigrant visas: All areas of the Russian Federation. Crimea is in the consular district of U.S. Embassy Kyiv. All IV and K applicants, irrespective of citizenship, who are residents of Crimea, must apply in Kyiv. Nonimmigrant Visas: Those parts of the Russian Federation not contained within the consular districts of St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg or Vladivostok.
|
St Petersburg |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K): Regions, autonomous republics, and cities of:
|
Vladvostok |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K): Regions, autonomous republics, and cities of:
|
Yekaterinburg |
Nonimmigrant Visas (except K):
|
deportation.from.usa@gmail.com
Washington, DC (202) 939-8900 (202) 939-8919
Houston, TX (713) 337-3300 (713) 337-3305
New York, NY (212) 348-0926(212) 831-9162
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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