For Russian citizens, travelling to the United States is still possible, but the process is more difficult than it once was. With no direct flights, US consular services suspended in Russia and visa applications facing increased scrutiny, securing entry now requires careful planning.

In this guide, we look at the rules on Russian citizens travelling to the US, with guidance on US visas for Russians and responses to the frequently asked question: “Can Russian citizens travel to USA now?”

Given ongoing challenges with US visa applications and processing, you are advised to seek expert guidance from an immigration specialist to understand the options open to you in your specific circumstances.

Can Russian citizens travel to the USA now?

Direct commercial flights between Russia and the United States remain suspended as a result of mutual airspace restrictions and sanctions. As such, most Russian nationals would need to travel via a third country such as Türkiye, Serbia or the UAE.

However, you will first need to apply for a suitable visa, even if you are only planning a short stay in the United States. This is because Russia is not a participant in the Visa Waiver Program and Russian citizens are not eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This means

As the USA does not offer visa-free travel to Russian nationals, Russian nationals require a visa for any form of US entry. This applies regardless of the purpose or length of your proposed US visit, or if you travel to the United States via another country.

US visas for Russian citizens

Russian citizens who wish to travel to the United States for the purposes of business or tourism must apply for either a B-1 (business) visa or a B-2 (tourism) visa, where the relevant US entry requirements for Russian citizens will depend on the purpose of any visit.

B-1 (business) visa

If you apply for a B-1 (business) visa, you must demonstrate that you qualify for a temporary nonimmigrant visa. As US law presumes that every B-1 applicant is an intending immigrant, you must overcome this legal presumption by proving to a consular officer that:

• the purpose of your US trip is for a temporary visit to do unpaid business activities
• you plan to remain in the USA for only a specific and limited period of time
• you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in the USA
• you have a residence outside the USA, together with other binding social and/or economic ties, that will ensure your departure from the country at the end of your visit.

The types of business activities that you can undertake on a B-1 visa can include consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions and conferences; settling an estate; or negotiating commercial contracts. However, as a business visitor on a B-1 visa, you must not usually engage in any paid or productive employment, otherwise risk being in violation of your nonimmigrant visa status.

The B-1 (business) visa will typically be granted for up to 6 months.

B-2 (tourism) visa

The relevant US entry requirements for Russian citizens applying for a B-2 (tourism) visa also require you to show that you qualify for nonimmigrant status in accordance with US law, overcoming the legal presumption that you are intending immigrant by showing that:

• the purpose of your US trip is for a temporary visit for recreational purposes
• you plan to remain in the USA for only a specific and limited period of time
• you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in the USA
• you have a residence outside the USA, together with other binding social and/or economic ties, that will ensure your departure from the country at the end of your visit.

The B-2 visa is typically for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, or visits with friends and family, although it could also be used to undergo private medical treatment in the United States, as well as activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. The B-1 and B-2 visas can also be combined, issued as one single visa: the B-1/B-2 visa.

As with a B-1 visa, a B-2 (tourism) visa will again usually be granted for up to 6 months.

US visa application requirements for Russian citizens

To apply for either a B-1 or B-2 visa, or both, you must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and pay the application fee of $185. As part of the application process, you will also be required to schedule a consular interview.

Consular Sections of the US Embassy and US Consulates General are responsible for providing visa services, not only to those wishing to take up lawful permanent residence in the United States, but for those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period only. However, the US Embassy in Moscow is no longer offering non-diplomatic visa services due to the Russian government prohibiting the Embassy from employing foreign nationals in any capacity. All consular services at the US Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok also remain in suspended status. Applicants typically travel to third-country embassies, such as those in Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia or Serbia. However, securing interview appointments in these locations can be very difficult due to high demand and limited US staffing capacity.

Due to embassy closures and demand at third-country embassies, visa appointments and issuance may take several months or longer. Expedited appointments are rare and usually limited to medical emergencies or humanitarian grounds.

US visa interview requirements for Russian citizens

You must attend your consular interview with a number of documents in support of your application for a US visa for Russian citizens, including:

• The confirmation page of Form DS-160, the application fee payment receipt, the appointment confirmation page, a valid passport and a passport sized photo
• Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, in order to show sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States
• Evidence of your intention to depart the United States upon completion of your travel, such as a return or onward ticket
• A letter from your employer setting out your position, salary, length of employment, any authorised vacation and the business purpose, if any, of your US trip
• Evidence that you have significant ties to Russia or any other country to which you intend to return at the end of your stay in the US, such as proof of family, professional, property, employment or any other ties and commitments to the country in question
• Criminal and/or court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.

Original documents are always preferred over photocopies, where any attempt to present false documents or falsely misrepresent your circumstances can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, you should bring the documents to your consular appointment in a sealed envelope. The US Embassy or Consulate will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the data.

Supporting documents are only one of several factors that a consular officer will consider in your visa interview, where the interviewing officer will look at each application individually and consider the professional, social, cultural and other factors during their adjudication. In particular, consular officers will typically look at your specific intentions, family situation, plus your long-term plans and prospects within Russia or any other country of residence.

Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under US law. However, you should be prepared to answer various questions about the purpose of your trip and your intentions on expiry of your visa, where your answers must satisfy the consular officer that you intend to depart the USA at the end of your authorized stay.

It is also worth bearing in mind that due to the strained political relationship between the United States and Russia, you can expect increased scrutiny of any visa application, with stricter vetting procedures and potential denials based on perceived security concerns.

A decision as to whether a US visitor visa has been authorised or denied may be made on the day of interview, although further administrative processing may be required. You may also be required to apply for a waiver of ineligibility if you have a history of criminality or immigration violations. Waivers under INA 212(d)(3) are discretionary and require a separate application, often involving lengthy adjudication by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Do you need a US visa for your Russian girlfriend or wife?

If you are living in the US and looking for a visa for your Russian girlfriend or wife, there may be various options available, depending on the reason for your loved one coming to the USA, as well as your own nationality and immigration status. A US visa for Russian girlfriends or wives could come in the form of a B-2 (tourism) visa if your loved one is only looking to visit you. They may also be eligible for a derivative or family visa if you have longer terms to stay in the USA.

Derivative visa

A derivative nonimmigrant visa is a visa that will allow the dependent spouse of a primary applicant or principal visa-holder on either a work or student visa route to apply for entry clearance to come to the United States, provided they meet the relevant requirements for the category of visa. This means that if you are a Russian citizen looking to come to the US for the purpose of work or study, or you are already in the US on a valid work or student visa, a derivative visa would allow your loved one to accompany or join you in the US.

In most cases, only legal spouses and unmarried minor children under 21 qualify for derivative visa status. Unmarried partners, regardless of the length of relationship, do not qualify. This is because US immigration law does not recognise common-law relationships. In such cases, a girlfriend would be required to qualify for nonimmigrant status in her own right, such as a visitor, work or student visa.

Family visa

A family immigrant visa is a possible long-term option for the Russian wife of either a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident in the United States, and is again intended for only a spouse of the US sponsor. As an immigrant visa, commonly known as a green card, this will first require you to file a petition on behalf of your Russian spouse with USCIS.

Again, as US visa law does not recognise common-law relationships, a girlfriend must qualify for immigrant status in her own right, such as an employment-based green card. If you are a US citizen and intend to marry your Russian fiancée in the United States, you can apply for a K-1 Fiancé(e) visa, which requires you to file Form I-129F with USCIS.

Alternative US visa options for Russian citizens

Russian citizens must obtain a visa before entry into the United States, where the purpose of your intended travel and length of stay will determine what type of visa is required under US immigration law. If you are coming to the United States for a purpose not permitted as a visitor, you will need to establish that you meet all of the requirements for the category of visa for which you are applying. In addition to the B-1 or B-2 visas, there are various other visa options available to Russian citizens, including work and study visas.

Work visas

Temporary work visas are for those wanting to enter the United States for employment that is not considered indefinite or permanent. Each of these nonimmigrant visas will require the prospective US-based employer or agent to first file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where an approved petition is typically needed to be able to apply for a work visa. These visas can include the H-1B (specialty occupation), L-1 (intra-company transferee) and the O-1 (extraordinary ability) visas, amongst others.

Importantly, these visas are petition-based and cannot be initiated by the applicant. A US employer must file the appropriate petition (typically Form I-129) with USCIS. Only after USCIS approves the petition can the applicant schedule a consular interview.

Student visas

You must have a student visa to be able to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend will determine whether you need an F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa. In this context, before applying for a student visa, you will need to have been issued a Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school and pay the SEVIS fee.

Need assistance?

For specialist advice on your US visa and immigration options, speak to our expert US attorneys.

US visas for Russian nationals FAQs

Can Russian citizens travel to the United States in 2025?

Russian citizens can still travel to the United States, but they must first obtain a suitable visa. There are no direct flights between Russia and the US, so travel typically involves transit through a third country such as Türkiye, Serbia or the United Arab Emirates.

Do Russian citizens need a visa to enter the USA?

All Russian nationals require a visa to enter the United States, regardless of the purpose or duration of their visit. Russia is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available to Russian passport holders.

Where can Russian citizens apply for a US visa?

Due to the suspension of non-diplomatic visa services at the US Embassy in Moscow, Russian citizens must apply at a US embassy or consulate outside of Russia. Common locations include Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Serbia. Appointment availability is often limited and wait times can be long.

How long does it take to get a US visa as a Russian citizen?

Processing times vary depending on the location of the consular post, appointment availability and any required administrative checks. It is not uncommon for the process to take several months, particularly given the current high demand at neighbouring embassies.

What type of visa does a Russian citizen need for tourism or business?

For short visits, Russian nationals can apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa, or a combined B-1/B-2 visa. These typically allow a stay of up to six months, subject to approval by US border officials on entry.

Can my Russian partner join me in the US?

The appropriate visa will depend on your relationship and immigration status. A legally married spouse may be eligible for a derivative or immigrant visa. Unmarried partners must qualify in their own right, for example by applying for a visitor or student visa. Fiancé(e)s of US citizens may be eligible for a K-1 visa.

Is it harder for Russians to get a US visa now?

Applications by Russian nationals are subject to increased scrutiny due to strained diplomatic relations. Applicants should be prepared to provide extensive supporting documentation and may face longer processing times or additional background checks.

Can Russian students still study in the United States?

Russian citizens can still apply for F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) student visas, provided they have been accepted by a US institution certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Can a US visa for a Russian citizen be denied?

As with any nationality, visa issuance is never guaranteed. Applications can be refused for a range of reasons, including failure to demonstrate ties to a home country, previous immigration violations, or security concerns.

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