Collection of biometric data for Russian visas

We are working closely with the Russian consulate to lessen the impact of the new changes and to ensure that the process of submitting your biometric data goes as smoothly as possible.

Overall, the rules and process remain the same. The only difference is that you will now have to be present at the time your documents are submitted at the visa application centre in order to give a scan of your fingerprints.

1. Complete an online visa application form on our website for either a tourist visa or a business visa and follow the instructions you will receive in the “next steps” email
2. Once you are ready, you can send your passport and any other requested documents to our London office by post, courier, deliver them to us in person or via your designated representative
3. We will check the documents you provide, prepare any visa support or other documents required and complete your visa application pack
4. We will contact you to confirm a suitable day and time when you are available to visit the Russian Visa Application Centre in London in order to provide your biometric data. Please note that the visa centre is open between 8:30am and 3:00pm Monday to Friday and appointments should be confirmed no later than 4.30pm the previous day
5. Please arrive at the visa center on the agreed day and time where our courier will meet you and hand you your completed visa application pack outside the application centre.
6. You will then be asked to provide a scan of all your ten fingers. This can take between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on the number of applicants in the queue.
7. That’s it, we will do the rest. We will manage your application with the consulate, and when your visa is ready, we will collect your passport on your behalf, confirm the visa has been issued correctly, and either post it to your selected address on the same day or hold it in our office for collection.

You will need to visit the Russian visa application centre at:

Russian Visa Application Centre
15-27 Gee Street
London
EC1V 3RD

We would appreciate if you could attempt to arrive on time. Upon arrival or in an event when you are running late, please contact our visa team to alert us.

Yes, in line with many other countries, Russia has introduced bio-metric data collection of visa applicants to help with managing its security and control illegal immigration. The equipment used is similar to that used by the UK government when collecting bio-metric data from applicants for UK visas, and the data will be stored and managed by the ministry of foreign affairs and migration services for the purposes outlined above.

In case you have further questions, please contact our visa team who will be happy to assist you.