With the exception of student and work visas, visas can only be extended in case of serious emergency, such as serious illness or a canceled flight. In case of such an emergency, you must immediately contact the Federal Migration Service (see below).
The petition for an emergency extension must be made to the Federal Migration Service before the expiry of the visa. You pay a fee of 300-400 RUR and must submit:
- your original passport
- migration card
- registration papers
- an application form
- a petition letter from the inviting agency listed on your official invitation
- 2 passport photos
Note also that your visa is required for both entry and exit. If you overstay your visa, you will not only face a fine of 2000 to 5000 RUB, but will most likely also be denied exit from Russia until you apply for and receive a new exit visa (a process of two to four weeks.) You may also face a 5-year exclusion of future visits to Russia.
Student and work visas can be extended, and, at times, converted from single- to multiple-entry. Your university or employer will facilitate this process.
Contact
Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation
V. Radishhevskaya St. 4-1
Moscow, Russia
Tel: (495) 698 00 78
Reception Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10.00 – 18.00
Friday: 10.00 – 16.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 14.00
In general, you can expect the best results in person, but a phone call to confirm reception hours is advisable. Appointments are not available, and you should be prepared to queue for a while to see FMS staff. You should ask a trusted native speaker of Russian to accompany you, as it is unlikely you will find an English speaker.
