# How an American Got a Russian Visa in New York

- Original post: https://www.twitter.com/i/status/2118740034815975682
- Source account: [@RussianRoad\_](https://x.com/RussianRoad_)
- Source language: English
- Duration: 1:29
- Published: 2026-11-07
- Canonical URL: https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york

## Transcript

[0:00](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york) I just spent two weeks backpacking around Russia, taking trains, seeing the sights, and the number one question that I'm getting is how am I here as an American, and how do you get the visa?

[0:08](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=8) As an American, it's actually quite an easy process, but let me walk you through the last couple years where I attempted to get my visa, both Belarus and Istanbul, and I failed miserably.

[0:17](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=17) Most recently, last March, I attempted to get my visa in Istanbul, which meant I had to make an appointment like you do with any consulate.

[0:23](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=23) So we just hit the Russian consulate attempting to get my Russian visa.

[0:26](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=26) However, they had my name on the list, but they're asking us to go to the visa center.

[0:31](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=31) So now we're walking 20 minutes away to get to the Russian visa center.

[0:35](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=35) I hope that this is not gonna be an issue. This ended up being a complete fail, mainly because no one really knew what they were doing.

[0:40](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=40) What you'll need to apply for a Russian visa as an American at the New York consulate, you start off going to this website and actually making an appointment.

[0:48](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=48) Now, this should be quite easy to get. Here, you will also fill out the application form.

[0:52](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=52) Then you will need to submit your passport, passport photos, and some information to get an LOI.

[0:58](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=58) This is the email that I submitted it to, and then I also sent a $50 Venmo to this person.

[1:03](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=63) I'm not going to show you the paper, but they sent it right away.

[1:06](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=66) I also had to get insurance from this company.

[1:08](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=68) It was less than $20 for my entire trip. So I'm freaking out.

[1:11](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=71) I just applied for my Russian visa, and I think I'm gonna get it, so I plan on coming back in one week.

[1:16](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=76) They barely asked me anything. It was incredibly easy to get this visa.

[1:19](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=79) In general, people were so friendly. I didn't even show us going out in Moscow, people giving us free shots and dancing with us.

[1:24](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/EfjnBvhpOn9E/en/how-an-american-got-a-russian-visa-in-new-york?t=84) Really hope I get to come back to Russia in the future because the people here are very kind.