🇷🇺 Transit Visa Flight Reservation for Russia
Short-stay visa for changing flights or passing through a country en route to another destination. For Russia applications specifically, a verifiable PNR is one of the standard supporting documents.
About Transit Visas to Russia
Typical duration: 24-96 hours typical
Who needs this visa: Travelers connecting through a country's airport with a long layover, OR needing to leave airside (e.g. to collect baggage, change terminals, or transit by land).
Russia specific: Russian Embassy Pretoria. Tourist invitation letter required.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Onward flight reservation (showing departure within transit duration)
- Valid visa for the final destination (where required)
- Proof of accommodation if overnight transit
- Travel itinerary clearly showing transit purpose
Flight reservation guidance
Transit visa applications are entirely about proving onward travel. The reservation showing your departure FROM the transit country (e.g. Dubai to London) is the single most important document. Validity beyond the transit window is unnecessary — 48-hour or 7-day plans suffice.
Common mistake
Confusing transit visa requirements with full entry. If you don't leave the international transit area, you often don't need a transit visa at all. Check the country's transit rules first.
Russia entry information
Main international airports: SVO, DME, LED, VKO
Top destination cities: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk
Application route: Direct embassy
Processing time: 10-21 business days typical