Exchange student: visa

1. What should I do when crossing the border into Russia?

You will be required to provide your passport with a valid visa, and a migration card. You will receive a migration card on the plane/train/bus, or at the actual checkpoint. If you are crossing the Russian border by transit through Belarus make sure to obtain a migration card BEFORE entering Russia on the border point with Belarus - ask for the migration card to be issued for you by the migration officer at the Belarusian border point.

Please refer to our guide to make sure that you or the checkpoint officer have filled in your migration card correctly. Make sure the purpose of travel highlighted is "education". 

If you find an error in your migration card while crossing the border, contact the checkpoint officer.

If you find an error in your migration card after you left the checkpoint, most likely, you will have to leave Russia and get a new visa invitation. Contact the HSE Student International Mobility Office to find out the procedure and follow this link for more details about getting a new Russian visa.

3. How soon should I get registered upon arrival?

Within 3 business days. We recommend to do it on the next day after entering Russia.

Please note, in case you fail to get registered upon arrival, you will be subject to a state penalty of 7000 rubles and might be deported and rejected further entry to Russia. 

Do not buy registration services from untrustworthy companies, it is provided by the MIA of Russia free of charge. You must be registered strictly at the address of your actual stay in Russia.

5. When should I obtain the medical insurance policy?

Upon arrival to Russia you should obtain the medical insurance policy. Find the list of available medical insurance  programs here. After obtaining the medical policy, you should send a scan of it to the manager of your study program.

2. What should I do after crossing the border into Russia?

Foreign citizens are required to get a migration registration every time they cross the border to enter or re-enter Russia. If you violate this rule, you may be subject to a fine of up to 7,000 roubles, deportation from Russia, and a ban on entry for up to three years. What you need to do to get your migration registration will depend on your place of stay in Russia. The procedure depends on your place of staying and has no fee.

Please make sure that you keep your registration slip and migration card on your person up until your departure from Russia as these documents may be requested at the border checkpoint when leaving the country.

I will be staying in a dormitory

I will be staying in a private flat

I will be staying in a hotel/hostel

4. Which other procedures should I undergo after arrival to Russia?

All foreign students* are obliged to undergo the following compulsory procedures within 90 days since their arrival:

• Medical examination carried out at State hospital of Moscow #3 (in case you need assistance, contact Visa and Registration Centre). A sample of the medical check-up certificate can be seen here.
• Biometric photography and obligatory fingerprinting made at the territorial department of migration of the MIA of Moscow (MVD). Find a sample of the fingerprinting certificate. Do not confuse it with a voluntary fingerprinting where you do not get any certificate.

Read further information here.

* Citizens of Belarus, as well as holders of Russian temporary and permanent residence permits are exempt from these procedures.