To apply for a single-entry, double-entry or multi-entry humanitarian visa you must provide:

1. An invitation to enter the Russian Federation issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or
   
   
2. A decision from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to issue a visa; or
   
   
3. A written letter from the host organization or institution;
   
   
4. A foreign passport containing at least 2 blank pages for visas, valid for a period of 6 months after the visa expires;
   
   
5. A visa questionnaire completed on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and personally signed by the applicant;
   (When selecting the location where you are going to submit your documents, you must state the Visa Centre where you intend to submit your documents)
   
   
6. A colour photograph measuring 3.5 x 4.5cm with a light background, with a clear full-face image of the applicant, in which the person is not wearing dark glasses or any headgear (with the exception of persons who, due to their nationality or religious affiliation, are allowed to wear headgear in their passport photo);
   
   
7. A medical insurance policy, valid on the territory of the Russian Federation and covering the entire duration of the visa, except in cases based on reciprocity;
   
   
8. A copy of a valid Swiss residence permit (it is not required, if you are nationals of the USA and Lichtenstein).

For children under 18 years of age:

In addition:

1. Copy of the birth certificate.
2. If a child travels alone or is only accompanied by one parent: an authorization (in German or English) and signed in front of a notary public by the parents/the parent who is not travelling is required (original).
3. Copies of the valid Russian visas of the parents travelling together with the child, if the parents submit their applications not at the same time.

Please note! The consulate may require additional documents before issuing a visa, invite you to an interview or extend the time required for consideration of your visa application.

Payment of the consular and service charges may be made at the Visa Centre.

Please note! If you are not a national of Switzerland, you need to provide the following documents:

1. Swiss permanent residence permit which is valid for more than 90 days and is required from the nationals of the following countries: Albania, Bahrain, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Mali, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Japan.

According to the national legislation the documentary evidence for the permanent stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days can be a student visa or work visa, a work permit, a short-term residence permit, a limited residence permit etc.

2. Swiss unlimited residence permit or other equivalent document are required from the nationals of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ruanda, Syria, Somali, Chad, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia.