This comprehensive guide covers UK visa fees for Russian citizens in 2026, including costs for visitor, student, spouse, and work visas in both US Dollars and Russian Rubles. Russian nationals must apply for a UK visa to visit, work, or study in the United Kingdom. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (₽13,806), the Student visa is $731 (₽57,018), and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (₽210,834). According to Home Office statistics, Russia enjoys an excellent 92% visitor visa grant rate—significantly above the global average of 79%—making Russian applicants among the most successful visa-national applicants. Applications are submitted through VFS Global visa centres across Russia.
UK visa fees from Russia in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa is $177 (₽13,806), 2-year Visitor visa is $662 (₽51,636), Student visa is $731 (₽57,018), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (₽83,616), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (₽210,834). All fees are charged in US Dollars at VFS Global centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Rostov-on-Don. Exchange rate: ₽78 per $1 USD. Russian citizens enjoy a 92% visitor visa grant rate.
- UK Visa Statistics for Russia 2025
- UK Visa Fees for Russian Citizens 2026
- UK Tourist Visa from Russia
- UK Student Visa from Russia
- UK Work Visa from Russia
- UK Spouse & Family Visa from Russia
- UK Visa for Russian Girlfriend 2026
- UK Priority Visa from Russia
- How to Apply for UK Visa from Russia
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa Statistics for Russia 2025
Russian citizens enjoy some of the highest UK visa approval rates among visa-national countries. The latest Home Office statistics show Russia in the "low-risk" category alongside countries like China, Turkey, and Thailand.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Visa Fees for Russian Citizens 2026
UK visa fees from Russia are charged in US Dollars. The table below shows comprehensive fees for all major visa categories with Russian Ruble equivalents at the current exchange rate of ₽78 per $1 USD.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table for Russian Citizens 2026
UK Tourist Visa from Russia 2026
The UK tourist visa fee from Russia for 6 months is $177 (₽13,806). Long-term visitor visas are available: 2-year visa costs $662 (₽51,636), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (₽92,274), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (₽115,206). With a 92% grant rate, Russian tourist visa applicants have excellent approval prospects. Each visit is limited to 180 days maximum.
The Standard Visitor visa allows Russian nationals to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Russian citizens cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app and must attend a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Russia 2026
Other Visit Visa Types from Russia
- Marriage Visitor visa: $177 (₽13,806) — For marriage or civil partnership in the UK (up to 6 months)
- Visiting Academic (6-12 months): $307 (₽23,946) — For research or educational exchange
- Private Medical Treatment: $307 (₽23,946) — For 6-11 months treatment
- Permitted Paid Engagement: $177 (₽13,806) — For up to 30 days paid activity
- Direct Airside Transit (DATV): $54 (₽4,212) — For transit through UK airports
- Visitor in Transit: $98 (₽7,644) — For passing through UK border control
UK Student Visa from Russia 2026
The UK student visa fee from Russia is $731 (₽57,018). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year (approximately $963 or ₽75,114 annually). Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK sponsor institution.
The UK Student visa enables Russian students to study at UK educational institutions. Russian students must demonstrate English language proficiency and sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance.
Post-Study Work Opportunities for Russian Graduates
Russian graduates can apply for the Graduate Route after completing their studies:
- Bachelor's/Master's graduates: 2-year post-study work visa (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
- PhD holders: 3-year post-study work visa
- Work rights during study: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
UK Work Visa from Russia 2026
UK work visa fees from Russia depend on visa type and duration. The Skilled Worker visa costs $1,072 (₽83,616) for up to 3 years, or $2,118 (₽165,204) for longer periods. Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (₽33,072). Russian workers need sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa Fees from Russia
UK Spouse & Family Visa from Russia 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Russia is $2,703 (₽210,834). The UK sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year. Processing takes up to 12 weeks standard, or 6 weeks with priority service ($697 / ₽54,366 additional). The initial visa is granted for 33 months, with a pathway to settlement after 5 years.
The UK Spouse visa enables Russian nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. Applicants must meet the requirements of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
UK Visa for Russian Girlfriend 2026
The correct UK visa for your Russian girlfriend depends on the purpose of her visit: Standard Visitor visa $177 (₽13,806) for tourism or visiting you; Marriage Visitor visa $177 (₽13,806) if getting married then returning to Russia; Fiancé(e) visa $2,703 (₽210,834) if getting married then settling in the UK; or Spouse visa $2,703 (₽210,834) if already married and joining you permanently.
British citizens and UK residents often need guidance on bringing their Russian girlfriend to the UK. The visa pathway depends on the couple's intentions—whether for a short visit, marriage, or permanent settlement.
Entry Requirements for UK Girlfriend Visa
Can My Russian Girlfriend Work in the UK?
- Visitor visa: NO work permitted—not even unpaid work or internships
- Marriage Visitor visa: NO work permitted
- Fiancé(e) visa: NO work permitted until married and granted spouse visa
- Spouse/Partner visa: YES—full work rights including self-employment
UK Visa Invitation Letter for Russian Girlfriend
A well-structured invitation letter from the UK sponsor can strengthen your Russian girlfriend's visitor visa application. The letter should include:
- Relationship details: How long you've been together, how you met
- Visit purpose and dates: Specific activities planned, arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation: Full address where she'll stay
- Financial support: Confirmation you'll cover expenses (if applicable)
- Supporting documents: Your passport copy, proof of address, bank statements
For detailed guidance on sponsoring a UK visitor visa, including sample letters and document checklists, see our comprehensive guide.
UK Priority Visa from Russia 2026
The UK priority visa fee from Russia is $697 (₽54,366) for 5-working-day processing. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (₽108,810) for next-working-day decisions but has limited availability at Russian VFS centres. These fees are added to the standard visa fee.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Russia
UK visa applications from Russia involve completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee in USD, and attending a biometric appointment at VFS Global. For guidance on completing the application form, see our UK visa application form guide.
UK Visa Application Centres in Russia
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (₽13,806) — 92% grant rate
- Student visa: $731 (₽57,018) plus IHS ~$963/year
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072 (₽83,616) up to 3 years
- Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa: $2,703 (₽210,834)
- Priority service: $697 (₽54,366) for 5-day processing
- Exchange rate: ₽78 per $1 USD
- VFS Global centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is UK visa fee for Russian citizens 2026?
UK visa fees from Russia in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa $177 (₽13,806), 2-year Visitor visa $662 (₽51,636), 5-year Visitor visa $1,183 (₽92,274), 10-year Visitor visa $1,477 (₽115,206), Student visa $731 (₽57,018), Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (₽83,616) for up to 3 years, and Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa $2,703 (₽210,834). All fees charged in US Dollars at VFS Global centres in Russia. Exchange rate: ₽78 per $1 USD.
Can Russians travel to the UK?
Yes, Russian citizens can travel to the UK but must apply for a visa before travelling. There is no visa-free access for Russian passport holders. Russian nationals enjoy a 92% visitor visa grant rate—significantly above the global average of 79%—making them among the most successful visa applicants. The standard visitor visa costs $177 (₽13,806) and allows stays of up to 180 days per visit.
How long can a Russian citizen stay in the UK?
Russian citizens on a visitor visa can stay in the UK for up to 180 days per visit, regardless of whether they hold a 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa. The visa validity determines how long you can make visits, not how long each visit can be. For longer stays, Russians can apply for student, work, or family visas which offer pathways to settlement after 5 years.
Which UK visa does my Russian girlfriend need?
The UK visa for your Russian girlfriend depends on your intentions: Standard Visitor visa $177 (₽13,806) for tourism or visiting you; Marriage Visitor visa $177 (₽13,806) if getting married then returning to Russia; Fiancé(e) visa $2,703 (₽210,834) if getting married then settling in the UK permanently; or Spouse visa $2,703 (₽210,834) if already married. Your Russian girlfriend cannot work in the UK on visitor visas but can work on a spouse visa.
What is UK visa processing time from Russia?
Standard UK visa processing time from Russia is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service $697 (₽54,366) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority $1,395 (₽108,810) provides next-working-day decisions but has limited availability. Settlement/family visas take up to 12 weeks standard or 6 weeks with priority service.
Can Russian citizens work in the UK?
Russian citizens can work in the UK with the appropriate work visa. Options include: Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (₽83,616) for up to 3 years requiring sponsorship from a licensed UK employer with minimum £38,700 salary; Health and Care Worker visa $424 (₽33,072) for medical professionals; or Global Talent visa $286 (₽22,308) with approval letter for leaders in academia, arts, or digital technology. Russians cannot work on visitor visas.