16.11.07

These rules became effective on October 4th, 2007 and are now being put into action by the Russian consulates worldwide.

These changes do not affect invitation processing but may be important for your actual visa processing and travel plans.

1. A foreign citizen can obtain a visa to Russia ONLY in the country of his/her citizenship. Exceptions include those who have a residence permit for a foreign country for the period more than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant's own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.

2. A multiple entry business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to an aggregate of 90 days out of the period of 180 days.

3. Updated! Russian Foreign Ministry has retracted its decision to apply the new visa rules even to visas issued before October the rule came into effect. Older visas have now been "grandfathered." 

4. A multiple entry visa is only available for people who have been issued a Russian visa before. If this is your first visit, you are only eligible to obtain a single or double entry visa for 1 to 3 months. A copy of your previous Russian visa should be enclosed in your application for a multiple entry invitation.

5. Updated! The American Chamber of Commerce has released minutes of its meeting with visa officials these can be assumed (hopefully) to be the last word on the visa issue. They are available in Russian and English.

Source: IntelService Center North America and other sources