# What is the quickest way to get a visa? **URL:** \ **Category:** Travel to Russia\ **Created:** [December 4, 2023, 10:13pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-is-the-quickest-way-to-get-a-visa/24 "2023-12-04T22:13:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lotto](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/e9a140/32.png) [@Lotto](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Lotto)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2023, 10:13pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-is-the-quickest-way-to-get-a-visa/24/1 "2023-12-04T22:13:49Z")
The Russian Vista Centre website says “Please be informed that the processing time of mail-in applications will take up to 3-4 weeks.” This is would put visa approval or denial too close to my travel date. What is a quicker way to apply for a 3-year Russian tourist visa for US Citizens? ---
**Author:** ![Irena](https://forum.russiable.com/user_avatar/forum.russiable.com/irena/32/7_2.png) [@Irena](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Irena)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2023, 9:12am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-is-the-quickest-way-to-get-a-visa/24/2 "2023-12-05T09:12:30Z")
@Lotto Hello, The quickest way is to apply in person. If you are far away, you can ask a friend or family member in Washington or hire a private agency to do the procedure faster but at a higher cost. Also, you can try to send an email to the visa center explaining that you need it urgently: - New York: [info.nycusa@russia-visacentre.com](mailto:info.nycusa@russia-visacentre.com) - Washington: [info.wdcusa@russia-visacentre.com](mailto:info.wdcusa@russia-visacentre.com) ---
**Author:** ![Lotto](https://forum.russiable.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/e9a140/32.png) [@Lotto](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Lotto)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2023, 5:40am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-is-the-quickest-way-to-get-a-visa/24/3 "2023-12-06T05:40:29Z")
How quick is in-person? And where can I find more information about private agencies? ---
**Author:** ![Irena](https://forum.russiable.com/user_avatar/forum.russiable.com/irena/32/7_2.png) [@Irena](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Irena)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2023, 11:20am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-is-the-quickest-way-to-get-a-visa/24/4 "2023-12-06T11:20:42Z")
Normal applications: 10 business days minimum. Urgent applications: 3-5 business days minimum. I would recommend asking directly in the emails above, because times may vary.