Official Russia

I believe jarman is referring to the actual visa and not the visa invitation you are asking about. The actual visa officially costs $131 + any agency fees because you cannot take it to a consulate yourself. As for the $18 vs. $30 for the invitation, I do not see a difference in the hotel booking because you could always do that on another website for free. If you are staying at a hotel or hostel though, I would suggest finding that first (quickly), and then asking them to provide you the visa support letter. That way, they will be able to register it for you as well. I have found that nicer hotels will do this for you for free, but hostels will charge you around $15 for the invitation and about $5-7 for the registration upon arrival. Usually they will give you the invitation for your entire stay in Russia I have also found. Good luck!

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Source: Way to Russia Talk Lounge