A US citizen marrying a Russian in another country

[smoothoperaytor 40]

Hello, I'm an American and my fiance is Russian. The country we get married in does not matter. So far, we've been looking at Albania or Mexico. Both countries do not seem difficult to get married in and the US recognizes both countries as valid marriage locations. 

 

However when it comes to what I need to do to visit Russia, I'm a little confused. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with marrying a Russian in another country. After we get married, what steps do I need to take to visit Russia? Is what I proposed so far a valid and more convenient option compared to a K1?

[SteveInBostonI130 3,471]

Currently, Russia only allows tourists from a handful of countries, and US is not one of them.   However, after your marriage, as a spouse you should be able to get an appointment with the Russian consulate to get a tourist or temporary residence visa.   

 

Edit:  It is easier to get a 3 year multi entry tourist visa than a temporary residence visa.

Edited September 27, 2020 by SteveInBostonI130
clarification

[smoothoperaytor 40]

7 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

Currently, Russia only allows tourists from a handful of countries, and US is not one of them.   However, after your marriage, as a spouse you should be able to get an appointment with the Russian consulate to get a tourist or temporary residence visa.   

 

Edit:  It is easier to get a 3 year multi entry tourist visa than a temporary residence visa.

Thanks. I already have a 3-year multi entry tourist visa for Russia. However it's not valid now because of covid. However if we were married, that Visa would be accepted?

Edited September 27, 2020 by smoothoperaytor

[SteveInBostonI130 3,471]

1 minute ago, smoothoperaytor said:

Thanks. I already have a 3-year multi entry tourist visa for Russia. However it's not valid now because of covid. However if we were married, that Visa would be accepted?

Yes, it should work.  Here's a forum post discussing it: