Freaking out. Do I need to bring copy of letter of invitation OR Is passport with visa enough

Perhaps wiser minds can offer more information, but as I recall once I had the visa in the passport book, I no longer needed the letter of invitation. Passports were checked at the border (we entered via Finland by train) and just handed over the passport to the guard. That was 3? years ago so I think it is pretty similar now.

Can you send a .pdf to your smart phone. I made .pdf of all reservations & tickets and emailed to myself. Really good thing to have.

Take a photo with your smartphone (or camera) and then you will have it with you. Although I think if you have the visa, that overrides the need for the invitation letter. (but I am no Russian entry expert!!)

Going through immigration in St Petersburg in Autumn , 2015 , they only required the passport ( with attached visa )

We have never been asked to show our letter (or copy) of invitation. But the border and all hotels will want to register your stay in your passport with the visa.

By the way , have a great time , and remember to only drink bottled water .

Thanks all! feeling better. Steve - Ill remeber about the water!! And think Ill have a (rare for me) glass of wine on the plane/

Me too. Although I carried copies of everything, the only think anyone ever looked at coming into Russia and leaving was the Visa.

We are back! didn't need the invite. The visa and passport were enough. Thanks