Visa To Russia

[LnS 1]

Hi, I'm a US citizen and would like to take a trip to Russia soon. I am curious about the procedure for obtaining a visa. I'll be visiting Spain soon, and would like to go to Russia about a month or so after I return. I'm guessing I need to wait to file until after I return because I assume I'll have to send in my passport, or maybe not?

Anyways, my questions:

1. I'm a do-it-yourselfer, but would using an agent be wiser in this situation?

2. If yes to #1, do you have any recommendations as to who I should use?

3. What does a visa cost, in total?

4. How long will it take to be approved?

5. Is there any real likelihood that I would be denied the visa?

I've never traveled to Russia before so it's a little intimidating honestly. I appreciate any and all advice!

Thanks!

Edited December 12, 2011 by Lennard

[V and A 1]

Hi, I'm a US citizen and would like to take a trip to Russia soon. I am curious about the procedure for obtaining a visa. I'll be visiting Spain soon, and would like to go to Russia about a month or so after I return. I'm guessing I need to wait to file until after I return because I assume I'll have to send in my passport, or maybe not?

Anyways, my questions:

1. I'm a do-it-yourselfer, but would using an agent be wiser in this situation?

2. If yes to #1, do you have any recommendations as to who I should use?

3. What does a visa cost, in total?

4. How long will it take to be approved?

5. Is there any real likelihood that I would be denied the visa?

I've never traveled to Russia before so it's a little intimidating honestly. I appreciate any and all advice!

Thanks!

I been through it a few times. first of all, yes. you will need to send in you passport

Where you live kind of depends if you need to use a visa service.the visa must be hand delivered to the consulate. The visa cost 140$ but if you use a service it will cost you about 250-300$ including shipping. I used Russart but there are 3 otheres listed on the consulates webpage.http://www.consulrussia.org/ the Visa Service can also give you your Visa support letter, wich is nice if you intend to visit more than just one city. ( you must have the VS letter to get the visa )It takes about 10 days to get the visa. But i would try to send in the application about a month out but no more than two. this was if there are any problems, you have time to sort it out. Cant say what the liklyhoodd is about being denied. has to do with what you say on the application. but dont think it should be much of a problem

good luck. let me know if you need anthing else

[baron555 934]

Hi, I'm a US citizen and would like to take a trip to Russia soon. I am curious about the procedure for obtaining a visa. I'll be visiting Spain soon, and would like to go to Russia about a month or so after I return. I'm guessing I need to wait to file until after I return because I assume I'll have to send in my passport, or maybe not?

Anyways, my questions:

1. I'm a do-it-yourselfer, but would using an agent be wiser in this situation? Yes

2. If yes to #1, do you have any recommendations as to who I should use? Russian Visa

3. What does a visa cost, in total? Russian Visa

4. How long will it take to be approved? Russian Visa

5. Is there any real likelihood that I would be denied the visa? Not much

I've never traveled to Russia before so it's a little intimidating honestly. I appreciate any and all advice!

Thanks!

[SMR 368]

Hi, I'm a US citizen and would like to take a trip to Russia soon. I am curious about the procedure for obtaining a visa. I'll be visiting Spain soon, and would like to go to Russia about a month or so after I return. I'm guessing I need to wait to file until after I return because I assume I'll have to send in my passport, or maybe not?

Anyways, my questions:

1. I'm a do-it-yourselfer, but would using an agent be wiser in this situation?

2. If yes to #1, do you have any recommendations as to who I should use?

3. What does a visa cost, in total?

4. How long will it take to be approved?

5. Is there any real likelihood that I would be denied the visa?

I've never traveled to Russia before so it's a little intimidating honestly. I appreciate any and all advice!

Thanks!

1. I've never done it by myself. As was said, to do it yourself, you have to appear in person at the Russian consulate or embassy. If that is a day-trip for you, it might be worth it. Otherwise, forget it. The cost of travel will outweigh the cost of the agent which is $40-$50. Also, whether you do it yourself or not, you will need an invitation. An agent can supply this for you for $20 and most will do it whether you use them for the other part or not. If you have Russian citizen friends they can do it for less but after they send it to you the savings will not be incredibly significant.

2. I have used this site. For 12 day processing it will run you about $230 including the invitation and shipping there and back. There are other sites but I have not used them. They are pretty self explanatory. Get the double entry version since it isn't more expensive and gives you more options.

3. $230 for 12 day processing on a 30 day tourist visa. The prices for other visa types and processing are posted. Shipping runs about $15 there and $15 back in my experience. Next day would be more. I have looked around a little at other services and haven't seen much price variation. Most of the price is set by the actual visa (embassy) fee.

4. 12 business day processing is typically an overestimate. I have always had my passport back in hand within 2 weeks including 2nd day shipping there and back. But 12 business day processing means it could extend to three weeks worse case. Obviously, if you need it and can pay, 5 day processing is faster.

5. I've never heard of a denial. I assume it happens. They ask about criminal, citizenship, military, and visa history. I assume if you have some red flags in these areas you could be denied. There are also a series of questions on the form that will require you to appear for an interview if you answer "yes." I don't remember the questions but they are on the form and you can read them for yourself. Assuming the answers are all "no" and you don't have any other red flags or otherwise set off any alarms, I would say the likelihood of denial is almost zero.

[LnS 1]

Thank you all for the very helpful replies!

SMR, you mentioned that one reason for denial might be criminal background. I actually have some marijuana possession charges from when I was a juvenile, I wonder if this could cause me some problems. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[baron555 934]

Thank you all for the very helpful replies!

SMR, you mentioned that one reason for denial might be criminal background. I actually have some marijuana possession charges from when I was a juvenile, I wonder if this could cause me some problems. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

No, I wouldn't think so.

[Inna & Brian 11]

I could be wrong, but I dont think they asked about criminal history. I think the application was a simple one page deal that is filled out on line. The embassy may run a criminal history on you. So if they ask, be honest. I had a problem with the visa but it was resolved pretty easily. I was surprised the Russian Embassy had good customer service.

The issue I was concerned about was registering the visa while in Russia. We rented an apartment and the apartment people would not register my visa. I was rather nervous when I left. I was concerned I would be hassled at the airport but I sailed through passport control without my visa registration papers.

Do some research on registering visas. If you stay at hotels it will not be a problem because hotels and hostels automatically register your visa.

Russia is a very interesting country but very cold and dark in winter. I would suggest St Petersburg in June. The White Nights are amazing and Peterhof is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Or Maybe Kiev. Kiev is a beautiful city and USCs do not need a visa for Ukraine.

[SMR 368]

I could be wrong, but I dont think they asked about criminal history. I think the application was a simple one page deal that is filled out on line. The embassy may run a criminal history on you. So if they ask, be honest. I had a problem with the visa but it was resolved pretty easily. I was surprised the Russian Embassy had good customer service.

The issue I was concerned about was registering the visa while in Russia. We rented an apartment and the apartment people would not register my visa. I was rather nervous when I left. I was concerned I would be hassled at the airport but I sailed through passport control without my visa registration papers.

Do some research on registering visas. If you stay at hotels it will not be a problem because hotels and hostels automatically register your visa.

Russia is a very interesting country but very cold and dark in winter. I would suggest St Petersburg in June. The White Nights are amazing and Peterhof is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Or Maybe Kiev. Kiev is a beautiful city and USCs do not need a visa for Ukraine.

The actual questions are:

"List all countries you have visited in the last ten years and indicate the year of visit

Have you ever performed military service?No Yes

Have you ever been in an armed conflict, either as a participant or victim?No Yes

Do you have any specialized skills or training, including firearms, explosives, nuclear, biological or chemical experience?No Yes

Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offence?No Yes

Do you suffer from any infectious disease dangerous for public health?No Yes

Have you ever lost a passport or had one stolen?No Yes

Have you ever tried to obtain or assisted others to obtain a Russian visa or enter Russia by providing misleading or false information? No Yes"

As far as military service, I don't know what happens if you say, "yes." Probably nothing. Criminal offense probably the same deal. I remember a statement on previous forms that answering "yes," to any question on a certain list meant you would be required to appear in person. However, that was back when there were paper applications. Now the embassy actually requires you to apply online. It could be different now. I think at a minimum you will have to explain your answer if you say "yes."

In regards to where and when to travel, I second St. Petersburg in June. It's really amazing. But long nights are okay as long as the cold doesn't bother you too much.

As far as registering, yes, it's an issue that needs to be worked out. Technically, any Russian citizen can register you. Legal entities (such as hotels, hostels, and travel agencies) can also do it. It's actually a form that can be filled out at the post office if you have a Russian citizen willing to "receive you." Ask for "Уведомление о прибытии иностранного гражданина на место пребывания." Having a private individual register you will run around 200 rub. Going through a travel agency will be 1000 rub. or so. If you are staying at a hotel or hostel, it's included in the price of stay.

However, as long as you don't get stopped by the police, you probably won't need registration. They don't check it at departure (at least on tourist visas) and don't seem to keep good records of past arrivals and departures. If you do get stopped, on the other hand, it will give the police another thing to hassle you (shake you down) about if you don't have it. Technically it's required in every city that you stay in for more than 3 business days. However, it you don't stay in any city for more than 3 business days straight, you never need to register. But if you are using that loophole, you should keep your travel tickets to prove it.

[LnS 1]

Ok, thanks. I appreciate everyone's replies and advice. Seems like a lot of hoops to jump through just to visit Russia. But oh well, it is what it is.

Thanks again

[slim 1,530]

It's actually a very simple process. Pay the money, send off passport, get visa. Done.

When you get there, you have to register. Also a very easy process. Pay money, hand over visa, get registration card. Done.

As far as military service, I don't know what happens if you say, "yes." Probably nothing. Criminal offense probably the same deal. I remember a statement on previous forms that answering "yes," to any question on a certain list meant you would be required to appear in person.

Nothing happens when you check yes. As long as you pay the money, you're good.

[SMR 368]

I would second Slim that it's actually easier than it sounds. Go through an agency. You just fill out the forms on the website which will be about 15 minutes. Maybe a half hour if you have to look things up. Then you print some stuff off and drop your passport and the stuff off at FedEx.

I just remembered that last time I got a visa (in September) they made me send some passport pictures as well. Your picture doesn't appear on the visa but I guess they keep the pictures on file (or something). So you send some pictures as well. But it's really pretty simple.

[eekee 182]

Also, you now have seven business days to register.

[LnS 1]

Okay, I guess it's not so bad. I'm just used to going to countries where I just show my passport and in I go.

Nothing happens when you check yes. As long as you pay the money, you're good.

Do you speak from personal experience or perhaps you know someone who has checked "yes"? I ask only because i'm a little worried about this and need some reassurance

[slim 1,530]

Okay, I guess it's not so bad. I'm just used to going to countries where I just show my passport and in I go.

Do you speak from personal experience or perhaps you know someone who has checked "yes"? I ask only because i'm a little worried about this and need some reassurance

I checked yes.

[Reyan 56]

I've checked "yes" on the military question, and had no problem getting my visa to Russia.