New Moscow rules?

[BatmanUSA 105]

Thanks for the embassy email address.. I will email them to ask...

and thats what I was thinking... any USC is welcome in the embassy... but I do not think they would allow him into the interview and I dont think I would want him in there either.. :-)

[Neonred 3,562]

From what I understand any USC is allowed into the Embassy itself... However, it would be a very good idea to email the Embassy directly and ask them.

ConsulMo@state.gov

Hope this helps!!

Sure, any USC can enter the embassy during specific hours, and to a different area than where they do visa interviews. Many visa interviews start at 8:00 am but I think the USC area does not open that early, and it is not a very large area. Most visa interviews take a couple of hours, and much of that is waiting.

Edited June 24, 2012 by Neonred

[GelendzhikBelle 7]

Just use one of the many Russian visa agencies. A bit more expensive but much easier. They basically want your money, it's not like coming to the US where they want your money and to interview you and all that. In Russia, if you pay, you get a visa, unless you have some very odd circumstances (you scammed their easy visa system, and somehow their bureaucracy worked well enough to catch you, or you're a criminal)

The service I used for the Invitation Letter to go to Russia when my Wife and I were married was a partner of "Way to Russia" which is a good website on the inner workings of everyday activities as well. Some of the comments are pretty entertaining too. Fun and yet they are informative. I'd recommend this website and blog for anyone that has not been to Russia yet. Good info on the blogs. The Invitation letter is important to get ahead of time. About 2 weeks prior to your applying for your Tourist Visa. Yes, it is true on April 13 the process changed. The Russian Consulate Generals entered into agreements for a third party (at $30 a shot) for the Visa. This is in addition to the $140 you'll pay, so it's $170 and about a two week wait. You'll need medical insurance while there too. The Visa Application form asks about this and you really should take this to heart because no one knows what may happen or when. I live near Seattle so I was asked to drive back to get my Passport with the Visa stamp in it (about a two hour drive for me), otherwise the Consulate will mail it to you. Be very careful about where you say your going while in Russia!!!!

There are some towns and cities that are "sensitive" if you are a US Citizen and do not (yet) have relatives in that area. I was told to simply travel as normal and not to worry about it. My Wife is from one of the Provence's that are restricted. I had no problems at all with my Visa or Immigration card while there, even though my papers were examined by the airport militia several times.

Be sure to register at each hotel you go to. If not staying at a hotel (such as in the case of Homestay Visa which I will be applying for next time I go) then go to the local registration office where your relative obtained the document for acceptance of responsibility for you. Also be sure to get this done within the time the Russian law says to do it. You do not want problems on the day you leave and get stopped going through Passport Control. Expen$ive mistake!!!