Questions about interview for Russian citizen in Warsaw Poland

[To_the_moon 94]

2 hours ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

 

• For me to get to Italy I have to fly from Atlanta to Italy, not a big deal, then meet her there, we have to stay several days (also not so bad to HAVE to vacation in Rome a few days) then fly out together on same Turkish Airline to Istanbul, a brief layover, then fly together to Warsaw.  Then 3-5 days in Warsaw to complete the interview, then I fly back to USA (via Munich Germany) she returns to Moscow via Istanbul.  In other words, the single person going to Warsaw in times of peace cost was no more than $1500...now it's $4500+ and we both have to go because of the financial sanctions.  A 5 day trip is now a 10 day EU world tour.

 

Have you considered getting a visa to Russia as a US citizen and just spend some time with your wife there? You can actually spend as much time as you want. Americans get a 3-year multi visa, you can stay in Russia for up to 6 months. Getting a visa is pretty simple, costs around $550 and takes about 2-4 weeks. Even during these unprecedented times tourist visas are still being issued. 

You will most like need to fly with Turkish Airlines but their tickets would be much more affordable than spending so much money in Europe and only being able to stay there for a few days.

[millefleur 5,047]

24 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

But I can get her a card on a joint account in case her bank, the largest in Russia defaults.  She has lived through a default twice in her life.

Keep in mind even if you send her an American card, she won't be able to get dollars or euros anywhere inside of Russia. Right now you can only get rubles in cash (maybe some other currencies) and if she pays for stuff using an American card anywhere abroad, there's an exchange rate fee on that for each transaction.

 

Just now, To_the_moon said:

Have you considered getting a visa to Russia as a US citizen and just spend some time with your wife there? You can actually spend as much time as you want.

This is not a bad idea either. Americans can still travel to Russia right now and you can even bring USD into the country. If you travel from Russia with her to Warsaw, it would solve a lot of these issues around money. Just make sure to bring USD and EUR with you first.

 

Also, is there some reason you have to fly via Istanbul to get to Warsaw if you're already in Italy? Once you're inside the Schengen zone, traveling between countries should be simple. If you're both in Italy, then you should be able to get to Warsaw from there without leaving Europe. I don't follow the Rome > Istanbul > Warsaw plan.

 

 

 

 

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

"Have you considered getting a visa to Russia as a US citizen and just spend some time with your wife there? You can actually spend as much time as you want. Americans get a 3-year multi visa, you can stay in Russia for up to 6 months. Getting a visa is pretty simple, costs around $550 and takes about 2-4 weeks. Even during these unprecedented times tourist visas are still being issued. 

You will most like need to fly with Turkish Airlines but their tickets would be much more affordable than spending so much money in Europe and only being able to stay there for a few days."

 

I already have a 3 year Russian visa, this is actually my 2nd one. I actually had a ticket to fly to Russia March 16th, it was cancelled by Delta/KLM the day before the flight and a few days after the airline sanctions. Round trip was $650 because it's off season and cold in Moscow still.  Today that ticket is $2,800 Turkish Air.  If I book out to late April it's "only" $1,700 and the typical 12 hour flight is now 23-35 hours.   Or, I can fly to Rome for $630 in 9 hours direct, no stops, round trip.

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

"Keep in mind even if you send her an American card, she won't be able to get dollars or euros anywhere inside of Russia. Right now you can only get rubles in cash (maybe some other currencies) and if she pays for stuff using an American card anywhere abroad, there's an exchange rate fee on that for each transaction."

 

The card is not for her to get cash, but she could, it would be in Rubles though. It would be for her to purchase things she needs to survive like food.  The three times I was in Moscow, with my bank card(debt not credit) it worked fine and any 'exchange' rate was minimal as compared to the currency exchange windows that are a total rip.  We always change our monies in a real bank and get the best rate ... well for that day.  And we shop around to the different large banks like Alpha-Bank and Sberbank. Actually, when the ruble fell flat 2 weeks ago, I immediately sent her enough money to pay for 3 months rent, and with the ruble so low to the dollar, I basically got a 40% discount. Normally I have to send $500 a month which is $1500, I got her 3 months for $900 US.  This is why none of the banks will currently exchange rubles for any other currency but will exchange other currency for rubles.  They make a huge profit on the daily margin.  I 'beat' the system before the 'ticket window' closed at the track!

 

"Also, is there some reason you have to fly via Istanbul to get to Warsaw if you're already in Italy? Once you're inside the Schengen zone, traveling between countries should be simple. If you're both in Italy, then you should be able to get to Warsaw from there without leaving Europe. I don't follow the Rome > Istanbul > Warsaw plan."

 

There are no direct flights from Rome to Warsaw, they all go through Istanbul.  

 

"This is not a bad idea either. Americans can still travel to Russia right now and you can even bring USD into the country. If you travel from Russia with her to Warsaw, it would solve a lot of these issues around money. Just make sure to bring USD and EUR with you first"

 

Russian citizens can not get a Polish visa, they can get a schengen visa, BUT, and it's a big butt, you have to fly to some other country first, obey that countries rules for the schengen visa (like cant fly to another country upon arrival, must stay at least 3 days, WHO Covid restrictions (she is Sputnik 5 vaccinated, not recognized by WHO), etc. It's like flying through New York from Miami to go to Ft. Lauderdale. Flights into Moscow right now are quite cost prohibitive, see above todays rates. What was a $650 12 hour flight is now $2800 and take 23-35 hours.

IM LIKE GEEEESH....IT'S LIKE PUTTING TOGETHER A PUZZLE AND SOME OF THE PIECES EITHER DON'T FIT OR ARE MISSING. I can make these plans for us to meet in Rome, that's the most current and least expensive option it seems....but, who knows what new challenge will appear with tomorrows sunrise.  Even looked at the option of flying to Helsinki Finland, taking the train to St Petersburg and then the train from there to Moscow.  Alas, the Finish train into St Peterburg is not running. Now if I could charter a car over the Finish/Russian boarder and get to the St Petersburg train station I could do it...maybe.  Or I could then meet my wife in St Petersburg and we could see that beautiful city. But it's a lot of train for us both and several "If I can actually still do thats".

 

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

I appreciate all the feedback and discussion here everybody.  Thank you for your thoughts.

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

@millefleur "Best plan is for you to send her an American bank card that connects to your account and she can use that to pay for stuff in airports (and in Russia perhaps) until she meets up with you."

 

How would you think I could do that?  USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL have all stopped delivery to Russia.  That's part of the reason I have to meet up with her on the first leg of the journey.  So far I have not found a reliable or known service that is still delivering to Moscow Russia.  I'm sure they are out there, have not yet identified one.  Still looking into the Turkish Air air-freight option.

[millefleur 5,047]

1 minute ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

There are no direct flights from Rome to Warsaw, they all go through Istanbul.  

That's just craziness, I just checked Kayak and this is what I saw, direct flights from Rome to Warsaw. Tons of low costers are offering direct flights. Buy these tickets via an American site, it'll show you all the options. Just put departing from "Rome" to "Warsaw" and see the options:

 

 

6 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

The card is not for her to get cash, but she could, it would be in Rubles though. It would be for her to purchase things she needs to survive like food.

Yep, my point was that she should not keep her money in a bank, not even rubles for day-to-day stuff. Best to keep everything in cash during this crazy time.

 

9 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

Russian citizens can not get a Polish visa, they can get a schengen visa, BUT, and it's a big butt, you have to fly to some other country first, obey that countries rules for the schengen visa (like cant fly to another country upon arrival, must stay at least 3 days, WHO Covid restrictions (she is Sputnik 5 vaccinated, not recognized by WHO), etc.

As long as she enters via Italy (so her Schengen entry stamp will show Italy) she should be fine with the Italian Schengen visa. I hope the vax requirements for Italy will not be a problem. So, to me, it just makes sense for you to both meet up in Italy and then get one of these low cost flights from Rome to Warsaw from there. That should save a lot of time and hassle. Once you're inside the Schengen zone and you've been admitted, it just doesn't make sense to exit only to re-enter it again in another country.

 

10 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

Alas, the Finish train into St Peterburg is not running.

It is running according to their website, but only for Russian and Finnish citizens....weirdly. That's strange. What a bummer. I hope they lift that requirement soon.

 

12 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

Now if I could charter a car over the Finish/Russian boarder and get to the St Petersburg train station I could do it...maybe. 

I've done the bus/land border route via Finland into Russia and trust me, you don't want to do that as an American. Border harassment from Russian police was high years ago, I can't imagine what it's like now. It's a shame the train isn't running because the train by contrast is so super easy, but alas seems like Finland-Russia is not an option then.

 

8 minutes ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

Still looking into the Turkish Air air-freight option.

That was what I was thinking, basically if you find some way to ship stuff to Russia (even if it's freight) then throw the American bank card in there so that she gets it.
I understand this might not be an option though, in which case she might just be stuck with rubles.

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

"Kayak "

I have not even tried Kayak to check on flights...looks like I really should.  I've been using Google flights.  But the flight from Rome to Warsaw was not the problem nor was the cost huge, I ws looking at $135 flights.  It's all the other rules and costs that was just making it near impossible

 

Edited March 25, 2022 by StevenInAtlanta

[millefleur 5,047]

1 minute ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

I have not even tried Kayak to check on flights...looks like I really should.  I've been using Google flights.  They didnt show anything like those rates or airlines.  Ill check tonight/now.

I've never used Google flights and it sounds unreliable then from your experience! I always use Kayak, Expedia or Orbitz. Never had any issues booking flights in Europe with any of these sites.

[TBoneTX 45,593]

Steven, I admire your intrepid persistence.  Rooting for you.

[Simplytex 387]

2 hours ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

"Kayak "

I have not even tried Kayak to check on flights...looks like I really should.  I've been using Google flights.  But the flight from Rome to Warsaw was not the problem nor was the cost huge, I ws looking at $135 flights.  It's all the other rules and costs that was just making it near impossible

 

Steven, not sure how you are searching on Google flights but I can pull the exact same results as Mille did from Kayak (though, it does depend on the day of planned travel.)

 

In fact, I used to be an avid Kayak user until I switched to almost exclusively using Google flights.

[Simplytex 387]

Also, and this is completely hearsay as I have not confirmed this myself yet, there is a company called CDEK who is still figuring out how to ship from the US to Russia, but the problem is you have to take a package to one of their storefronts (since they normally just handle commercial accounts)... Which there are only three of in the US. 

 

https://cdek-usa.com/en

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

"Steven, not sure how you are searching on Google flights but I can pull the exact same results as Mille did from Kayak (though, it does depend on the day of planned travel.) In fact, I used to be an avid Kayak user until I switched to almost exclusively using Google flights."

 

I understand how this happens, I use to work for Delta Airlines IT in the ticketing sector. I was part of the team of IT professionals that designed the "Infant in arms" ticketing as well as "Reprice/Reshop" caused by airline IROPs (Irregular Operations like weather cancelations or equipment failure or pilot sickouts), that was about 4 years ago. The entire Delta ticketing system is based on Google's F1, which is like a clearing house for flight data. Most all airlines now hook into F1. Flights and rates change on the hour, so you can look at lunch or dinner and you wont see flights that were available in the morning because those flights are booked/oversold already. Also note that if you shop a flight, your PC stores a cookie and when you come back again to check/book, if the cookie is present, you will not see any lower fares that might have been added, in fact the fares often adjust up based on the cookie being present. So if you want to see the lowest fares, if you shopped before, clear your cookies.

 

[Simplytex 387]

7 hours ago, StevenInAtlanta said:

"Steven, not sure how you are searching on Google flights but I can pull the exact same results as Mille did from Kayak (though, it does depend on the day of planned travel.) In fact, I used to be an avid Kayak user until I switched to almost exclusively using Google flights."

 

I understand how this happens, I use to work for Delta Airlines IT in the ticketing sector. I was part of the team of IT professionals that designed the "Infant in arms" ticketing as well as "Reprice/Reshop" caused by airline IROPs (Irregular Operations like weather cancelations or equipment failure or pilot sickouts), that was about 4 years ago. The entire Delta ticketing system is based on Google's F1, which is like a clearing house for flight data. Most all airlines now hook into F1. Flights and rates change on the hour, so you can look at lunch or dinner and you wont see flights that were available in the morning because those flights are booked/oversold already. Also note that if you shop a flight, your PC stores a cookie and when you come back again to check/book, if the cookie is present, you will not see any lower fares that might have been added, in fact the fares often adjust up based on the cookie being present. So if you want to see the lowest fares, if you shopped before, clear your cookies.

 

I always figured this based on Internet anecdotes, and I always open a "private" or sandbox tab to search for flights one last time before booking! Never been caught out that I know of, but at least I know it's legitimate now.

 

 

How is your search/planning going?

[StevenInAtlanta 41]

Looking for some clarification on the post-interview document events please.

 

To those Russians that have actually gone to Warsaw Poland to complete their IR1 interview....when and how does the applicant (in this case my Russian wife) get their passport returned and receive their US entry visa/green card? 

 

Briefly...

I just used the online "re-schedule" interview website (https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/) that allows you to schedule your interview online. During the reschedule process that I completed successfully for my Russian wife (and got my email confirmation) and during the reschedule process at the end you have to specify if you want to pickup your passport/visa at a MailBoxes Etc or have it delivered to your home/office in Poland.

 

I thought that I saw/read here that the Embassy will return your passport and new US immigration visa (and green card?) to you either that same day if its early in the day or next day. I just dont recall reading that you had to hang out an additional 3-5 days to get your documents from a MailBoxes Etc or wait for a UPS courier.

Maybe also I am not clear on if she will get a US visa stamp in her passport and also a "Green Card" after the interview or if the Green Card comes later...like to me in the USA.  I dunno and want to know.

 

 

Edited March 26, 2022 by StevenInAtlanta