The posts above illustrate what I expected to find, and what the poll shows, a fairly bright line division. There are those like us who bought tickets in advance, had no trouble getting a visa, and advise others to roll the dice if you feel good about your chances. Then there are others who had extra expense and/or issues getting the visa, and either delayed purchasing, delayed buying ticket(s) to save money or allow for other business, or spent extra cash to change tickets. They all advise not to buy in advance.
So it seems to me that you cannot plan for all contingencies, and at some point may have invested money just to learn that it didn't work out. I believe personally that with a relationship across cultures and continents, you WILL at some point be spending money or time, or effort, and discover it was for nothing. It happens with families and relationships all over. We don't believe that any of it was really wasted if you are doing it for your family. All a matter of opinion.
I bought Svetas 8 days after scheduled interview..the 6th day we were worried that Pony Express lost it.
Did you buy a ticket for you and/or your S/O in advance?
in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
Posted
I bought Svetas 8 days after scheduled interview..the 6th day we were worried that Pony Express lost it.