Newbie russian visa questions.

[HiTech]

We will be traveling to meet my Wifes grand parents in Dagestan. So I will need a russian Visa.

Have a few simple questions.

1. How long of lead time to receive one with out a big rush.

2. Do the entry and exit dates need to have any precision ?

3. Easiest way to obtain one.

I do not look forward to the 30 hour Trip to Druzhkovka followed by 30 hours of train to Dagestan. Maybe the mountains will be great.

HiTech

[BillyB]

1. How long of lead time to receive one with out a big rush.

2. Do the entry and exit dates need to have any precision ?

3. Easiest way to obtain one.

1) I usually got my visas approved in 2 weeks without expedited service.

2) Entry and exit dates do not need to be precise. The tourist visa is good for 30 days. Just make sure you don't enter the country before the visa allows and don't leave after the visa expires.

3) GotoRussia.com  I'd say use any visa service but in Russia but you need an invitation letter to get a visa approved. An invitation letter could be written by your relatives, business or hotel you are staying at. With GotoRussia.com, you will not need an invitation letter because they handle it for you.

http://www.gotorussia.com/visa_services_russia_visa_to_russia.htm

[JR]

I got mine from the same company BillyB mantions in the same time period. It actually came a few days prior to the date they said they'd have it ready.

[boaterguy]

We will be traveling to meet my Wifes grand parents in Dagestan. So I will need a russian Visa.

Have a few simple questions.

1. How long of lead time to receive one with out a big rush.

2. Do the entry and exit dates need to have any precision ?

3. Easiest way to obtain one.

I do not look forward to the 30 hour Trip to Druzhkovka followed by 30 hours of train to Dagestan. Maybe the mountains will be great.

HiTech

Yikes! Your heading into some dangerous territory there. Keep your gaurd up and your wits about you.

[viking]

I have used www.visahq.com. They take care of everything Billy mentioned and I never had a problem. You do everything online and just mail them your passport and money. You can have your visa is a few days or a week or two. Depends on what you want to spend.

[BillyB]

Hi Viking,

The company you listed said you need "Tourist Voucher. Copy of tourist voucher issued by tourist company or hotel in Russia approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Did you supply any of that or a letter of invitation from the lady you were meeting? GotoRussia.com will make an invitation letter for you. Less hassle especially if you're staying at a friend or relative's flat.

[viking]

Hey Billy

They will make the invitation letter for you. They asked the same thing for my trips to Belarus. When you do the online application, I just put down "private" and that was it. I never needed to supply them with anything. We all know these "invitations" are BS anyway.

[BillyB]

Sounds great and $14 cheaper than gotorussia!