Tourist Visa vs. Personal Invitation

[bryguy1955]

Hi everyone,
I am new here and just had a question. I met a fine russian woman online who lives in the belgorod oblast Region of Russia. We have been talking online for over 6 months now and I plan a trip in the summer to see her for the first time.
After discussing the appropriate visa I need, she suggested a visa by personal invitation. Others suggest I obtain a tourist visa.
She will be meeting me at the airport and we will travel to her house and see a few sites together but we really don't have any other plans.
What visa would be recommended as I am sure I will be with her for the entire duration of my stay there. Also she seemed rather insulted when I suggested obtaining a tourist visa.
http://sites.google.com/site/privetanna1955

[LAman]

What is difference....you need a visa.....and more than likely tourist visa!!!
WTH is a 'personal invitation'?.....is that some kind of special status?

[bryguy1955]

Thank you for your reply.
A personal invitation visa is one that is acquired for a visit to a friend or relative. It is not as popular as the tourist visa and takes a little longer to apply for but in the end it will serve the purpose for me I think. My friends tell me to get the tourist visa so that I am not glued to her hip so to speak. And I will be able to go places without her with me. But Personally she does not seem to want it any other way. I only want to get opinions from others who have been in similar situations. 

[bryguy1955]

At least that is what she thinks. Perhaps the only option is the tourist visa but she must write an invitation letter for me to get one. I don't know how this really works so I just hope to get some good advice from someone who has been there and done that.

[LAman]

I think many here use waytorussia for visas.....they expediate your processing(including invitation letter)...cost is about $200

[BC]

I've always taken the tourist visa route, even after marriage.

Less complicated IMHO.

[steveh1155]

Thank you for your reply.
A personal invitation visa is one that is acquired for a visit to a friend or relative. It is not as popular as the tourist visa and takes a little longer to apply for but in the end it will serve the purpose for me I think. My friends tell me to get the tourist visa so that I am not glued to her hip so to speak. And I will be able to go places without her with me. But Personally she does not seem to want it any other way. I only want to get opinions from others who have been in similar situations.

I obtained a private visa 5 or 6 years ago, maybe things have changed since then, but if I recall the price was the same as a tourist visa. She'll have to go apply for it and send you the document (more than just a letter of invitation, it's an official looking document) that you will in turn send to the Russian embassy here with your passport (if you're a US citizen), and then after you arrive you/she will have to get it registered.


The only difference is I had already met the lady in person & knew absolutely I would be spending the entire trip with her. Since you two haven't actually met face to face and spent time together, the physical chemistry may or may not be there. I would recommend just getting the tourist visa (if you book a room, I think the hotel will send you the letter of invitation) and having the hotel register it for you - at least that way it wouldn't get so awkward if things aren't working out so well. Tourist visa could be obtained more quickly than a private visa as well. Anyway.....good luck!

[GoodOlBoy]

Tourist visa.
Forget the invitation visa.
I have used these people (TRAVISA) for 8+ years:
 
http://russia.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=RU&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS
 
Never a problem.
Good luck.
 
GOB

[ECOCKS]

Tourist visa unless you wish to stay for more than three months.

Welcome to the board.

Ed

[Faux Pas]

Tourist visa.
Forget the invitation visa.
I have used these people (TRAVISA) for 8+ years:
 
http://russia.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=RU&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS
 
Never a problem.
Good luck.
 
GOB

What he said 

Thank her for suggesting it but let her know it is an undue hassle for her and will bring unwanted attention to her as well. She'll need to help you register after you arrive. A tourist visa is much less hassling before and after you arrive. Travisa is a real pro at taking care of it. It's a hassle but not a big deal. Good luck on your trip!

[bryguy1955]

Thank you all so much for you suggestions. I think after the unanimous recommendations for the tourist visa, that will be the route I take. Thank you all so very much. I look forward to spending much time on this forum and getting to know everyone here well.
Bryan
http://sites.google.com/site/privetanna1955