Getting a Visa to Russia

[prior22]

Hello everyone, I am trying to get prepared to visit a girl in Russia for the first time.  I am not an experienced traveler at all.  Right now we are looking at mid December to the January timeframe.

I am aware I am going to need a visa, but am not really familiar with the best way to go about it.  I know I could probably just try to google answers, but I figured an awesome site like this with plenty of experienced people would be a great way to get some tips.

I was also hoping to get some advice as far as things I might want to take with me or really any good info about etiquette or anything else really.  Thanks a bunch for your time.

[Misha]

Hello everyone, I am trying to get prepared to visit a girl in Russia for the first time.  I am not an experienced traveler at all.  Right now we are looking at mid December to the January timeframe.

I am aware I am going to need a visa, but am not really familiar with the best way to go about it.  I know I could probably just try to google answers, but I figured an awesome site like this with plenty of experienced people would be a great way to get some tips.

I was also hoping to get some advice as far as things I might want to take with me or really any good info about etiquette or anything else really.  Thanks a bunch for your time.

For your visa, best to use a company such as this one if you are in the USA: http://www.visatorussia.com/

[Kineo]

For your visa, best to use a company such as this one if you are in the USA: http://www.visatorussia.com/

I was curious about what was need to visit Russia. (not that I will probably visit Russia.) But must say I am skeptical of this site, as appear to be saying that a visa is required to visit Ukraine and I know this is absolutely false.

[Misha]

I was curious about what was need to visit Russia. (not that I will probably visit Russia.) But must say I am skeptical of this site, as appear to be saying that a visa is required to visit Ukraine and I know this is absolutely false.

Where? They state:


"Important: Ukraine has set visa free regime for citizens of US, Canada, Japan, European Union countries, Norway, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Iceland, Swiss Confederation and Liechtenstein. Visa free regime is established for the period of up to 90 days staying in the country."


Source: http://www.visatorussia.com/russianvisa.nsf/ukraine.html

[BillyB]

Hello everyone, I am trying to get prepared to visit a girl in Russia for the first time.

I was also hoping to get some advice as far as things I might want to take with me or really any good info about etiquette or anything else really.  Thanks a bunch for your time.

 
Don't wear shoes in the house. There's more but if you're a gentleman and display good manners, you'll be alright. For more on ettiquette and customs you can ask your girl to make converstation.
 
 
For a visa to Russia you need an invitation letter from your gal or the hotel you're staying with. It's easier to get this invitation from an American based company who will help you process the visa at the same time. I've used the company below in the past.
 
http://www.gotorussia.com/visa_services_russia_visa_to_russia.htm

[viking]

I have used www.visahq.com. Good service and you can do everything onlne.

[JP5380]

I don't know if you're from the U.S., but if so, this might help...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html

[Faux Pas]

prior22


Visa applications must be walked into the Russian consulate. Unless you live close to a consulate it is best to hire one of the companies mentioned. You'll first have to buy an invitation letter, $30-50 bucks depending on the company. Submit/send the invitation letter, a visa application, 2 passport photos, appropriate fee and your passport to the company. Priority mail from the post office is recommended. Pay for the insurance and keep the tracking info.


Another site/company to consider is http://www.travisa.com/


I have used them and highly recommend. This will cost you about $160 and all total you will have about $200- $225 invested in the visa. The standard tourist visas limit at 30 days. Be sure you have your entry and exit dates covered. The visa must have active dates when you enter and when you exit or you'll have passport control problems.

[mendeleyev]

Hello everyone, I am trying to get prepared to visit a girl in Russia for the first time.  I am not an experienced traveler at all.  Right now we are looking at mid December to the January timeframe.

I hope that this will help with your timeline:

- Dec 25 is not a holiday, nor Christmas day.

- The most important holiday of the year is the first New Year, 31 December to 01 January.

- 7 January is Christmas day and naturally that makes 6 January as Christmas Eve.

- 13/14 January is the "old New Year" also celebrated.

It seems that you've picked a truly awesome time to visit a lady!

 

[Olly]

From 31 Dec to 10 Jan is official holiday in Russia. Most of people are not work. It is really good time to visit a lady! 

[ML]

From 31 Dec to 10 Jan is official holiday in Russia. Most of people are not work. It is really good time to visit a lady! 

Except that many will be spending time with their existing family.  Such family always rates higher than a prospective new man.

[mendeleyev]

ML, with all due respect the opposite can be true also. Few things in the FSU rank as high as having a guest from anywhere else, whether across the country or from abroad. The red carpet rolls out and it is an honour to be a host/hostess. This is accented at the holidays, especially at the New Year and following Christmas.

Over the years I've made countless trips to a train station to pick up some distant relative, friend, or friend of a friend and bring them to our home where MIL made them feel like they were kings and queens. In some holidays I've made that trip several times daily as we stretched guests over every inch of our apartment.

Aunt Lyuba describes a distant guest as "someone who comes for you to travel through their eyes" and you can see this concept in action around the dinner table for hours afterward as everyone lingers to drink tea and eat cake while asking questions and learning about distant cities or faraway lands.

[kmin]

I am also planning to visit Russia soon.  Do you have to use a company to get a visa? Or is it highly recommended because if you try to do it without a company it will raise problems in getting the visa?

I have a girl I am going to visit and I thought she could be my sponsor.  Is this a good way to go about applying for a visa?  I would rather not use a company, but if it is better I guess I could use one.

Note: the girl I met was not through an agency and we have been talking for a while on skype and I have confidence that she is sincere on her intentions.

[Olly]

Except that many will be spending time with their existing family.  Such family always rates higher than a prospective new man.

Good possibility to meet her family 

[ML]

Good possibility to meet her family 

But most women are not going to be quick to introduce a totally  new man to  their family.

Also, in many instances, the woman goes off to a smaller city or village for the holidays.  And there it would cause quite a scandal if a woman were to be seen in the company of an unknown man . . . even worse if he were a foreigner.

Plus, it often brings substantial disgrace to the family (in these smaller areas) when the relationship does not work out.

At least this is what I have heard from more than one of my FSU business colleagues.

[mendeleyev]

I am also planning to visit Russia soon.  Do you have to use a company to get a visa? Or is it highly recommended because if you try to do it without a company it will raise problems in getting the visa?

I have a girl I am going to visit and I thought she could be my sponsor.  Is this a good way to go about applying for a visa?  I would rather not use a company, but if it is better I guess I could use one.

Kmin, she could but it is a little more complicated for her. Best to use a service. You can find a list here: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/come-to-russia-get-a-visa/travel-to-russia/

If you use the services of a Russian accredited travel agency then they can issue the invitation on your behalf and most don't charge for that which saves a few bucks. An accredited agency is one that has offices in both your country and in Russia and is recognized by Russia as licensed to work directly with the Consulate on visa matters. There are a few in New York, LA, San Fran, Chicago and one I regard highly in Seattle, East-West-Tours.

[mendeleyev]

But most women are not going to be quick to introduce a totally new man to  their family.

In the West, yes.

Most Eastern women, who are sincere, want to get the family's evaluation quickly before the relationship progresses too far.

That is why I am usually suspicious upon hearing the "she wants to be alone and get to know each other in Turkey or Dominican Republic" first before meeting mama scenarios.

Also, in many instances, the woman goes off to a smaller city or village for the holidays.  And there it would cause quite a scandal if a woman were to be seen in the company of an unknown man . . . even worse if he were a foreigner.

Today it is much more common as travel has opened up to even folks from towns and villages. The scandal will always be there if it doesn't work out, no matter when introductions were made. Again, as opposed to the West where families are usually informed about relationships, in many cases the families are far more involved in the decision making process than the typical western guy realizes.

[Olly]

But most women are not going to be quick to introduce a totally  new man to  their family.
  And there it would cause quite a scandal if a woman were to be seen in the company of an unknown man . . . even worse if he were a foreigner.

If in a family good relations the advise from mum is very important especially on first steps.
Just my opinion.

But most women are not going to be quick to introduce a totally  new man to  their family.

If you have decided to meet it means he is not "totally  new man".

[Faux Pas]

I am also planning to visit Russia soon.  Do you have to use a company to get a visa? Or is it highly recommended because if you try to do it without a company it will raise problems in getting the visa?

I have a girl I am going to visit and I thought she could be my sponsor.  Is this a good way to go about applying for a visa?  I would rather not use a company, but if it is better I guess I could use one.

Note: the girl I met was not through an agency and we have been talking for a while on skype and I have confidence that she is sincere on her intentions.

It would be a big hassle for the lady to go through the steps of an invitation for you. You can buy one for $30-$40 bucks.


If you live close enough to a Russian consulate you can take your visa application personally. No one can take it in for you except the prior approved companies and they do not accept visa applications by mail.


It is best to use one of the companies. IMO

[Misha]

Plus, it often brings substantial disgrace to the family (in these smaller areas) when the relationship does not work out.

At least this is what I have heard from more than one of my FSU business colleagues.

Substantial disgrace?!? Who were these business colleagues? I wager they were men and likely a bit too patriotic projecting their own feelings    A failed relationship is simply a failed relationship. It might generate some gossip, but hardly substantial disgrace IMHO...

[kmin]

Thanks for the advice.  I will use a service company.