Any tips for registering Tourist Visa in St. Petersburg?

[Faux Pas]

Mendy
I didn't register mine on my first trip to Piter. Not a word was mentioned as I left. Subsequent times never a problem getting a visa. I always registered and the passport control always seems annoyed  when my migration card is in my PP. I don't think they do follow it closely. Maybe not at all.

I would highly recommend everyone register their visa. Getting caught past the 3 day limit can be quite hassling

[mendeleyev]

Good point, CanadaMan. I surrender. 

I don't think they do follow it closely. Maybe not at all.

That was more true in the past and you are an old hand at this.

With the new long term visas and the current negotiations on the idea of visa free entry with the EU, the tracking of migration is changing. Computer systems are being updated which is also a factor and the supposed problem of illegal immigration to certain cities is causing closer scrutiny.

[Faux Pas]

Good point, CanadaMan. I surrender. 


That was more true in the past and you are an old hand at this.

With the new long term visas and the current negotiations on the idea of visa free entry with the EU, the tracking of migration is changing. Computer systems are being updated which is also a factor and the supposed problem of illegal immigration to certain cities is causing closer scrutiny.

Actually, you'd know better than I Mendy. I have registered every time but the first time. That time I didn't realize what a hassle it could be if I was stopped and checked. My last trip almost two years ago the process wasn't any different than it was the first time in 2006 or the other 7 times. I have never been asked for my migration card upon exiting. If I leave it in, the PP officer usually (not always) seems annoyed. They usually hand it back or set it aside and stick in back in my passport. I noticed it didn't seem to be of concern to them. They never appeared to check it.

[mendeleyev]

That is due to computer systems, all she/he needs at your exit is a scan of your passport which will verify that you registered. 

My thinking is that before too long the migration card will be a thing of the past for that reason. The migration ministry just this week unveiled new prototypes of the internal passport cards that will someday replace the old plastic/paper ones. It looks just like a drivers license but has a whole bunch of stuff about you encrypted inside.

[ML]

. . . has a whole bunch of stuff about you encrypted inside.

Holy crap . . . I always try to keep 'that stuff' secret. 

I hope they don't pass it on to the women we might meet.