Interpreting new requirements for Russian visas

[roykirk]

If this has been covered here before, I apologize.  We are getting ready to go the Seattle consulate today to pick up my wife's new Russian passport.  While looking at the http://www.netconsul.org/ website to get their address, I noticed the following prominently posted on the front page:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Effective July 1, 2011 all Russian Visa applicants are required to fill out Visa application forms using only Special Visa Application Web service http://evisa.kdmid.ru/

All other application forms will not be accepted.

Effective July 1, 2011 

[/color] Visa applications by mail[/size][/color] will not be accepted [/size] [/color] until further notice.[/size][/b]

So the way I read this, I have to use this special website to fill out the visa forms, but the bottom part in the red tells me they're not accepting applications?  Or, does this simply mean that this new service will take care of my forms and filing them for me so I don't have to take them to a Consulate?

I don't have to go to Russia in the near future, but I'd sure like to be clear on the requirements if I have to make a trip.

[ML]

Sounds like you fill out the visa application on-line and then click a button to submit it on-line.  And they do not accept paper applications mailed in.

This is the way the USA does visa applications now.

[roykirk]

That makes sense, thanks.  I wasn't reading things right the first time, but on a second look I understand it now.

[Spoon]

From what I understand you still need to print a hardcopy and mail it with photo and invitation etc, as per the first section on this page http://www.russianembassy.org/Embassy_eng/Embassy/index.html

And also the last paragraph on this page http://evisa.kdmid.ru/

It sounds like it does register an electronic copy, but you still need to print and send something, perhaps it's just eliminating mistakes, missed sections etc that occur with handwritten forms.

I know the Russian Embassy in Australia have also started using this type of form, I used it back in April.

[Spoon]

Seems to be some contradictory advice on the various Consul websites with regards to 'mailing' applications, so I would go with delivering the documents in person where possible, to be on the safe side.

[Anotherkiwi]

From what I understand you still need to print a hardcopy and mail it with photo and invitation etc, as per the first section on this page http://www.russianembassy.org/Embassy_eng/Embassy/index.html

And also the last paragraph on this page http://evisa.kdmid.ru/

It sounds like it does register an electronic copy, but you still need to print and send something, perhaps it's just eliminating mistakes, missed sections etc that occur with handwritten forms.

I know the Russian Embassy in Australia have also started using this type of form, I used it back in April.

New Zealand has not changed - still hard copies plus original documents.  There is no mention of electronic visas on the Embassy's website.

[roykirk]

Seems to be some contradictory advice on the various Consul websites with regards to 'mailing' applications, so I would go with delivering the documents in person where possible, to be on the safe side.

I also get the impression that individual consulates can exercise their own discretion too.  When we arrived at the Consulate, my wife was told there had been a mistake in the e-mail she got that her new passport was ready to be picked up.  They said it wouldn't be done for another week and advised her to come back.  When she told them we had made a special 3.5 hour drive to come get the passport they apologized and told us to go to the nearest post office and get a stamped express mail envelope and they'd drop it in the mail to us when it was done.  So much for the "rule" that passports must be picked up in person, eh? 

[Spoon]

New Zealand has not changed - still hard copies plus original documents.  There is no mention of electronic visas on the Embassy's website.

The Russian Consulate in Australia still require a hard copy application (although they are ok with 'high quality' copies of your invitation) It's changed to an 'editable' PDF form now, so you fill it in online, then print it off. NZ are still using the blank from that is printed off and filled in by hand (Australia was using the same system up until recently) I guess it eliminates Consul staff having to decipher poor handwriting