I'll give you guys some feedback based on what I experienced in russia

[AmericanBoy]

I don't care what you think you know. I'm telling you what happened and you're implying it didn't so apparently you don't know as much as you think

[mendeleyev]

Actually, I'm not implying anything. I simply stated the law on entry into the Russian Federation of which I'm no novice. However I also stated that I'm not a prosecutor and invited you to fill in some missing links. Had I wanted, there were enough holes in your dates and visa info that I could have easily been a jerk first and asked questions later.

I asked questions first. There are still holes, but perhaps you have logical answers...

[alex330]

AB, a lot of the guys here are older so have different experiences. All the cab drivers in Ukraine would ask me the same questions. A young, good looking foreigner who can navigate the club scene can definitely have fun in the FSU.
GQ's post was spot on.

[mendeleyev]

Mendy, are there possibly exceptions for persons incapacitated in a hospital?

Possibly, but in most cases the extension would be just long enough for the person to be able to exit the country and continue treatment in their home country.

There are situations in which a person overstays even by 24 hours and a visa extension with just enough time to leave the country is required (takes up to 20 days to obtain in those cases). When the new visa arrives, the individual must leave the country.

[ML]

Possibly, but in most cases the extension would be just long enough for the person to be able to exit the country and continue treatment in their home country.

There are situations in which a person overstays even by 24 hours and a visa extension with just enough time to leave the country is required (takes up to 20 days to obtain in those cases). When the new visa arrives, the individual must leave the country.

But what if the person in charge of visa extension hopes you will marry his daughter and give him a SUV on his next birthday?

[mendeleyev]

But what if the person in charge of visa extension hopes you will marry his daughter and give him a SUV on his next birthday?

Given the prison penalties for corruption in places like Russian airports, unlikely he'd be that brazen. This is not the old days. If he persists, ask to speak to his boss. 

If you overstay it is better to be on a far border by train or anywhere but a Moscow airport. I've heard of train customs officers accepting some bucks and letting it slide if the overstay was only a day or a few hours.

In another case the traveler made his case in Moscow that a late train from another Russian city caused his overstay by 24 hours. The passport control officer fined him and allowed him to exit.

[mendeleyev]

From the USA Embassy, Moscow:

The Russian government maintains a restrictive and complicated visa regime for foreigners who visit, transit, or reside in the Russian Federation.  A U.S. citizen who does not comply with Russian visa laws can be subject to arrest, fines, and/or deportation.  Russian authorities will not allow a U.S. citizen traveler with an expired visa to depart the country, effectively stranding the person for up to 20 days, until local authorities grant an exit visa.

The Government of Russia does not recognize the standing of the U.S. diplomatic mission to intervene in visa matters, including situations in which an American is stranded because of an expired visa.

[Shostakovich]

Shostakovich here.  I think I'll post again, as I seem to be in a mood to join this nutty international girl quest once again.


I read into the first three pages here, so will continue but, basically - AB's report carries muster in my view based on what i've seen in the FSU.  There might be an element of exaggeration and no doubt there is a great and really wonderful group  of people there.  But our world moves on to the tune of a Lady Gaga video in many ways.  That's sobering.  I was shocked by the 22 year-olds who invited me to disco when there.  Who knows what would have happened had I accepted.


What I found in the FSU is that the serious girls are skeptical, understandably: who knows what they have to put up with - from both AM and RM.  That skepticism is what a serious A-EM must contend with and they will confront that.  I'd say that is what threw me a little on my trips there.  Easy sexuality and the tawdry rendezvous is the most ordinary thing these days, but the man or woman with serious ambitions will find a devil loose in the world today and the burden of proof in the FSU is maybe even greater than it would be at home. 

[AmericanBoy]

mendeleyev- You don't know the ins and outs of russian visa's as well as you thought, so consider this a lesson so to speak. It is possible to enter on a incorrect visa, I'm proof. I was there on a business visa initially, which should have been a medical visa. When the hospital went to extend it, immigration wouldn't allow it and made me go back to America, file for a new visa and then return. We tried and tried and tried to avoid it but they wouldn't.

As far as extending, it's 100% possible, again, I'm proof. I did it. Here's a skype convo that I had with another american a couple weeks back about extending his visa.

You guys seem to think I"m lying about almost everything... What for?? What would be the purpose of me lying?????

[mendeleyev]

mendeleyev- You don't know the ins and outs of russian visa's as well as you thought, so consider this a lesson so to speak.

I am always ready to learn something new, so here goes...

It is possible to enter on a incorrect visa, I'm proof. I was there on a business visa initially, which should have been a medical visa.

Tell me about a Medical visa to Russia.

Teach me. I'm listening.

[Spoon]

Can't say I've heard of a 'Medical Visa' either - at least not for Russia.

The Private/Guest visa covers stay for urgent medical treatment.

I doubt that applies in your case AB, but please, as Mendy states, please tell us about the Medical visa that you obtained, I'm intrigued also

EDIT: I see that that a business visa also covers medical treatment, then how come your original visa was unacceptable?

[AmericanBoy]

I have no clue about it to be honest.  Aside from giving the hospital my info, I didn't do anything

the only thing I can show you is a copy of one of my letters of invitation.

To answer your question spoon, I wish I knew. The trip back and forth cost me about 2k dollars for nothing, a silly piece of paper.

[Spoon]

You guys seem to think I"m lying about almost everything... What for?? What would be the purpose of me lying?????

I'll admit AB, at first glance I thought your whole story was BS - too many holes - the visa thing was one of them, knowing that 90 days is pretty much the max you can expect on a Russian Visa - even a multi trip business one.

But I think your story is plausible now, although for me personally doesn't contain any enlightening information, although it is somewhat entertaining.

But just remember, you are recalling information to guys here who have 'been there, done that' (I'm not including myself in that statement) and some are even resident there. All they are asking for is just a simple explanation of some of the inconsistencies, considering the vast knowledge they hold already.

Of course you're not obliged to provide details, but we're all here to learn new things

[Misha]

Can't say I've heard of a 'Medical Visa' either - at least not for Russia.

It is merely a 90 day (3-month) double-entry business visa with the specified purpose of the trip being medical treatment. Just a variation of the standard business visa.

[JohnDearGreen]

To answer your question spoon, I wish I knew. The trip back and forth cost me about 2k dollars for nothing, a silly piece of paper.

What's My Line Question #6:
AB, did you go to Russia for a hair transplant?

[mendeleyev]

AB, welcome to the world of Russian bureaucracy.

Sadly, there was no reason for you to change visas. As to arriving on the wrong visa, you didn't if it was also a business visa. Anyone can seek medical care and check into a hospital as long as the foreigner has a method of payment.

I'm guessing that your lack of Russian hurt you financially. However the reason you had to leave was likely that the first visa expired after 30 days and you couldn't renew it while on Russian soil.

A business visa, no matter how it was issued, still requires you to obey the 90/180 rule however. This one you posted was for 90 days only.

If you went for the purpose of medical treatment your best method would have been to go as a student. A student can check into a hospital too and a few extra bucks to the head institution/school administrator would have held your spot while you were in treatment.

Even more simple, a student visa is issued on invitation from the school and therefore they can more easily obtain extensions. The only drawback is that a student visa is for one year only and if you leave the country for any reason the visa is revoked. But the institution can obtain a new one for your return.

You might wish to read up on the rules of a business visa and in particular the 90/180 portion of the law, otherwise you'll find yourself subject to a 5 year ban before you may apply again.

As far as your migration permissions, you were registered for two cities--Moscow and Tyumen.

How much time did you spend in a hospital bed versus nightclub?

[acctBill]

You guys seem to think I"m lying about almost everything... What for?? What would be the purpose of me lying?????

AB you're not the first person to come on one of forums and tell some far out tale. If you're lying we'll probably never know the reason why. It could be boredom, a way to pass time for a few hours or a few days.  It could be a vicarious thrill. Former members who were banned, have been known to return, posing as a new and different person with experience. Probably a dozen more different reasons.

[acctBill]

AB why go to Russia for medical treatment? Foreigners who have had medical treatment in Russia almost always have family in the country who have connections to the medical community or who at least speak Russian and know how to fill out the correct paperwork. 

[GQBlues]

Just relax American Boy...don't you worry too much of the noises 'round here. Chill a while and maybe join in on some of the discussions around here. Some of the chatter around here can actually be fun once you get your feet wet, so to speak.

Hey, maybe soon you can even read how they actually give each other dating tips, you know. Those are actually fairly entertaining. Always good for a chuckle.

There was a dude around here not too long ago that also went in and out of Russia and spent some in-country time, too. He had a lot of things to share but unfortunately got ran out of town. Some of what he tried to convey wasn't too sensible for the crew. He went by the name of Amerikanski. Long gone now...

Once upon a time, I too, was told I'm full of BS because I scheduled and met multiple RWs and I was told this type of things doesn't happen in Russia with Russian women, LOL. Heck, I walked back into my hotel with one RW in tow while the other gal was sitting in the lobby that looked right at us as we walked by. Walked RW in her room and she was worried I was late for my dinner date with the other gal. She then told me to ring her up once I was done if I didn't stay out too late. The other gal who was waiting never even mentioned a thing the entire night and actually invited me to spend the next day with her so she show me around the city.

But I digress...

The club/bar scene are a riot, but you know, it's the same anywhere you go..LA, SF, NY, O-town, Chi-town, Prague, wherever...

So have fun, if you go again, wherever/whenever it is. Don't worry too much about feeling guilty or feeling bad as long as you maintain honesty in your intention and plans with any of the women. Years from now, it'll all get old and it'll appear to be nothing more than a tired repetition and the faces will start to look all the same. That's when you'll know you need to come home to roost.

Stick around. Get a hold of TwoBitBandit...if nothing else you boys can swap fun stories together...

[Ade]

aside from a few people this is really a tough crowd. I have no reason to lie guys, honestly. I'm sitting here in disbelief that you guys are trying so hard to prove me wrong.

  I don't really doubt your experiences. I doubt your interpretation of them a little though. As mendeleyev and acctBill stated, they see Russia and Russian women differently and they have both been there for much longer than you, travelled more and both have Russian wives and families.


To me, it seems you see the "tween" night life Russia through the eyes of a 27 year old and are extrapolating that to encompass all Russia and Russians. I'm pretty sure mendeleyev sees a far different, but equally real side to Russia. As does my wife, and her family.

[chivo]

Some of you guys need to relax already.
 
I believe what the OP says. Been there, done that. The only thing that he might be embellishing is "girls throwing themselves at him", and that isn't that much of an exaggeration if you consider a Russian dyev fueled up on alcohol.
 
And none of you have as much ground time as me or have dated, talked to, slept with or been around as many RW as I have.
 
Mendy, I know teachers here who are teaching illegally with business visas year round. How you ask? Well even in this day of computers, information is still not in a national data base. Most if not all information is kept where is was initially entered. All the teachers do is register at different locations, but yes they do still have to leave to Ukraine, etc. for 1 day and return. There are still ways around the system. But, yes, those ways are becoming more difficult to secure.
 
To be honest, I question the length of your "actual" ground time given some of the information you post.
 
I have lived in 3 different Russian cities, including Moscow as most of you know. I was treated like a rock star in 2 of those cities, and even in Moscow, once RW knew I was an American, things became mush easier, if you get my drift.
 
To the OP. I'm only making this post just to get the know it alls off your back...hopefully (good luck with that  ). I have become ever so tired of the "shit" that drops from certain posters and having to explain myself to these experts just got old.
 
Over time, if you stay here long enough, you'll understand this, if you haven't already in your brief time here.

[Shadow]

Chivo, it is hard to accept for some that the Celestal Virgins they believe all FSUW are could have a different side and might be normal women.
The result is a usual mix of trying to deny the story as much as undermining the credibility of the poster by attempting to find and enlarge the tiniest inconsistency.

[Patagonie]

Just relax American Boy...don't you worry too much of the noises 'round here. Chill a while and maybe join in on some of the discussions around here. Some of the chatter around here can actually be fun once you get your feet wet, so to speak.

Hey, maybe soon you can even read how they actually give each other dating tips, you know. Those are actually fairly entertaining. Always good for a chuckle.

There was a dude around here not too long ago that also went in and out of Russia and spent some in-country time, too. He had a lot of things to share but unfortunately got ran out of town. Some of what he tried to convey wasn't too sensible for the crew. He went by the name of Amerikanski. Long gone now...

Once upon a time, I too, was told I'm full of BS because I scheduled and met multiple RWs and I was told this type of things doesn't happen in Russia with Russian women, LOL. Heck, I walked back into my hotel with one RW in tow while the other gal was sitting in the lobby that looked right at us as we walked by. Walked RW in her room and she was worried I was late for my dinner date with the other gal. She then told me to ring her up once I was done if I didn't stay out too late. The other gal who was waiting never even mentioned a thing the entire night and actually invited me to spend the next day with her so she show me around the city.

But I digress...

The club/bar scene are a riot, but you know, it's the same anywhere you go..LA, SF, NY, O-town, Chi-town, Prague, wherever...

So have fun, if you go again, wherever/whenever it is. Don't worry too much about feeling guilty or feeling bad as long as you maintain honesty in your intention and plans with any of the women. Years from now, it'll all get old and it'll appear to be nothing more than a tired repetition and the faces will start to look all the same. That's when you'll know you need to come home to roost.

Stick around. Get a hold of TwoBitBandit...if nothing else you boys can swap fun stories together...

+1

[Patagonie]

AB barking dogs don't byte because it is internet.

[Konfushus]

Howdy folks,

I recognize some names here from the other similar forums. 

To AmericanBoy:

I'm currently living in Russia (very happily married!) and have been here on and off for over 10 years. I don't doubt anything you've written here. It's one guy's experience and a very believable one.

I'm older than you and don't sport your cute party boy look (though I am a good looking guy and can dance), and I've seen plenty of what you're talking about. I've passed on the cheating opportunities, but there have been many. I don't mess with another man's woman, knowingly...

I did briefly date two chicks that I later found were engaged... one to a American guy and another to a Brit. What you relate here might be more relevant to guys here "searching" than they want to hear.