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Author Topic: Russian Visa Question  (Read 3994 times)

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Offline SteveOR

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Russian Visa Question
« on: March 29, 2009, 11:04:10 AM »
Apologies if this is posted in the wrong section.

I am planning to travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg.  Flying into Moscow, train to St. Petersburg and return flight from St. Petersburg.  I plan to be in Moscow for less than 72 hours.  I plan to stay in apartments in both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Visa support is available from the apartment agents in both cities.  Which one should I request visa support from?  Do I have to register in both cities?  I'm concerned about getting my passport back in Moscow in time to continue on to St. Petersburg.  Will there be any problems when leaving Russia from a different airport then the one I arrived at?

Thank you for your help.

Offline Vaughn

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2009, 12:36:31 PM »
Steve, these are really good questions. I've googled OVIR Russia, both in English
and Cyrillic - and find no definitive answers to the double-registration question.

The rules state that you have three business days from day of arrival to register, so if you
are arrivng on a weekend the 72 hour window is extended. Beware - some OVIR offices, at
least, don't always open five days a week. I was nearly burned when I found this out in
Yoshkar Ola, finding out that the local OVIR was closed on Thursdays - which pushed my
three day deadline back to two. Nice how they counted the closed day as a business day.

I also believe you have the right to register the visa yourself - which wouuld afford the
comfort of not relinquishing your passport to a third party. The cost will be your time.

As a first timer to Russia - make sure you retain one copy of your Migration Form, a two-part
form issued by airline staff enroute. You will need that for registration.

Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2009, 01:05:58 PM »
I plan to be in Moscow for less than 72 hours.   I plan to stay in apartments in both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

No problems in Moscow as long as it is less than 72 hours...BUT how long are you going to be in St. Petersburg?


Will there be any problems when leaving Russia from a different airport then the one I arrived at?

No problems. I have flown into SVO and exited out at DME and Pulkovo to Thailand and CZ Republic after visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Have a good trip!


GOB
« Last Edit: March 29, 2009, 01:10:31 PM by GoodOlBoy »
“For God and country, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo......... Geronimo E.K.I.A.”

Offline Vaughn

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2009, 03:09:39 PM »
Two more points, after just having had some guests here who've been there recently:

1) If you cannot comfortably register your visa in StP within the allowed 3 business days
after arrival - don't voluntarily put your back to the wall by waiting - register in Moscow.

2) If you do register in Moscow, don't assume OVIR won't be expecting you in St Pete.
Each OVIR district acts autonomously, and may require you to register a second time, despite
the officials in Moscow telling you otherwise.

Enjoy your trip, Steve!

Offline Chicagoguy

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2009, 06:36:14 PM »
I have never registered twice and have almost always left Moscow either before or after. There were a few times I even forgot to register and nothing happened.

But I do not recommend this. It might cause you delays when leaving. I suggest registering once as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about it. Maybe stay the first night in a cheap hotel where they will do it overnight. Sometimes for $ faster.

Offline SteveOR

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2009, 06:51:32 PM »
Excellent information!  Thank you.

I think that I would fall under the "3 business days" scenario in Moscow (arriving late Saturday, leaving Monday) so would probably skip registration there.  I am planning 7 days in St. Petersburg so would certainly register there.

I'm assuming that asking for visa support from the apartment agent in St. Petersburg is the right answer?

Any and all information and opinions are appreciated. . .

Offline SteveOR

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2009, 07:02:32 PM »
Maybe stay the first night in a cheap hotel where they will do it overnight.

There are "cheap hotels" in Moscow?  Everything that I've read suggests that Moscow hotels are some of the most expensive in the world.  For the short time that I will be in Moscow I'd rather stay in a hotel and not hassle with apartment agents, keys, codes, metal doors and the like.  Please let me know if you have any recommendations.

Offline Chicagoguy

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2009, 07:27:19 PM »
I once went to a "cheap hotel" in the outskirts of Moscow. I was there less than 1 hour and they processed my visa for me. Obviously just a bribe.

But, hey, when you are fron Chicago you don't ask questions.

Offline Ronnie

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2009, 10:59:52 PM »
It's been awhile since I was there, but I don't think the rules have changed.  You don't register within three days of entering the country.  That implies you do it one time and you're good to travel from city to city.  The rule is that you must register in each and every city in which you stay more than three days.  if you spend two days in Moscow for example, then take the train to SPb, you don't need to register in Moscow, but keep your train ticket to document when you arrived in SPb.
Ronnie
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Offline chivo

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2009, 02:03:58 AM »
If you're going to be in Moscow for 3 days, just register your visa and be done with it. You won't have to register your visa after that.

The rules have changed mostly for the better with regards to tourists. Remember you don't have to go to OVIR if you don't want to deal with them. You can go to almost any post office and register it there.

If I can ask, who is sponsoring your visa (who's the invitation from)? Is it a company or an individual?

If it's with the apartment agents, they can register your visa for you for a small fee. If it's with a reputable company, which I recommend, they will register it for you mostly likely for free in 1 day. Remember it now normally cost 150-250 rubles to register your visa.

Don't let this worry you, and don't worry what any website or agency says. Register once, and be done with it. It won't matter what airport you fly out of either. Enjoy.

chivo

« Last Edit: March 30, 2009, 02:08:26 AM by chivo »

Offline Vaughn

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2009, 07:13:24 AM »
There are "cheap hotels" in Moscow?  Everything that I've read suggests that Moscow hotels are some of the most expensive in the world.  For the short time that I will be in Moscow I'd rather stay in a hotel and not hassle with apartment agents, keys, codes, metal doors and the like.  Please let me know if you have any recommendations.

Steve, I cannot recommend this place from personal experience, but this is what I came up with last night
based on your needs and itinerary. Suffice it to say - this what I'd do. You can click on the
English icon at the top if the page if you cannot wade through the Russian...

http://www.eleganthotels.ru/

My reasons for selecting this place? Its location affords you relatively easy access to two Metro stations,
Kurskaya, and Krasnye Vorota - and both stations are major junctions on the Metro map. Also, these two
stations are very close to the Metro stop Komsomolskaya - which is right across the street from Leningradsky
Vokzal (Station) from where you'll depart to St Petersburg. It's about convenience - and travel time saved.

Room rates, while perhaps over budget - are very competitive. The fact you're arriving on a weekend saves
you even more, about 35%. You'd be looking at $110 (including VAT & breakfast) per night, a relative bargain
considering you're so close to the center of things.

BTW, I have no vested interest in this hotel. It just appears to be a good option IMHO. Getting to the hotel
from SVO2 can be arranged for less if you book a taxi in advance, about $45 - but you'll have to call them in
Moscow ahead of time, and do it in Russian. If you're really adventurous and not carrying a mountain of baggage,
you can get there yourself in less than an hour for a couple of bucks via shuttle bus and Metro.

Vaughn
« Last Edit: March 30, 2009, 07:36:57 AM by Vaughn »

Offline groovlstk

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #11 on: March 30, 2009, 07:31:46 AM »
For the short time that I will be in Moscow I'd rather stay in a hotel and not hassle with apartment agents, keys, codes, metal doors and the like.  Please let me know if you have any recommendations.

In addition to the outrageous prices you'll pay for a hotel room in Moscow, you'll also have to deal w/rules that are outside of what you're used to when staying at Western hotels. The worst is that your girl may not be allowed to visit your room, and if she is allowed they will still make sure she's not spending the night.

Unless $$ is no object to you, renting a flat is probably a better option.

Offline Vaughn

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #12 on: March 30, 2009, 07:51:00 AM »
... you'll also have to deal w/rules that are outside of what you're used to when staying at Western hotels.

Good point, groov.

We stayed in separate rooms at the Sovietsky when we first met. Over a year later, we booked one
suite for Elvira, Lenara and me at the Soyuz - happy to report they never asked any questions.

Although it's very dated now - the Ed Ryder link under Hotels in the RWpedia Wiki offers advice on which
places to avoid due to quirky management - and some downright strange living conditions, to include foul odors.

Offline Ronnie

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #13 on: March 30, 2009, 11:47:43 AM »
Chivo, I researched the question of whether or not one needs to register in each city.  You indicated that only one time upon entry and that's it.  That has never been the case and it seems from the link below that is still not the case.

When you change your location you must notify the goverment by registering again.

http://www.waytorussia.net/RussianVisa/Registration.html
Ronnie
Fourth year now living in Ukraine.  Speak Russian, Will Answer Questions.

Offline chivo

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #14 on: March 30, 2009, 12:50:47 PM »
I think that I would fall under the "3 business days" scenario in Moscow (arriving late Saturday, leaving Monday) so would probably skip registration there.  I am planning 7 days in St. Petersburg so would certainly register there.

Didn't read this at first. You can't register on the weekend, and your time on the weekend doesn't go against the time you have to register. You have to register in Piter and your 72 hours begins on Monday. IOW, you'll have no time to register in Moscow even if you wanted to.

I'm assuming that asking for visa support from the apartment agent in St. Petersburg is the right answer?

I highly recommend a company that has an office in Piter to do your visa for you if you haven't arranged it already for your first time. Pay the little extra charge as I said earlier, they will register your visa for free in a day.


Steve, I cannot recommend this place from personal experience, but this is what I came up with last night
based on your needs and itinerary. Suffice it to say - this what I'd do. You can click on the
English icon at the top if the page if you cannot wade through the Russian...

http://www.eleganthotels.ru/

My reasons for selecting this place? Its location affords you relatively easy access to two Metro stations,
Kurskaya, and Krasnye Vorota - and both stations are major junctions on the Metro map. Also, these two
stations are very close to the Metro stop Komsomolskaya - which is right across the street from Leningradsky
Vokzal (Station) from where you'll depart to St Petersburg. It's about convenience - and travel time saved.

Are you sure you would do this? I wouldn't. Are you suggesting he use the Metro? :noidea:

Sure these Metros are close by, but by close you're talking about 10-15 minutes by foot. Why would he walk to the metro with luggage, and then move around through the metro, which would include transferring to Komsolmoskaya? Hardly timesaving, and definitely not convenient. The transfer between stations from the Red line (Krasni Vorota) to where the train stations are is a long way, and would be a nightmare with luggage. Kurskaya has major construction going on, which means you have to walk clear around to the other side of the Atrium (a big Moscow Mall)

You can take a taxi for about 250-500 rubles to the train station from almost anywhere from the center past the Saldovoe Kolso and beyond, so the proximity of where he stays makes no/little difference.

I would stay in an apartment. Any hassle with keys and such, is quiet frankly, not much of a hassle.

If you're really adventurous and not carrying a mountain of baggage,
you can get there yourself in less than an hour for a couple of bucks via shuttle bus and Metro.

You don't want to do this, especially if it's your first time. And I wouldn't recommend anyone else doing it unless you're only carrying an overnight bag or medium size piece of luggage and can speak half way decent Russian.

Chivo, I researched the question of whether or not one needs to register in each city.  You indicated that only one time upon entry and that's it.  That has never been the case and it seems from the link below that is still not the case.

When you change your location you must notify the goverment by registering again.

http://www.waytorussia.net/RussianVisa/Registration.html

Oh boy. Understand the country you're coming to. Did you not read what I said about not believing what the websites tell you? You can research all you want. After possessing every visa known to man sans the Diplomat visa, I think I have a good bead on what is done in reality as opposed to what is written. Ronnie, I'm suppose to, by written law, go back to America to renew my visa. I get it in Ukraine, just for the record.

Russia is not America. Russia does not at this moment have a centralized data information base within its borders. They know only where you enter, and when you enter...nothing more. And this information stays only at the place of entry. They have no national data base system people. This goes double for once, twice time visitors. The information for tourist that OVIR collects is info regarding your sponsor, not you, other than your passport information.

They no more know, or could care less where you go after you enter IN REALITY. Please, anyone entering this country, they are not going to put you in jail, deport you, put you on any blacklist, etc. for not registering your visa in every city you visit.

At worst, and I mean at worst, you will pay a bribe, er fine  :rolleyes2: of no more than 300-500 (1000 for a newbie) rubles. This is in the 10000 to 1 shot the militsia evens stops you. And that's if you DON"T have your visa registered. I wouldn't waste my time worrying about this. If you do, you'll be doing exactly that - wasting your time.

They have very little information on me (and only in Moscow), and I've lived here for the last 5 years. If I went to Tomsk, Omsk or wherever, they wouldn't know me from Adam. They would literally have to contact an office here in Moscow, something they would never do unless I committed some very serious crime. And then there's a good possibility that I could bribe my way out of that.  :P

To the OP, if you want to PM me, I'll be more than happy to give you the skinny about what to do when you get here to ease any worries you might have. Registering a visa is nothing to get worried about, believe me.

chivo



Offline Vaughn

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #15 on: March 30, 2009, 02:11:00 PM »
Are you sure you would do this? I wouldn't. Are you suggesting he use the Metro? :noidea:

chivo, that's what I do. If it takes making what you consider poor suggestions to entice you
to come out of the woodwork and offer real solutions, then so be it. The guy asked about hotels, with
specific reasons of preference - and nobody was serving up squat.

Am I the only American here who uses the Metro?

To the OP, if you want to PM me, I'll be more than happy to give you the skinny about what to do when you get here to ease any worries you might have. Registering a visa is nothing to get worried about, believe me.

Now we're getting somewhere.




Offline Ronnie

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #16 on: March 30, 2009, 03:17:17 PM »
The problem is not with OVIR or any central registration that Chivo assures us doesn't exist (I believe him BTW).  The problem is with the police who will find you not in compliance and, as you say, elicit a bribe.  I paid just such a bribe in Moscow after registering in Pitr.  the asking price, er fine, was 100 USD but I offered the equivalent of $16 and it was accepted.

Ronnie
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Offline Chicagoguy

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Re: Russian Visa Question
« Reply #17 on: March 30, 2009, 03:24:59 PM »
I try and use the Metro exclusively, even when my fiends have cars. Traffic can be terrible.

But I would never use it if I had luggage.

You can bring women to your room if you register them as a guest like yourself.

But different hotels might have different rules. Some are easier now.

 

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