Way to Russia Talk Lounge

taillot

Hy,

I am french and I am planing to visit Russia in august as an independant traveller. I was thinking of getting Russia by train from Lituania. After I want to leave Russia from Siberia to go to Kazakhstan and Central Asia. I don't plan to book any accomodations in advance. And I think I 'll not stay more than 1 month in Russia.
On the way back, after visiting Central Asia, I am planing to go back home through Russia again, by train from Uzbekistan and via Moscou.

My question is : is it possible to get a russian visa in Vilnius ?; what do I need ?; how long time will it take ?; will they request train tickets ? invitation ?? If I need an invitation, what should I do ??
For my back, is it quite easy to get a russian visa in Tashkent ? Do I need a transit visa, or another touristic visa, taking into condideration I 'll have long time travelling by train ??

Thanks for your help !!

WayToRussia · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 3:08 am Post subject:

I don't know if you are aware, but if you take a train to Russia from Lithuania, you will cross Belorussia and you will need a Belorussian transit visa, which involves quite a bit of hassle. I would advise you to go Riga - Moscow (in this case you don't cross Belorussia) and obtain your visa in Riga. This will be much easier.

To get the visa you need visa support (tourist voucher and confirmation) that you can get through this site (you can apply at http://waytorussia.net/Travel/VisaSupport.html ), your passport, photo, money (about $50), application form (available at Russian consulate). It will take 1 day for the visa support to be ready, and 1 to 7 days for your Russian visa to be issued (depending on how much you pay). I guess you need a double-entry tourist visa (using which you can travel out of Russia to any CIS Russia-bordering country and back).