Way to Russia Talk Lounge

xiaoxue

I come from the UK but am currently resident in China. I plan to visit Russia in August by Trans-Mongolian train. I read that now it is only possible to get the Russian visa in your country of citizenship, which creates a big annoying problem for me. But, is it possible to apply in China with Chinese residence permit? I have this, for purpose of work, but it is due to expire July 2nd 2009.

Will I be able to get a Russian tourist visa from inside China?

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 600

Yes, that should be fine. The rule is that if you have permission to stay in a country for more than 90 days then you can apply there. Contact the consulate first to check - would be a pain to head down to Beijing just for them to tell you they won't help.

If there's any problem, PM me for contacts of an agency that can help with visa processing (for a large fee).

xiaoxue · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject:

Hi greg
thanks, that is good to know.
as for this agency, are they based in china? i would like to find someone who can apply for the visa on my behalf, as dalian is far from beijing. if this is not possible, at least who can collect the passport and mail it back to me. i don't have a whole week to waste in beijing Sad

what is the 'large fee'?

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 600

Yes, based in Beijing. They can only do business visas though. So it's minimum $260 (including consular fees and their service fee). There might be an extra charge (of as much as another $200) depending on nationality - i don't know if there is or not for UK citizens. On the bright side, the invitation is included in that price.

I don't know - it might work out cheaper than flying or taking the train down to Beijing twice. If you're interested I'll send you the contacts.

Melisa74 · Just Starting Joined: 20 Jun 2009 Posts: 1

Hi Greg,
I'm a Malaysian working in China the past 7 months. I have a multiple entry work visa but am not sure if this is also considered a 'residence permit'. Is there a disctinction between these 2 i.e does a residence permit refer specifcally to another visa class? I am also doing the Trans-Sib in Sept and need a tourist visa for 20 days.
1. If my work permit doesn't qualify as a residence permit, does it mean that I ahve no choice but to get my visa sorted in Malaysia?
2. If I can do it in China, I heard getting visas in Beijing is not so easy. Would it be better in Shanghai?
3. How about hong Kong? Will I be eligible to apply there?
4. My preferred option is to get someone to do it on my behalf? Do you know anyone who can do a tourist visa on my behalf for a fee? and houw much would it cost?.
Thanks
Mel