Way to Russia Talk Lounge

RuthEFreeman · Just Starting Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 4

Hi. I'm a British Citizen currently on a round the world trip. The last country I visit is Russia but I left it too late to get a transit visa at home and now have to get it while abroad. I'm currently in Brazil and went to the Russian Consulate in Rio. They said you can't get one in Brazil and they couldn't tell me where I could get one. Could anyone tell me if any of these countries will allow this -

Chilie, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan.

Some of these places I am spending a matter of days in, so is it possible to get one in a short space of time?

Thanks.

romdur · Lounge Lizard Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 151 Location: USA

Ruth,

I am confident that you wouldn't be able to get such a visa from the U.S. I don't know about the other countries, but in most countries, you can only apply for a visa to Russia if you are (1) a citizen of the country in which you are applying, or (2) have long-term residency in that country.

However, the consular policies vary from country to country, and perhaps Japan or Hong Kong are possibilities. If you can reach an English speaker at one of these consulates, tell them your exact problem, and ask whether you can obtain a visa - and if so, how long it will take.

If you can get a visa abroad, it may not be fast. Bear in mind that you will be without your passport for as long as the consulate takes, and take care that you can manage OK in the foreign country without your passport.

Are you sure that you need a visa? You made an earlier post about changing planes in Moscow - perhaps you can transfer without a visa. Or if your itinerary would actually require a visa, perhaps you can change your travel arrangements.

Best of luck!