Way to Russia Talk Lounge

sarahaway · Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject: Visa in Beijing

I'm planning to get the Trans Mongolian train from Beijing to Moscow at the end of April and I'll need to get my Russian visa in Beijing. I have a few questions about this
1. am I able to get visa sponsorship emailed or faxed to me while I am travelling, and take it to the consulate in Beijing, or will they require hard copies?
2. is there anything I should know in particular about processing visas in Beijing? (It would be great to know how long it might take..)
3. my first stop will be in Irkutsk, if there is no agency representation there do I just hand it in at my hotel? and should I book the hotel in advance
4. finally, once I have my month tourist visa am I committed to be in certain destinations at certain times, or can I get the visa, get on the train and buy tickets as I go according to how I like places? Also, am I committed to enter and leave the country on particular dates? I suppose in essence I am asking whether there is any great advantage in trying to get a business visa
5. finally (and this might be pushing it), I'd like to get the train on through Belarus - any ideas on how to get a visa for there from Beijing/ Moscow??

Many thanks for all your help, and apologies if these are questions that have already been asked. Your site is the first one that has enabled me to start to see through the mists and fog.

Sarah

WayToRussia · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:53 am Post subject:

1. Only the Russian consulate in Beijing will tell you this.

2. Check out http://waytorussia.net/RussianVisa

3. Yes

4. Yes

5. Belarus consulate in Moscow, see http://waytorussia.net/Moscow/Guide.html -> Practicalities -> Consulates for address.

Speak to the hand

Good luck

Maas · Just Starting Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 7

Sarah,

I'm doing exactly the samething that you are doing. I've found some fairly good advice on www.seat61.com and monkeyshrine.com. But yeah other then that, I'm as much confused as you. But what's the deal with the business visa?

I've you've found some good info please pass it along to me. I'll be leaving a little after you so I'd really apreciate that.

Good luck!

M.