Way to Russia Talk Lounge

josh · Guest

I am having a few problems with applying for a visa from the UK consulate. hope you can help.. I obtained an invitation through your company you deal with.... but there are parts i dont understand.

They ask for a:
An Original Tourist Voucher from a British (Russian) Travel Agency stamped and signed by an authorized person.

A standard tourist confirmation (in Russian language) of acceptance from the authorized Russian travel agency or a hotel, registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The confirmation must contain the agency’s reference number and registration number.

A standard cover letter from your travel agency in UK.

I believe, with the invitation, i have the tourist voucher, and the tourist confirmation.. so is the standard cover letter proof that we are staying in russia for that time. I want to stay in the Swiss owned BandB for the time period and im guessing he is not a registered hotel?

Secondly.. it asks on the form "Do you have any medial coverage".. the options are official mediacal protection plan purchaced, and other policy attached for approval. It says on the british website, that russia and uk have a pact on health plan and we are covered, what should I tick then?

a swifty reply would be great.
thanks
Josh

WayToRussia · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

Hi,

First of all, I would like to notice, that they are not our "parent" company. WayToRussia.net is a private website, and we're not affiliated with the companies advertised on our site.

Concerning your question, the visa support you have should be enought to apply for the Russian visa.

According to the rules, you should have a confirmation for your stay in a hotel, and that is what's written in your invitation. Note, that your visa application form should have exactly the same information as your visa support documents, if there's a name of a hotel written in your visa support, you can just copy it in your visa application form.

You will be able to stay in the Swiss B&B. The visa company has an office (not far from him, actually), so they will register your visa, and it won't be a problem that he's not an "official" hotel then.

Concerning insurance, I think you can believe the information posted on the Russian consulate sites, and actually all my friends in UK who applied for Russian visa always tick "yes" there (that they have the insurance).

Basically, what you need is the faxed visa support documents you already have, the visa application form (filled in with the same info as in your visa support), passport, photos, money -> put it all in the envelope -> send it with 1st class delivery to the Russian consulate in London, and in about 1 - 2 weeks you should have your visa. At least it works like this for the people I know in UK.

Good luck and I hope you have nice time in Russia!

josh · Guest

Thanks, sos about the "parent company", I realised that it wasnt true when i posted it.

After a few emails to and from the russian consulate, i came to the same conclusion about all the things ya said..

I actually attached my health/travel insurance onto the thing just in case..

Hope its all cool, looking forward to comin to russia, really pleased that we didnt settle for something usual... more effort hopefuly means a much more interesting trip

Oh, just to ask, im taking a vid camera to get some cool footage when im in St Petersberg. Any places I should steer clear from filming ? or be discrete?

Just wondering
Josh

WayToRussia · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 3:54 am Post subject: Filming

Hey, glad it all worked out.

About the camera: I wouldn't be too weary about that, I even used mine to take some photos in clubs to put it later in our St. Petersburg guide (the clubs are usually not happy about someone filming without permission).
St. Petersburg is a touristic city, so people are used to cameras.

If you want to find some nice places to film, I can recommend to contact our friends and partners in St. Petersburg -- Peter's Walks. Those guys run daily tours of St. Pete (for something like $10 / person for 4 hours!) and can advise on some great places to see and things to do. They have a Friday pub crawl tour and used to make tours on St. Petersburg roofs (!) till they were forbidden to do so. Check out their site at http://www.peterswalk.com

josh · Just Starting Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 1

thanks again for the reply

i mite do that tour thing, i jsut want get some good video footage.... and some great photos maybe.

a couple of questions more bout my trip.

1. I dont have a credit card (I have a debit card), a maestro, wondering, dyo know if there are many places in st petersberg that lets you get money out with these ? and if so.. any near taddeos place?

2. Im thinkin I need to change my english pounds to euros? thats a better idea aint it? and then change it to roubles at the airport rite?

err.. oh yea, and lastly.. whats a good make of cigar in russia.. need to bring some back for friends... and the UK cigars are as rubbish !

Great site by the way, its been a guide for me sorting out this trip
Josh

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 2:45 am Post subject:

1. Yes, almost any ATM. Check with your bank what the commission is going to be (normally it's about 2.5% for UK cards). There are a lot of ATMs, but one near Taddeo is on the other side of Nevsky just next to Laima cafe on Griboedova channel, opposite Kazansky cathedral.

2. Look, british pounds are about 1:50 Rubles now, Euro are 1:34.5 and US$ are 1:28.5, so you can calculate what the best rate will be. I think airport is good only for a small initial amount, and then you can change money somewhere in the center (but avoid Nevsky, as they always charge commission at touristic spots -- it might be better to go to some bank).

3. I don't know about cigars, but if you want to surprise your friend and make them think that UK cigars are not that rubbish after all, try buying good old Belomor or Prima cigarettes without filter. They are hazardous for health and the effect is truly striking Eh?

Soviet working class and prison inmates used to smoke them, but they are still available... Very Happy

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 2:53 am Post subject:

PS By the way, looked at your site, some good stuff there.
I'm into Suba now -- take a look at it at http://www.amazon.com and type in "Suba"