Way to Russia Talk Lounge

DStuntz · Just Starting Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 4

I have established a correspondence with a woman in Kirov. I am confused about obtaining a visa, because I seem to have read diffenent things about visas (such as how long they take to obtain, etc) from different sites. I heard that if the Russian woman wants to invite me to visit, she will have to go through a lot of hassle with the Russian government in order to invite me. I am concerned that that might discourage her from pursuing the invitation. Would I be able to get a tourist visa instead? I also read somewhere that it takes at least 30 days to obtain a visa, but read somewhere else that it can be done within just a few days. If I find the Russian woman to be genuine, I plan on visiting her in Russia in about 2 1/2 weeks. What would you recommend that I do? A response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rod · Guest

Get the tourist visa, the first time I went to Russia ( SPB, Sept 2002) it gave my girlfriend nothing but trouble as the place where she had to go only opened certain days and for about 2 hours per day....and it is first come first serve basis on the day...and is not stand in line either...but place yourself amongst the crowd....I know....I went to this place to register the visa.
My advice, get a hotel...even for one night, and they will register it for you...after that you can stay with her ( if that is your intention )
If you are going in 2.5 weeks....it will cost you at your Russian consulate or Embassy, I am from Australia and for same day processing it is $400 AUD...4 days $170 AUD etc etc.....so you had better get moving on it if you want to go in this time frame!

And remember this saying whenever you hit a problem "It's Russia" ( but said with a Russian accent Smile

......but also remember this....you will fall in love with the place and just keep going back....as I do.

Regards

Rod