Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Flint · Just Starting Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 1

Hi.
Two questions for immigration experts on this board.
1. My girlfriend immigrated from Russia to the U.S. in early 1992. When she wanted to go back in 1999, the RF consulate in NY would not give her a visa because under Russian laws she's still a Russian citizen. Instead, they made her register with the consulate and issued her a "foreign" Russian passport, valid until May 2004. She's planning to travel to St. Petersburg in early February. Any problems with using this passport? The reason I'm asking is that, for example, in order to get a Russian visa, U.S. passports have to be valid for 6+ months following the date of departure, etc.

2. I'm getting a tourist visa through my job. However, I'll be on my own in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Can you recommend any agencies that will register my visa even though I didn't use their visa/invitation services.

Thanks in advance!

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 8:57 am Post subject: Russian Visa & Passport

Regarding the first question, I think it's not a problem for her to visit Russia if she has an American passport. As far as I know it's not a problem for someone to travel in Russia on a foreign passport that is due to expire soon, but I know for sure you can't enter some countries if your Russian foreign travel passport is due to expire soon. But usually it is up to these countries' visa dep's to check this.

As for the second question, you should register in the office of the travel agency in Moscow that issues your visa support. Basically, it's not possible to get a tourist visa without ANY organisation in Russia, so there should be someone in Russia who is able to register you. This is the easiest and the most legal way. Also, you can come to a cheap hotel (see http://waytorussia.net/Moscow/AccommodationIn.html), buy there one night and maybe they'll register your visa there. If this doesn't work, you will be able to take the Moscow Times newspaper and see Classifieds section.