Way to Russia Talk Lounge

myrrind · Just Starting Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

I already have my Russia Visa and My plane ticket to russia. There is a problem that I have just noticed. My plane ticket is set to arrive at on the 20th of May. But my Visa has the entry date set for the 21st. Does this mean that I will have to wait at the airport till the 21st to enter. If I have to wait could I enter at the earlist 12:01 am on the 21st. Or should I try to change my flight. Any advice would be appreciated.

nikir · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:59 am Post subject:

You will not be able to enter the country before the date on your visa.
The easiest option would be to change your flight. While you can enter at 00.01 on the 21st the airports are not really geared for waiting pre immigration and the staff may not be working at that time.

myrrind · Just Starting Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

I have never been on a international flight before let alone at an airport. So would it be possible to wait at the airport.

danbrew · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:58 pm Post subject:

It is very likely that the airline will not let you board the flight at your point of departure (the US, I presume based upon other posts you have made). I could, though, see it happening by accident. The ticket clerk at check in may glance at your visa and see that you have a visa and it has a date that, at first glance, looks correct.

But you can be absolutely sure that the Russians will not let you in if your visa does not start until the next day. As nikir pointed out, there may not be anyone around at 00.01 to let you in, nor is SVO really setup for waiting around for incoming passengers.

At best you'll sit on your duff in baggage claim. At worst they'll put you on the next flight out. Somewhere in the middle is just as bad. It's unlikely it will work out to either extreme, but you will have very little control over how it works out. Perhaps they'll put you in a secure area until the immigration folks show up the next day. I can guarantee you that it won't be at 00.01. More like 8:00a or 10:00a. You'll essentially be pissing away a day of your trip.

My advice? Change your flight.

Of course this goes without saying that if you depart the US on the 20th, you'll very likely arrive in Russia on the 21st.