Way to Russia Talk Lounge

madmossy · Just Starting Joined: 09 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

Hi,

I am looking to travel to Russia at some point within the next 2 months and was wondering about the best possible way of getting to Izhevsk from the UK.

I also need to find out about what is needed in order for me to enter russia as a uk citizen.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mike V · Just Starting Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

Hi madmossy,

I don't know how to get Visa and other traveller's documents (if needed), but I can say that firstly you need get to Moscow. Moscow-to-Izhevsk round trip will cost you some 600$ by air or from 130$ to 650$ by train depending on facilities offered. A train trip takes 18 hours.

I know it because Izhevsk is my native town.

I will be glad to help you in Moscow and I have a friend who will be glad to meet you and help you in Izhevsk. She knows English better than I Smile

simonsez · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Madmossy,

Glad to hear that you are going to Izhevsk.

My wife is from Izhevsk and I've spent a long time over there myself so I will be glad to help. Just send me a PM if you need any further advice.

I would recommend using an visa agency to help get your visa, unless you live in London and have the time to visit the Russian embassy.

You can get either a tourist visa (only lasts for 30 days) or a business visa (1/3/6/12 months). If you arent going for more than a month then stick with the tourist visa, its cheaper and easier to get.

For the tourist visa you just need to send the agency a copy of your passport, fill in a couple of forms and pay. its that simple.

The business visa is almost the same, except that you also need to write yourself a "business support letter". This just states that you are visiting on behalf of a company for business purposes.

As for getting yourself to Izhevsk , there are a couple of ways. Once you are in Moscow, go to Kazansky train station, get the train ticket and off you go. Bear in mind that most people wont speak much or any English, so you might want to find yourself an English/Russian speaking friend in Moscow, unless your Russian is OK.

The train takes about 18-20 hours and costs from £28 (3rd class - single).

You can also fly from Moscow to Izhevsk with Izhavia, they fly from Moscow Domodedevo airport twice a day to Izhevsk. This costs about 5000 roubles / £100 pounds one way.
The planes are old soviet Tupolev jets, noisy and rather scary !

You could try to arrive from the UK to Domodedevo in the morning, then fly to Izhevsk in the evening. Sometimes the plane is full so you could end up stuck in Moscow for a day or two.

good luck with your trip !

RuslanK · Frequent Guest Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 15

Oh my god, people drink vodka like crazy in Izjevsk !!! sometimes all you see is drunks all day long ! Smile

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