Way to Russia Talk Lounge

angel5439 · Just Starting Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

I am planning a trip to Russia in early August. Now I've already been setup with a private stay visa for 3 months from a friend in Russia(only staying for 2 weeks) but unfortunately the original copy has not arrived and I'm not sure how long it will take.

I have all documents ready, picture, visa application filled, passport, etc according to the Russian Consulate by need original invite letter.. Would it be possible for me to sign up for a tourist visa(invite) instead to speed up the process? Would I need to provide hotel vouchers for this type of visa even though I plan to stay in a home? Please let me know Thanks...

nikir · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 6:19 am Post subject:

It's not practical to get a private visa for a stay of less than 30 days, for all the reasons you have discovered.

Has your invitation been issued? August is still a way off so there is no need to panic yet, but time is always tight with these visas because they take a month to process and then you have to wait for the original to reach you. Courier is usually better than post but much more expensive

If you haven't got it three weeks prior to your departure date I would forget it and get a tourist visa through WTR.

angel5439 · Just Starting Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Thank you for the reply.

I was thinking of the same thing that it doesn't seem practical because of my length of stay.
Now, if I decide to get a tourist visa and still stay at my friend's house would the russian consulate accept? Reason I ask is because it would seem to get a tourist visa I would need to show hotel vouchers/reservations. Would they be able to just give me a tourist visa even if I don't plan on reserving a hotel?
This is where I'm a bit confused because different sites are giving me different answers..

romdur · Lounge Lizard Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 144 Location: USA

angel,

Are you American?

Russian consulates vary, but for people from most of the world, you can get the documentation you need (visa support) from a visa company. The waytorussia website can connect you with such a company.

If you follow this route, you will have a voucher, typically from "thingummy hotel moscow" or some such, and this is all the consulate needs. Then you can stay wherever you like.

The tricky bit will be registering your visa, which you MUST do if you are there 3 business days or more, and the registration really needs to be made in the town where you will be staying. waytorussia has plenty of information about registration, but here is quick rundown of your options:

1) The owner of the home where you will be staying can register you at a post office. You can do part of the work yourself, but the owner must participate at one point. If your host is renting, this will need help from the landlord (in which case I would offer a little money for the landlord's time). Detailed instructions are on this site.

2) If you will be in Moscow or Skt. Peterburg, (or possibly a few other major cities), the company that issues your visa support may have an associated office that will register your visa.

3) Reportedly, there are travel companies in various cities that will register a visa even though they are not associated with the company that issued the visa support.

4) You can ask a hotel in your host's town to register you. They might ask that you pay at least one night's stay. If you pursue this route, make sure that the hotel will register you for the entire time of your stay.

angel5439 · Just Starting Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Yes I am American and I'm applying for the visa at the NY Russian Embassy.
I plan to say at least 2 weeks so it would have to private(stay) or tourist visa. My friend has already registered an invitation from Russia, I will be staying in Volgodonsk at his home. I am waiting on invitation to arrive so to complete my application for visa.
Now if you say I don't have to wait for his invite, then I can do it on sites such as way to russia I will so I can get it done soon..