Russian Tourist Visa?

IsMiseJoe

Hi,
Just booked a trip to Russia for the end of April. Anyone know about the visa requirements?
Will I have to pick the visa up at the Embassy in Dublin if I apply for it myself through their website?
Do I also need to have a hotel booked before I apply?

Any info very much appreciated

amcalester

I went to Moscow in August, and I had to organise the visa before hand. I flew from London, and the application process was outsourced to a third party company, cost about £70 and took 3-5 days.

IsMiseJoe

Just checked Visafirst. They're charging a ridiculous price.

vigos

Have you tried the Russian embassy website it gives all the details you need

http://www.ireland.mid.ru/visa_en.html

I went there over a year ago, and sent it by post to the embassy and got it back in little over a week although I did pay for the express service. From what I remember you will need to get a letter from a hotel saying where you're going to stay and dates although there are companies that you can pay to do this as well but major hotels usually do this for free. This needs to be in the visa application sent to the embassy

IsMiseJoe

vigos wrote: »

Have you tried the Russian embassy website it gives all the details you need

http://www.ireland.mid.ru/visa_en.html

I went there over a year ago, and sent it by post to the embassy and got it back in little over a week although I did pay for the express service. From what I remember you will need to get a letter from a hotel saying where you're going to stay and dates although there are companies that you can pay to do this as well but major hotels usually do this for free. This needs to be in the visa application sent to the embassy

I was reading that last night but I was getting a little confused about the hotel part.
Did you have to collect the visa at the Embassy or did they send it out to to you?
I'm in Galway and don't fancy travelling all the way to Dublin for it.

vigos

It sure is confusing and a bit of a pain to get the documents sorted but in the end went pretty smooth for me.

No you dont have to go there I sent mine by registered post but give yourself plenty of time to get it there and back. If you're in a rush they have an express option but you pay more.

This link explains the process, first step is to get an invitation letter from a hotel or through a company for the dates you'll be in Russia. They will also send you this invitation letter as well for a price of course!

http://www.waytorussia.net/Travel/VisaSupport.html

The Buster

The invitation letter is standard there. So if you book a hotel and request the they will know exactly what you are on about. Once you book a hotel they usually prepare the letter free, however, if you cancel the booking they will charge you for it so just make sure you are happy with hotel before requesting the invitation letter.