Russia visa

Skuxx · 12-06-2009 3:40pm #1

I'm going to Russia on the 2nd of July and I was late getting my invite and all those details so I only sent away the visa form about 10 days ago.
Will I have it by then cause I'm really worried that I won't!

Anybody know how long it takes on average?

ViDuchie · 12-06-2009 3:44pm

Took me less than a week, but then again I went straight to the embassy in Churchtown. They kept my Passport for this time and the Visa was inside.

Didn't you have to send off your passport?

Skuxx · 12-06-2009 3:53pm

Yeah I sent that aswell!

I sent it by registered post and I know that it arrived so hopefully it should be back soon.
If I hear nothing by about 10 days time, would it be worth going up to the embassy.....I live in Limerick otherwise I would have gone there from the start rather then doing it by post!

Hmm_Messiah · 12-06-2009 6:09pm

I got it back in 2 days as i overpaid the fee, when resent I got it in 6 dys

so no worries

Skuxx · 16-06-2009 1:36pm

I just found out from the Russian Embassy that they cannot process my visa application as I didn't fill in some sections of the visa form. However I filled it in online and it would not let me move onto the next sections until everything was filled in so I don't know what could be missing??

Anyone experienced this or have any ideas what they might want?

*Maybe I forgot to sign it or something:eek:

Cateym · 20-10-2009 6:38pm

Has anyone on here any experience of obtaining a Russian tourist visa via the Russian embassy in Dublin? Did it take long???

Explosive_Cornflake · 20-10-2009 8:09pm

Cateym wrote: »

Has anyone on here any experience of obtaining a Russian tourist visa via the Russian embassy in Dublin? Did it take long???

Yeah, I got one around this time last year.
Involved a lot of letters, and proof of where I was staying.
Not sure where I got mine from, but I assume it was Dublin. Remember it taking quite awhile. The hotel you are staying in needs to provide the service of the letter as far as I remember. I stayed in Moscow for a night for that reason.

undo · 21-10-2009 2:08pm

I went to St Petersburg this summer (I highly recommend it). First, I wanted to sort out the visa myself. What you need for that is the application form, proof of health insurance and a "visa support" letter. That last letter you can get from a travel agency bonded and approved by the Russian authorities. In Dublin, Sky Travel of Talbot St offer that service. They have a separate small office dealing with travel to Eastern Europe. Once you have your paperwork, you go to the embassy, apply, wait and then pick up your visa.

The "visa support" letter, compulsory health insurance and visa application all cost money. I found that if I added up these up, the price of an agency offering all-inclusive service was pretty much the same. And so this is what I chose instead. With such agencies, you mail them the application form and your passport, pay the fee and then just wait for your passport to come back in the mail with the Russian visa in it. There is far less hassle that way. I would recommend this over sorting out the paperwork by hand.

Finally, a word of warning: You can only get a Russian visa from the embassy in Dublin if you are an Irish citizen. I am British myself and Tatiana from Sky Tours warned me that the Dublin embassy has recently decided to deal with Irish applicants only. All others are told to get a visa in their home country. Another reason for me to use an all-inclusive service.

Edit: One more thing I forgot - Once you are in Russia, you must register with the local authorities. If you are stayting at a hotel, the hotel is required to register you within 24 hours but is likely to charge you for that service. If you are staying somewhere else, such as a hostel, you will have to register yourself within three business days if I remember correctly. Registration is simple and consists of dropping off your passport at the right place, then picking it up the next day - but will cost you a few dozen euro. You should keep in mind that the "visa support" letter has no real meaning and neither does the registration - these are just there for a poor country to earn a few more euro from tourists. Seeing the massive divide in their standard of living and ours, I cannot blame them.

Hmm_Messiah · 21-10-2009 3:02pm

Hi I was in russia last year - you can email me any questions ( well PM I guess)

I would disregard most of the scare stories , it was a safe great time

There is a scam where some one picks up a ring / money and engages you in the story - just ignore it

I used an agency, and after queuing for several hours decided to post in the passports, and got it back inthe week.

Registering should not be a problem and if I recall cost a few euros maybe dozens of roubles but not Euro

I can let you know where we stayedand stuff, feel free to ask

undo · 21-10-2009 3:28pm

Hmm_Messiah wrote: »

Registering should not be a problem and if I recall cost a few euros maybe dozens of roubles but not Euro

The price will vary a lot between different registration agencies. I expected to pay a few euro at most but in the end, it was almost €20. I just wanted to warn the OP that it could get this pricey. In St Petersburg at least there were no convenient options that would have cost less.

Fol20 · 19-07-2012 2:37pm

Hi All, myself and the gf will be going to Russia in late august..

Do any of ye have experience in getting a visa.. Im Irish and she is french so it maybe different for both of us.

ballooba · 19-07-2012 2:41pm

Have a read of the Lonely Planet Thorntree forums. There is a user called Everbrite that is a mine of useful information. You need an invitation to enter Russia and you need to know your dates of travel. Err on the side of caution and get the maximum amount of time you will need.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/members/everbrite

dearg lady · 19-07-2012 5:35pm

yeah, got one last year, had to apply to the Russian embassy with my passport, flight details, accommodation details (and the voucher from the hotel as ballooba says), the fee(€60), a return registered post envelope, and possibly photos, oh and an application form! The visa is only for specific dates, I'm not sure if they would give any longer than what your flight and hotel says.
actually here's the website
http://www.ireland.mid.ru/visa_en.html
I think mine took about 4 weeks to arrive back, but there is an option to get it quicker for extra (€100)

ballooba · 20-07-2012 9:18am

Any travel agency in Russia will give you an invitation for a small fee, you can specify the duration. In effect they make a hotel booking for you and then cancel it free of charge.

spurious · 20-07-2012 7:44pm

Make sure you use a postal order, not a personal cheque, to pay the fee.

ScottSF · 21-07-2012 10:28am

I was wondering what it takes to get a visa to visit Russia. Thanks for sharing!

I also heard about a way to travel to Russia from Tallinn, Estonia or Helsinki, Finland by ferry (cruise) which does NOT require a visa. Of course you only get a day or two in St. Petersburg but it is a helpful option for a quick and hassle free visit.

For those reading this thread that are not EU citizens, it appears that Russia makes it difficult to get a visa if you are living in Ireland.

Nationals of EEA (other than Ireland), and non-EEA countries have to apply for a Russian visa at a Russian consulate accredited in the country of their citizenship. Those nationals (other than Ireland) who are legal residents in Ireland have to present to the Consulate any proof of permanent/long term residency...

It is unfortunate that they tell you to go back to your country of citizenship to get a visa. The Indian embassy in Ireland said the same thing at first but did allow a visa to be granted if you provide proof of long-term residency.

NGUYEN01 · 10-10-2012 9:10am

Hi there

Just wondering if anyone has any up to date information on applying for a Visa at the Russian Embassy.

I am applying for a multi entry visa x 2 at a cost of €680 for a 3 day process turnaround. However, for a 4 - 20 day turnaround it is €460 - as saving of €220.

We don't have a travel date - has anyone opted for the 4-20 day option and if so when did they they tell you to collect the Visa?

I am just afraid we get a travel date before a 20 working days are up and they won't allow us collect until the 20 day mark?

Thanks

spurious · 10-10-2012 9:41am

Just to warn you they do not take cash or cards or personal cheques at the Russian Embassy - postal order only.
I can't help on your main query, sorry.

kerry4sam · 10-10-2012 6:58pm

Thread Locked.

Please don't drag up zombie threads. The last post in here was October 2009.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

NGUYEN01 wrote: »

Hi there

Just wondering if anyone has any up to date information on applying for a Visa at the Russian Embassy.

I am applying for a multi entry visa x 2 at a cost of €680 for a 3 day process turnaround. However, for a 4 - 20 day turnaround it is €460 - as saving of €220.

We don't have a travel date - has anyone opted for the 4-20 day option and if so when did they they tell you to collect the Visa?

I am just afraid we get a travel date before a 20 working days are up and they won't allow us collect until the 20 day mark?

Thanks

iprawn · 08-05-2013 2:01pm

Hey, Quick question.

I booked a flight last night to go to Moscow, Russia for a long weekend 23rd-27th may. I now need a visa. How do i go about getting it before i leave? I should have looked this up before i booked it! But it was a spur of the moment thing. Thanks for any help!

Hmm_Messiah · 08-05-2013 4:57pm

You need an invitation to visit Russia

There are agencies that will help you - I think I used waytorussia.net but I am not certain it was 5 years ago

If you google "russian visa invitation" you will find options

My first application was rejected - becuase I had overpaid!! . 2nd was back in a week

iprawn · 08-05-2013 5:32pm

I am currently living in the UK. Will i have to apply in person to a russian embassy?

Rasmus · 08-05-2013 5:39pm

iprawn wrote: »

Hey, Quick question.

I booked a flight last night to go to Moscow, Russia for a long weekend 23rd-27th may. I now need a visa. How do i go about getting it before i leave? I should have looked this up before i booked it! But it was a spur of the moment thing. Thanks for any help!

Go to a specialist travel agency right away and get them to send off your visa application pronto. Your visa needs to be issued in the country of your residence, so if that's UK then you're fine. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get a visa though, during which time you won't have your passport so I would get on it now. You don't need an 'invite', a hotel booking will suffice.

iprawn · 08-05-2013 6:01pm

Rasmus wrote: »

Go to a specialist travel agency right away and get them to send off your visa application pronto. Your visa needs to be issued in the country of your residence, so if that's UK then you're fine. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get a visa though, during which time you won't have your passport so I would get on it now. You don't need an 'invite', a hotel booking will suffice.

Can you recommend a legit travel agency?

Rasmus · 08-05-2013 6:04pm

iprawn wrote: »

Can you recommend a legit travel agency?

Not in the UK, I have no idea where you live. Look up around you that specialises in Russian travel or the likes of Trailfinders. Agencies have fees but you don't have time to do it yourself.

Gatica · 09-05-2013 8:26am

Rasmus wrote: »

Go to a specialist travel agency right away and get them to send off your visa application pronto. Your visa needs to be issued in the country of your residence, so if that's UK then you're fine. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get a visa though, during which time you won't have your passport so I would get on it now. You don't need an 'invite', a hotel booking will suffice.

First time I hear that you don't need an invite. The hotel where you book usually takes care of issuing an invite that you use to apply for a visa. Maybe there's an agency that can take care of all those things for you.
Considering it's already May. I'd start looking for one to do that ASAP for you, even at an expedited fee....

Rasmus · 09-05-2013 9:31am

Gatica wrote: »

First time I hear that you don't need an invite. The hotel where you book usually takes care of issuing an invite that you use to apply for a visa. Maybe there's an agency that can take care of all those things for you.
Considering it's already May. I'd start looking for one to do that ASAP for you, even at an expedited fee....

Yes the hotel booking IS the invite.

Shedite27 · 09-05-2013 9:46pm

Booking a hotel is your best bet.

If you want flexibility (ie land and look for a hostel) or are staying with a friend, use http://www.waytorussia.net/RussianVisa/

Carlosd · 15-11-2013 2:22am

That is no longer the case. I worked with a travel agency that use Visafirst.com
Who organise Russian visas for Irish and non Irish clients every day of the week

ScottSF wrote: »

I was wondering what it takes to get a visa to visit Russia. Thanks for sharing!

I also heard about a way to travel to Russia from Tallinn, Estonia or Helsinki, Finland by ferry (cruise) which does NOT require a visa. Of course you only get a day or two in St. Petersburg but it is a helpful option for a quick and hassle free visit.

For those reading this thread that are not EU citizens, it appears that Russia makes it difficult to get a visa if you are living in Ireland.

It is unfortunate that they tell you to go back to your country of citizenship to get a visa. The Indian embassy in Ireland said the same thing at first but did allow a visa to be granted if you provide proof of long-term residency.

kerry4sam · 15-11-2013 2:38am

Again Carlosd, Thanks for your advice in this thread.

The op here is from July 2012. Please now, stop dragging auld threads like this.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

corblimey · 08-08-2015 10:17pm

I've to make a business trip to Russia at the end of the month. My client has sorted out the letter of invite, so next step is the visa. I'm a bit worried though about putting my passport in the post, waiting 5-9 days while it gets passed around who knows where and then maybe they send it back to me in time. I'm thinking of taking a day off work to drive up to Dublin and do it myself.

I've tried emailing the honorary consul in Limerick as that would be closer, but there was no answer. If I do Dublin, do I need to be there when they open the gates - it sounds like a lengthy process.

Anyone tried this recently by post only and can confirm success?

spurious · 08-08-2015 10:34pm

They won't do it there and then for you, but they do tend to meet their expected deadlines. Make sure you have a postal order for the fee as they don't take cash or cards.

You will just drop in your forms, get scowled at and told to come back in x number of days to pick it up.

There is often a queue when you arrive but it's usually people waiting to pick up.

When they say they are shut, they are shut.

coylemj · 08-08-2015 11:52pm

spurious wrote: »

You will just drop in your forms, get scowled at and told to come back in x number of days to pick it up.

It was explained by a Russian on a UK TV program recently that Russians are not the nasty, unfriendly people that we think they are. It may be something to do with their communist past when your next door neighbour or the guy down in the pub could have been spying on you but they do not have it in their culture to casually smile at people the way we do in the west. It does not mean that they don't like you, it's just that they don't smile at strangers during business or trivial engagements like asking for directions on the street so don't take it personally!

To the OP - I doubt the honorary consul in Limerick will have anything to do with visas when there is an embassy in the country which there clearly is.

killbillvol2 · 09-08-2015 7:40am

The embassy is very efficient and will process your visa promptly. As spurious said, you probably won't get a hug though.

That said, the last time I phoned them the guy on the phone was extremely friendly and helpful.

corblimey · 09-08-2015 9:14am

I assume I can collect the Visa myself aswell. It would involve 2 trips to Dublin, which is not an option, but maybe collecting it would be speedier than waiting for the post. If I was to do this, am I right in thinking that I'll just need to contact the embassy after a reasonable amount of time and wait for them to say "it's ready"?

spurious · 09-08-2015 9:34am

If you ring them once they have received it they will give you a day to collect it. Then you just join the queue that morning.

I know the Russians and their scowls well, having a live-in one at home. God help you if you ever go to eat in someone's apartment - you will weigh four stone more leaving than when you arrived. Incredibly generous hosts.

killbillvol2 · 10-08-2015 2:24pm

spurious wrote: »

If you ring them once they have received it they will give you a day to collect it. Then you just join the queue that morning.

I know the Russians and their scowls well, having a live-in one at home. God help you if you ever go to eat in someone's apartment - you will weigh four stone more leaving than when you arrived. Incredibly generous hosts.

My weight was less of an issue than an inability to stand up or speak coherently. All those toasts

corblimey · 17-08-2015 8:37am

I've finally got my invite, but looking for a bit more advice from those who've been there, done that.

1. Today is 17/8, I need my Visa by close of business 28/8. I've got permission to involve couriers if need be, but if I go the 3-day route, have I got enough time with standard (registered) post?

2. On the Visa application, it asks for the address of the organisation I'm visiting. I have this in Russian or English - which would be more suitable for the applcation form?

spurious · 17-08-2015 9:21am

corblimey wrote: »

I've finally got my invite, but looking for a bit more advice from those who've been there, done that.

1. Today is 17/8, I need my Visa by close of business 28/8. I've got permission to involve couriers if need be, but if I go the 3-day route, have I got enough time with standard (registered) post?

When will the embassy have your stuff? If I was using a courier, I would use it to get it to them asap. They will process it quickly enough their end. If they have it tomorrow or Wednesday they will have it ready in time. Of course for peace of mind, it would be courier both ways.

corblimey wrote: »

2. On the Visa application, it asks for the address of the organisation I'm visiting. I have this in Russian or English - which would be more suitable for the applcation form?

It doesn't matter really. They will know where you are going.

petalina123 · 02-09-2016 5:37pm

Hi everyone

Looking to get a tourist visa for Russia to visit in a couple of months. I'm a bit confused about the process. I know I need my application form, invitation, and travel insurance policy before i apply for the visa. My main question is should I book accommodation before I apply for the Visa so i can get my letter of invitation from the hotel, and also have an address to stay at for the visa? My worry with this is that I've seen warnings not to book accommodation until you get the visa, in case it's rejected?

Just to note I'm Irish but applying from the UK if that makes any difference!

Thanks!

goingnowhere · 02-09-2016 9:44pm

Its a bit daunting

Typically a good hotel will issue the tourist voucher for free if you make a booking, but will charge you for this if you cancel the reservation. You need this plus the details of the hotel booking and the insurance

There are many agencies who for a fee can get you the paperwork also. While you have to specify the hotel you are staying at, this does not appear on the visa itself.

Note, if you are staying several nights you will have to register with the local police within a few days of arrival, again at any decent hotel the staff will deal with this as a matter of routine.

Make sure the dates on everything match up perfectly, Russian's very picky anything out of place and its a reject, but they do this at the counter not later on, so if it gets accepted likely a visa will issue

Check first that you can actually apply in the UK, sometimes there is a requirement to be resident for X years before they will issue the visa, otherwise they direct you back to the embassy in your home country

coylemj · 03-09-2016 2:59pm

I'm amazed that with the price of oil down and trade affected by EU sanctions over their annexation of Crimea, you'd think they'd be removing barriers to tourism instead of putting people through all that red tape. There's probably thousands of people employed implementing those processes which probably explains why they were put there in the first place!

Blanchguy · 03-09-2016 3:19pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

Make sure the dates on everything match up perfectly, Russian's very picky anything out of place and its a reject, but they do this at the counter not later on, so if it gets accepted likely a visa will issue

I'd be inclined to get your visa for a few days either side of your travel dates. If your visa expires I've heard they won't let you out of the country without more paperwork. (Connacht rugby team fell foul of this when their plane home broke down last year). I've never had any problem doing things this way.

Bunny123456 · 07-03-2017 9:44am

Hi guys,

I'm looking to go to St Petersburg this year, but this visa process seems quite daunting/confusing. I know I'll be looking for a tourist visa. Anyone have any experience with this or advice?

spurious · 07-03-2017 4:37pm

It's straightforward enough. Whoever your accommodation is with will give you the 'invitation', then you take it to the Embassy and leave in all your paperwork and passport, pay (by postal order only - no cash, no cards) and come back after a few days for your stamped passport.

Add usual amounts of glowering by stone-faced officials, I think that's just to get you in the mood for Russia, but the visa issuing is usually quite a quick process.

Fred Swanson · 08-03-2017 1:10am

This post has been deleted.

Bunny123456 · 08-03-2017 11:58am

Doesn't sound too bad, do I need to make an appointment with the embassy or can I just call in?

spurious · 08-03-2017 12:00pm

I think they are only open mornings.
There's probably more info here:
http://dublin.kdmid.ru/en.aspx?lst=en&it=/Applying%20for%20a%20visa.aspx

Fred Swanson · 08-03-2017 12:25pm

This post has been deleted.

finbarrk · 08-03-2017 11:03pm

I see it's €86. They will collect a good bit during next years World Cup.

killbillvol2 · 09-03-2017 10:08pm

finbarrk wrote: »

I see it's €86. They will collect a good bit during next years World Cup.

They relaxed/waived visa rules for the Champions League final and for the Sochi Olympics and have said that they'll do likewise for the World Cup.

Russia visa

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