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Preparing for first trip to Russia... please help!
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Posted by: jlyandco

Hi All!

Okay... I purchased my plane ticket (R/T) to Kazan, and my Fiancee has secured an apartment for my visit (in early November).

Two final obstacles -- both "paperwork" (Visa?) related:

1) What is the best way to apply for my Visa, and what type do I need?
> Tourist is what I suspect. Can I do this myself and save the $50-$150 that agents want to charge?
> Also, on the Tourist Visa, there is a question about "medical insurance" -- also requring a copy of my policy... what do I do here? I have health insurance here in US, but can't get any answers from the company about foreign travel (leading me to suspect "no dice"). Is there an "affordable and reliable" policy I can get in force for this trip?

2) I understand that some "official" will need to validate my Visa at my apartment in Russia (or something like this... official paperwork "thing") shortly after my arrival in Kazan. What happens here, and how do I "help" the process?
> I also read somewhere that I need to "check in" with local law enforcement shortly after my arrival in Kazan. Is this also true? I am not a wanted criminal and have no criminal record. I AM a military veteran (disclosed in Visa application), so is this simply a formality?

Thanks for any help you can provide! I will share my experiences with everyone when I return!

Regards,
Jeff

Posted by: pharmrep2

Hi Jeff
Well I will try to answer some of your questions with the information I know:

1) Actually since you will be traveling to Russia. You need to start the process of applying for a visa ASAP. See if the travel agency you booked the ticket can help you get a tourist visa. If not, your Fiancee must get an invitation from from her local OVIR as soon as possible, see if she can get it expediated. Then once you have the invitation fill out a visa application from the Russian consulate in charge of your region (since you live in Colorado it is the Russian consulate in San Francisco. They have all the information you need to apply for a visa. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.consulrussia.org/Protocol/main.htm

But you need that visa to enter Russia and leave.

2) Once you are in Russia you have 3 business days to go to the local OVIR (same place where your fiancee would get the invitation) and have them stamp it.

3) I don't know about checking in with the local law enforcement. I didnt have to do it, I doubt you have to go and check-in. But check with the consulate they would answer most of your questions.

Wish you good luck and happy travels. But get on that visa application process. Remember to take your parka or warm clothing it will be a little chilly this time of year.
Take care
Dax

Posted by: mmccloud

Hi Jeff

In answer to your question about travel insurance - I highly recommend that you purchase a policy.
A policy can be purchased online at www.worldtravelcenter.com.
I am currently in Novosibirsk, Russia on a 2 mont visit. The cost of travel insurance was under $200.00 and guarantees transport from Russia to a western hospital facility if necessary. I consider it a bargain.
Above all - be prepared for the experience of your life!

Mike

Posted by: jlyandco

I've done a fair amount of "globe-trotting" between military service and numerous overseas missions/relief trips with my church... but this trip has got me a bit off of my game!

Between doing the arrangements pretty much on my own, not understanding a lick (or letter) of Russian, and being uncertain about the Tourist Visa (and any other "official paperwork") demands once inside of Russia... and adding the dimension of a sweet lady waiting for me there -- I REALLY don't want to do something stupid (gee! that would be a first.... NOT!) or accidentally illegal! (No papers? Go directly to jail!)

I'm not being paranoid, am I? (Who said that? Shhhh... they can hear us... ) (Okay, a momentary attempt at humor...

... moving on now...)

I'm sure I'll feel better once I get to Kazan and "situated" for my stay. I'll definitely be sharing a bit with y'all when I get back!

Posted by: klawsite

Hi Jeff,

I know what you mean. I have been overseas a few times, but this has to be the most challenging trip I have ever set up. Invitation to visit request and the like. Then as you stated, it is not a simple sight seeing tour or a work related trip. This trip is much more of an emotional trip with one big question that needs to be answered!! It won't be the simple get to the airport and go to the hotel trip. When I get to the airport, she will be there waiting for me. I am sure I will be shaking like the Scarecrow in the Wizard of OZ!! I am usually a calm, cool and collected Libra, but I don't think it will be the case intially on this trip!!
It does throw you off your game!!

When are you going in November?

I'm going to Belarus in December.

-Kevin

Posted by: Woody

There's a whole world out there waiting to be discovered!
The organisation required makes the meeting ever more sweeter.

Clive

Posted by: spamer

I just came back from Moscow today (Oct. 7) and it was fun! The airport (SVO) was a little on the annoying side, but once you get through it your home free.

I used a travel company to do everything for me. They got me a hotel very close to my friend and at a cheaper price than I could on line and cheaper than my friend could get it. I had them do the visa (and to be honest, I'm glad I did) They set everything up for me, so all I did was show up and everything was taken care.

Yes, my friend could have done this too, but I listen to her complain about having to do this for her company and there employees and it sounds like a headache.

I used "go to Russia" travel and I had no problems with them. To give you a idea of the cost, Florida to Moscow with 5 night stay at a hotel and visa service cost me around 1100. to 1200. dollars. Really I don't think I have spent over 1800. for the whole trip. (food, opera, shopping)

I'll make a post about my trip later.

Posted by: golek

There's really no need to put your girl through the hassle of arranging the official invitation. There are several travel agencies here in the US who will take care of everything you need for your visa, for a fee. I have used Russian National Group on two occasions. You will get your visa much faster this way.

As for registering your visa once you are in Russia, if the apartment manager can't register it, the travel agency you get your visa from can possibly give you the address of an agent in Russia that will register it for you. Again, for a fee, usually $30-40. If all else fails you can rent a cheap hotel room for the sole purpose of registering your visa.

Posted by: klawsite

True Gole,

But when she insists. who am I to say no. It was something she wanted to do. I guess she felt it was her doing her part.

-Kevin