Way to Russia Talk Lounge

shinzey · Just Starting Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

Hi there,

I wonder if anyone has any advice for me? Here's my situation:

I (should) arrive in Russia on 3rd August.

I applied for my visa this morning, I sent all the necessary documents by courier to the embassy, the courier rang to say that the queue is out the door and could he post it in the door, I said 'yeah sure'.

1st Problem: My sister was out at the embassy a few days ago with a queue just as big and they don't let people just leave their documents there/post it in the letterbox, you have to queue. Is mine ok having just been left there by the courier?

I applied for a 10 day turnaround and included a postal order for the correct amount for that time-frame and a stamped addressed registered envelope as per instruction from their website.

2nd problem: I just assumed that the ten days included time for return post back to me... now I'm not so sure, well, I'm fairly sure that it doesn't include postage time.

3rd Problem: If I want to pick it up instead of having them post it so that I have it in time, I would need an original receipt from the consulate, which they issue to people when they hand in their documents to the embassy. Obviously I have no receipt, as i sent mine by courier.

4th Problem: The embassy opens from only 9am - 11.45am and they don't answer the phone (myself and my sister have been trying to ring for about a week) We both work 9-5, but I will call in sick if I must, if there's any point in going out to the embassy.

5th Problem: My sister also messed up, she posted hers in with a 5 day turn-around, but she didn't include a stamped addressed envelope because she was planning to pick it up. But she has no receipt either!

I apologise for my long-windedness, but I'm a bit panicked to say the least. I'm aware that it's all our fault that we're in this predicament, but any advise would be most appreciated!

Thank you,

Sinead

v · Just Starting Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

The best thing is to reach them on phone :
(01)492-3525, (01) 492-2048 this is a general embassy phone (not a consular department)
I reached them couple weeks ago on these numbers with no problem.
They might help you in general queries.
I don't know if they can answer regarding your personal application, but they should know the visa processing times.
I think there are different fees for different processing times, the faster you need a visa the more money it cost.
They can do it even within an hour.
Anyway they might give you an advice about when you should arrive to collect your visa.

This is a consular department number (01)492-3492 I don't know how easy is to reach.

And it's better to arrive to the Embassy well before the opeing time as there usually a big queue.