Way to Russia Talk Lounge

David Eerdmans

I'm consused wether it is needed to book ahead all accommodation when applying for a tourist visa. Some resources claim it is needed, however, on this site it's possible to get an invitation without reservations. So, what's the story on this?

If it is possible, can you still register the visa through your hotel, even if it wasn't the hotel that sent the invitation?

Thanks.

WayToRussia · Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:12 pm Post subject:

Officially you need accommodation to be booked to get a tourist visa. And that is what is done when you apply for visa support through this site. However, nobody said you are going to stay there, plans may always change... Smile

It is still possible to register a visa in a hotel, but you can also register it in the visa agency´s office.

David Eerdmans · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 12:47 am Post subject:

Thanks.

If I'd book a visa support through this site, what would I have to fill in at the "adress in Russia" section on the migration cards?

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:50 pm Post subject:

You would need to put the name of the hotel that is written on your visa support (invitation) or the name of the visa company (that's written on your invitation). In case any questions arise it's always better to say that the inviting organization is taking care of everything.

David Eerdmans · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 1:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot for your helpful asnwers! Very Happy

David Eerdmans · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:03 pm Post subject:

Hmm, I was almost going to order a tourist visa support through your site. But checking the website of the Russian consulate in the Netherlands, it seems that besides the invitation, they also demand proof of accomodation booked for the entire stay.

Text from that website (English version doesn't seem to work, I tranlated it below):
Naast een Bevestiging (klik hier om te kijken) van het hotel waar u gaat verblijven, of Russische reisorganisatie dient u ook een hotelvoucher of reserveringsbon van het reisbureau mee te brengen. Het hotel dient geregistreerd te zijn bij het Russische Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken in Moskou en in het bezit te zijn van een daarvoor speciaal referentienummer. Dit nummer moet op de bevestiging staan. Houdt er rekening mee dat u minimaal vijf (5) werkdagen voor uw reis het visum dient aan te vragen. Daarnast dient u nog een betalings bewijs mee te brengen voor de hele verblijfsperiode. Er bestaat geen spoedig toeristenvisum.

My translation:
Besides a Confirmation (click here http://ambrunl.tripod.com/images/turpo.pdf to see it) from the hotel where you stay, or the Russian travel organisation, you will also need a hotel voucher or proof of resveration from your travel agent. The hotel needs to be registered at the Russian Department of Foreign Affaires in Moscow and needs to have a special reference number. (snip). Besides that, you will also need a proof of payment for the entire stay in Russia.

So what's up with this? Would I need a business visa after all?