Way to Russia Talk Lounge

eloug · Just Starting Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

I was born in Russia, but I am a US citizen. My Russian passport has long expired. I have a valid US passport. My father is on life support in Russia. His condition is critical, the prognosis is unknown. This may be my last chance to see him. I have a note from the hospital confirming the emergency. The Russian Consulate in Washington is refusing to issue me a visa because I am a Russian citizen, according to them. They will even refuse to issue an visa based on my emergency situation. They say that the only way I can go back to Russia is on a valid Russian passport (which I don't have!). Being an attorney, I did some research and found that Aeroflot regulations and the regs at the Moscow airport allow for an issuance of a visa at the airport, in extremely urgent situations. So, I bought tickets and prepared to take my chances in Moscow. MY FATHER IS DYING, wouldn't you do the same thing? Well, the Russian officials at the Aeroflot counter refused to issue me a boarding pass. I tried every argument, and they all failed. I was refused to board the aircraft because I did not have a visa in my American passport and no valid Russian travel documentation. One lady at the counter suggested that I get a visa through a travel agency instead of directly through the consulate and that I fly through New York instead of DC. Does this sound like a good plan considering that the Consulate has already refused to issue a visa based on my Russian citizenship? I feel that it doesn't pass the "smell test" but I don't know what else to do. Anyone encounter this situation before? Any ideas? The time is running out.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

Wow! Terrible situation to be in and I feel for you...what about using one of those agency that you pay and they handle you passport and visa needs for you. Just try to enter and leave on a tourist visa. And do one where it is expressed. My only fear is that they already have you in the system...but yes you have to do something and get to russia. What about using the SF consulate?

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 676 Location: Moscow

I can only think that you might go to the Russian embassy and plead your case. This may include bribes--to get a replacement Russian passport or some kind of emergency visa dispensation.

If I know the Russians, money works wonders in their bureacracy. Money talks. I think a personal appearance at their embassy/consulate is the only way you have a chance of success. Try to find out in advance who the *important* people are so you can throw their names around and try to weasel or intimidate your way up the administrative ladder. I hate to say it, but Russians are impressed by status and money. I know this technique works here in Russia.

I'm sorry for your troubles. I hope you find a way.

eloug · Just Starting Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

I found a guy in New York who can do it at a NY consulate (since I am not yet red-flagged there). He owns a travel agency and does visas and is very well aware of these situations, I guess this happens all the time. What a bunch of bs...So I am going to pay a travel agent 500 bucks to do what the consulate is supposed to be doing. This whole process is making me ashamed of my native country. The sick part about all of this is that the same Russians that denied my entry onto the plane are the ones that suggested the "travel agency" idea. It's like they are all in this together. You are right, money seems to be the deciding factor here. It's sick.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

well good...yes have to work through different channels...when I went to Iran I had to get my Visa through the Pakistani Consulate...bottom line isn't how you get there but that you do