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good experience with private visa?

Way to Russia Talk Lounge Forum Index -> Russian Visa Forum

Author	Message
mariaq Just Starting Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 5	Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 3:46 pm    Post subject: good experience with private visa? I have read many reports of the hassles of getting a private visa (invited by Russian citizen). Please, anyone with experience of visiting Russia on a private visa, please let me know what are the advantages of getting a private visa rather than tourist. And would you do it again on a private visa or rather get another type? My Muscovite friend says he will make the visa for me, but maybe it's not worth the hassle?
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ashton Lounge Lizard Joined: 08 Apr 2004 Posts: 80 Location: US	Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 5:58 pm    Post subject: My experience has been that it really isn't worth the hassle. I don't know what the process is to get the invitation in Russia but it has always taken quite a while in the past. I have had friends give up, especially in Moscow. In addition to that, you must have the original copy of the invitation so it has to be sent to you. This also can take quite a bit of time. I used to always get private invitations and at the advise of the Russian Consulate, now just get a tourist invitation. There really is no difference once you are in Russia. The tourist invitation only takes a day or two to get so it is much easier for everyone involved. My advise would be to just get a tourist visa to avoid having to wait.
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UsualSuspect WayToRussified Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 324 Location: The Land of Oz	Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 4:57 am    Post subject: Pros 'n' Cons Hi, The private Visa can last up to three months, whereas a tourist one is max of 30 days. I agree with what Ashton says in that it is a royal pain for your friend as there is quite a bit of doco and waiting involved. You must allow two months to be on the safe side for turnaround time (that's just the Russian side, 30 days is the FSB check on you/them). And the Embassy/Consulate will only accept the Original. No scanned, photocopied, hand drawn etc. UPS and their ilk co$$$t your Russian friend greatly, but at least you have the original delivered to you snappy hurry. From your perspective, you do little, while your friend goes nuts. Lastly, as Ashton says, no-one really gives a damn inside Russia just so long as you have some sort of valid Visa. Regards UsualSuspect
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