Way to Russia Talk Lounge

hope25 · Frequent Guest Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

Hi everyone, I am an American that will be staying at my girlfriend’s family home in Kostroma for less than two months. Here’s what I learned so far on WTR.

1) Need a Visa Support letter from a travel agency, hotel, or accommodating party hosting you. In my case, I will be getting a business visa through WTR.

2) Prepare documents with your Russian consulate. What is needed, valid passport, Passport-size photograph, Visa Support from WTR (possibly originals), Consulate Application Form found on this website http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/index.html in San Francisco, and Consulate-Specific Documents.

This is were I am confused, which i have underlined, as quoted from Step by Step Guide on Getting a Russian Visa. “(Almost all consulates will require an HIV certificate if you are traveling to Russia for 3 months or longer or require a multiple-entry visa. In case you apply for a business visa, some consulates may require a letter from your employer)”

Even though I have not yet called to find out the requirements, I know if I must provide a letter from my employer, it will not be possible, which then I have no choice to go with a tourist visa.

Does anyone know or has gotten a business visa from this consulate, but intentions were strictly for a longer stay and not business related?

3) Apply for Russian visa by submitting all documents, including your visa support, to the Russian consulate.

4) Once I receive my visa, I am ready to travel to Russia!

Once landed on Russian Soil…

1)Arrive at Moscow airport

2) Fill out Migration card and give one part to passport control officials at border. The other part should be kept and given back when leaving Russia.

3) My girlfriend will be waiting for me at the airport, we will then take the train back to kostroma. My question is, should i buy tickets before hand or can I buy it shortly after arriving at the train station? I know on WTR they offer train services too.

4) Once arrived in kostroma...Since her family will be hosting me, they will need to take my passport and migration card to any post office, local police station or a local immigration office and fills out a registration form.

Does anyone know if any of these places in kostroma will do this or do the rules apply more for Moscow/St. Peters?

5) Authorities accept the form giving a tear off coupon in which we keep. Once i departure, they need to return it back to the police within 24 hours.

After doing a search, i'm starting to understand the process much better from when i had originally posted, but still, there are some things i am uncertain about. If i have left anything out or if you care to share some tips/advice, i would greatly appreciate it Very Happy

Thanks again!

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 970

What about a homestay visa and have her invite you?

hope25 · Frequent Guest Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

I would, but isn't it time consuming and going with a business/tourist visa is like a loophole out of it?