Way to Russia Talk Lounge

dallas · Just Starting Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

Hi
I have a question I hope someone can answer for me.
I am a U.S. Citizen engaged to a wonderful lady in Russia .
My fiance has obtained a private invitation for me and it is on the way to me.
The last time I went in June, I had the homestay visa.. but on my upcoming trip there (to get married in SP) I want to apply for a Business Visa because of the multi-entry factor and would like to know if it is possible to do so, or do I need a Business invitation instead? Another question: if I do get a multiple entry business visa, will she need to apply for an invitation every time I go to Russia? Just wondering how a multiple-entry visa would work in conjunction with a non business invitation which are only for 3 months I believe.
Thanks in advance for any replies!

WayToRussia · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:19 pm Post subject:

Hi, on a private invitation you can only get a private (or so called homestay) visa for 3 months, single entry only. That's the only possible type of visa you can get.

If you want a multiple entry, it's business visa. In order to get it, you need to apply for business invitation, it's a separate process.

I would advise you to marry on a private visa, and then if you're going to stay in Russia ALL the time, apply for a permit of stay (which is very complicated, so you have to think twice whether you really want all this fuss).

Otherwise, after your private visa expires, you can just apply for a business visa (get a business invitation before, so you don't have to wait till it's done).

dallas · Just Starting Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it...one more question if I may..
I know the invitation will be good for 3 months, but the visa will be good for only 30 days, if I remember correctly. Now, in order for me to stay the full length of my invitation, do I understand correctly that I can go to Finland or Estonia Russian embassies and get new visas before they expire?. I am just trying to figure out how to stay as long as the invitation calls for. Thanks for any help on this!
D

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 10:24 pm Post subject:

Hhmm I'm not sure it's valid for 30 days only, I always thought it's valid for maximum 90 days if you want it to. You won't be able to get another visa which overlaps with your private one. But I think you can apply before it expires.

dshuller · Frequent Guest Joined: 21 Sep 2004 Posts: 11

Hi!

The "homestay" visa is valid for 90 days ... you can stay in Russia for 90 days. The police came around and checked us out to make sure we were where we said we would be, but otherwise no problems.

Dave