Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Jebber45 · Frequent Guest Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 17

Hello, I am planning a trip to Russia this fall and am currently gathering together all my paper work for my visa application. On the application from the consulate there is a question asking if you have ever been arrested. In my youth I received a DUI, though I believe that it is off my record. Is this something I should respond "yes" to?

I'm sure it is not a big deal, but it says if you answer "yes" to any of the questions in that section than you will have to appear in person before the consulate.. and I live in Chicago where there is no consulate.

Thanks for any help!

ironzeppelin04 · Frequent Guest Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 66 Location: USA

Sorry, I don't have answer, but somewhat the same question....

I was arrested awhile ago, and that charge will be fully off my record but not until Aug, IF I go to Rus it will be in July or beginning of Aug. I will probably have answer yes to those questions.

Im not thinking about lying, but just curious, do they really check those answers a lot? and if you answer "no" but they think it should be "yes", what happens... do you have to reapply and/or do they suspend you from being able to apply?

nikir · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:43 am Post subject:

For a one off misdemeanor, especially way back in your youth I wouldn't worry and just answer no.

I'm quite sure that the Russian consulate does not have the ability to verify this sort of information.

jo jo 7

david77080 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject: Arrests

If you have a felony on your record in the states you can't get a passport. Don't answer yes about any misdemeanor DUI's or PI's or any other misdemeanor things that may be on your record. If you answer yes it will be harder to get your Visa and then you will have to go through that hassle every time you want to go to Russia. Also the Russian consulate can not look at your records. So answer no get your visa and enjoy your trip. Hope this helps. Dave

danbrew · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:25 am Post subject:

A felony conviction in no way bars a citizen in the US from obtaining a passport.

Those on parole or probation may have a stipulation in their release/probation that they may not leave a specific jurisdiction, but there is no prohibition by the Department of State on felons applying for a passport.

Contrary to what you see above, States do not "drop" a DUI conviction from your record - it will always be on your driving record.

The question that you have to ask yourself is this - how would the Russian consultant ever find out about your driving conviction? Suppose your name is Harry D. Unique. Yeah, there's probably only one of those. But suppose your name is Harry D. Smith? I'd bet there are plenty of individuals named Harry Smith that have been in prison, have felony convictions, have DUIs, etc. The visa application for Russia does not ask for your driver's license # or social security number and that is really the only definitive way for the consultant to match up your not so unique name (likely) to anybody else that might have a conviction.

I know two individuals that travel to Russia on a regular basis - one is a convicted felon and did six or seven years in a state prison. The other has probably six DUIs dating back 20 years. They always answer "no" on their application (I know because I asked them both) and they have no worries.

Your mamma always said that you should never lie. But your mamma probably didn't envision that you would be talking to a consulate officer. If it were me, I'd say "no" and not worry about it. If I was ever called on it, I'd just say it was a misunderstanding and that I didn't understand what they were asking...! The bottom line, imho, is that a tourist traveling all the way to Russia is not likely going to go start a criminal enterprise in Russia. I suppose it is possible, though.

Net/net, if it were me, I'd say no. You already KNOW that if you say YES then you'll have to be interviewed by a counselor officer. Although I have no way of knowing this, I'd bet that the approval rate for those in such situations is low.

My $0.02 rubles.

GregS · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:11 am Post subject:

Wow, you all just put my mind at ease as well.. Stupid mistakes 20+ years ago, you pray they don't come back to haunt you... hehehe

I love this site!!!! One question I have answered...several more to go.. Smile