Way to Russia Talk Lounge

ME · Frequent Guest Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

Hi
I was forced to leave Russia after my pasport was stolen... No they didn't want to renew my visa (or re-issue). I was handed a 10day transit visa which had 2days left, and had to leave.

So, I went to visit some friends in Switzerland while I wait for my new pasport and visa.

I had to get my visa from the Russian Consulate in Bern.
The only work on Mon, Wed and Friday mornings. So after more than 3weeks of phoning the consulate and not getting through to them I got a no of a company that does the visa application for you.

At the end of the day this will work out about 100SFr cheaper that had I gone myself.

What is the situation like in other countries with the russian consulate?
Will it always be better to get a company to do the visa app, or not?

Me

e · VIP Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 654

Its the same. Its government policy so I can't imagine why it would be different elsewhere.

As you apparently experienced yourself, getting a company to do your visa is more pricier than doing it with the government, so thats something you should consider.

If you still don't have your passport, and they know this, then I would assume is why you are rejected. You need your passport in order to get your Visa.

ME · Frequent Guest Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

My embassy in Moscow issued me a tepm passport.
I'll have to wait 3 months for the new one.

And as for the cpmpany doing it.
It will be more expensive if I do it myself!!!
I would have had to travle to the Russ. Cons. - Save on bus fare.
And the people also said I don't need blood tests... If I had done the application I would have had to pay for this as well.
The fee for the company is about half of what my trainfare would have been to the Cons. in Bern.