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DUI = Visa rejection?

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

Author	Message
thisguy Frequent Guest Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 10	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 2:16 pm    Post subject: DUI = Visa rejection? Hey I've been reading these forums and found similar topics but wanted to start one specific to my situation. I am a U.S. citizen I'll be traveling to Russia for the first time at the end of the summer, and am worried about being denied the visa because in September 2006 I pleaded "no contest" to a first offense misdemeanor DUI. Should I answer "yes" or "no" to the related question on the Visa application form. Do they have anyway to check this. What would the consequences be of answering "yes"? What would the consequences be of of answering "no" and being caught lying. Sorry I didn't realize this was an issue until now. I am in Xi'an China right now, and had no issues with the chinese visa, but they question never came up. Thank you for your help.
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thisguy Frequent Guest Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 10	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:00 pm    Post subject: I could really use some advice on this issue.
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tuller Talk Show Host Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 234	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:58 pm    Post subject: Personally, I would never lie on a visa application to any country. I'm sure a lot of people have been to Russia with DUI's in their history. tuller
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thisguy Frequent Guest Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 10	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:40 pm    Post subject: Thanks, I'm not sure what to do. Lying and getting caught might be the worst thing. But I have heard that saying "yes" to this particular questions pretty much means that you will not get the Visa. I'm looking for some additional information, I really need all the help I can get. I have read similar topics on this forum that have advised me to say "no" to this question. Please anyone give me your advice.
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kolobed Lounge Lizard Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 142 Location: merkaba	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:54 pm    Post subject: consult an attorney. that's the only way. unless you have your mind made up already and you're just looking for affirmation.
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thisguy Frequent Guest Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 10	Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:06 pm    Post subject: I'm not looking for affirmation just sound advice. What you you personally do? What kind of attorney should I contact. Is it true the the Russian consulate has no way to search for my misdemeanor record?
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danbrew Just Starting Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 8	Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:16 pm    Post subject: yes, it's true, the Russians have no way to check your driving record in the states. it's a stretch to believe that they can (or would) check your criminal record as well. how would they do it? do you provide your driver's license # on the visa application form? do you provide your social security number on the visa application? what if your name is John Smith? There are lots of people in the US who have commited crimes and their name is John Smith. The Russians aren't going to deny a visa to every John Smith. Unless you answer "yes" to the "have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense?" question you won't be questioned. I suppose you could always say "oh, a driving misdemeanor? I thought the question was had I ever been in jail or robbed a bank or something. heh heh". I know several people who have criminal convictions who have visited Russia and said "no" on the visa application. No worries. But don't call me if they throw you in the gulag.
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astcell Just Starting Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 1	Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 1:44 pm    Post subject: I CAN ANSWER THIS. Russians ask all those detailed questions out of reciprocity. We ask the same questions of them, so we get no slack in return. I sat next to a Moscow Embassy employee on a plane the other day and confirmed this. Okay now that you know WHY they ask, what will they find out? Well if you say YES then there is a good chance you will not be admitted. If you say NO, will they find out? Well, how popular was your arrest and conviction? Did you make it onto CNN? If this is a small town incident 10 years ago, no one cares. So you cannot buy a gun or be a cop. It is not the end of the world. Run your name on Lexis-Nexis. That's the best the Russkies will be able to do. Use one of those background check sites to check yourself out. But if you get the visa and travel as scared as can be, you will alert them big time. Can you control yourself in a tense situation? Remember you are not being sneaky and spying. You put your past behind you and thought they were after mass murderers with this question.
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