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Visa frustration

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

Author	Message
prestowk Frequent Guest Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 26	Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 1:46 am    Post subject: Visa frustration As someone who spends a lot of time in several different countries (including Russia a large part of the year), I cannot find end to my frustration with visa bureaucracy. Both internationally in general, and especially with Russia. Who gains anything from this? Sure, to be realistic, immigration needs to be regulated, meaning some kind of visa regime needs to be in place. But at what price? It is such a friggin' pain to constantly deal with passports, visa applications, shelling out money for nothing (invitations), long processing times (4 weeks to get an invitation that you pay 100 euros for what service?), standing in lines at borders, limited stays, visits that never happen because you can only apply for your visa in a certain country and what not more. How much is not lost, for both visitors and hosts? Connections never made, business missed and opportunities lost. I just wish all countries would come to an international agreement to work like it already works inside the EU -- no freaking borders at all, not for traveling, not for living, not for work, not for nothing (did you ever travel inside EU/Schengen, and notice how freaking free feeling you have, passing a border where the former customs buildings are now abandonded, noone checks up on you, like if there was no border at all?) -- and things are still civilized and working -- no mass migration or countries falling apart in the EU. I just had to get this off my chest, because I'm fed up with the visa phenomenon and everything that comes with it.
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surfguy Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979	Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:13 am    Post subject: it does suck...and trust me the one world government types are working on it. Takes time I guess. But yep I feel your pain. In Iran I had to wait 5 hours to get my passport back at immigration...thing is everything was hand written in a book. Things get to bogged down in systems and red tape etc etc. I absolutely hate US airports TSA sucks!
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tmac100 Frequent Guest Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 14	Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 3:07 pm    Post subject: Visa frustration - do it this way (if possible) I asked both the Russian Consulate (in Dubai) and the Russian Embassy (in Abu Dhabi) about the cost. The reply?? It depends on your documents. My reply?? I have a Canadian passport and have the invitation (way to go WTR - it was the least expensive method by far), the confirmation, the photo and the completed application form. The reply? It depends on your documents. Also the lady at the Russian consulate (in Dubai) said I could get a visa from S7.com (Siberia travel). In checking that option it was about 900 Dirhams. Result? I checked the Russian Consulate in Ottawa, Canada and asked if my son could get the visa for me IF he presented himself with all the necessary documents. The reply? Yes. Of course. That is what happened. I sent my passport to my son in Ottawa by registered mail, along with an application for 2 visas: one for Russia (which is valid for a longer period of time - before use - than the UAE issued one) and a visa for China (good for 6 months before use) allowing 2 entries of 30 days each. My son then sent back the passport (with 2 visas) by registered mail. He had absolutely NO hassle. I have nothing but praise for the consular staffs of Russia and China in Ottawa, for my son who did the leg work and the postal systems of Canada and the UAE. Russia it is, and China too in January/February 2008 the train will be booked soon (mid December). I am NOT impressed with the Russian Consular service in the UAE.
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