Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Cixelsyd · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

My first post, be gentle.

I'm planning a trip to Russia in late January (2009) and I'm hoping some of you more experienced travelers can show me the ropes.

Trip Facts:
-I'm from the United States.
-I'm planning on going for roughly two weeks.
-I'll be visiting and staying with someone I know.
-I'll meet up with the person I know in Saratov, stay there for 2-3 days and then we'll be staying in a town not too far away for the rest of my adventure.

Visa Questions:
-Is the Tourist Visa the best option for the outlined trip?
-I should apply for whatever Visa no more than 90 days before the trip (just confirming if this is correct).

Travel/Registration Questions:
-What sort of registration process should I plan on; places I will need to check in etc...
-I plan to fly from Moscow to Saratov. From my research I have found the only way to book said flight is to call a specific airline (forgot the name), however I really don't speak enough Russian to accomplish this task yet. Any good suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated.

My Current Thoughts:
-I've considered going through a travel agency, but I'm a little leery of doing so considering I don't need a hotel, but they may be able to book the flight from Moscow to Saratov much easier than I.

I greatly appreciate any advice, insight or suggestions anyone may have about my plans.

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 598

Yes, a tourist visa is best. You can apply for the visa support 90 days in advance (45 days for a business visa).

Registration could be a problem. I don't know, but I have a feeling they won't make it easy for you to register at a private residence there. Once you're in the small town it probably doesn't matter - there won't be anyone much to check your documents anyway.

You can book domestic flights through this website:

http://www.waytorussia.net/Services/AirlineTicketsRussia.html

You could try the websites of the Russian airlines as well. Some might have the option to book online.

Cixelsyd · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

First, thanks for the information about registration. It seems I should be directing my questions more about that.

Some follow up information about flying from Moscow to Saratov:
(In case someone ever has the same question)
-The airline is called Saravia. Currently they do not provide a way to purchase tickets from their website. Using any flight finding/booking website will encounter a problem when trying to find a flight as well. It appears the only way to charter a flight is to contact them directly.

http://www.saravia.ru/

More Questions about Visa/Registration:
-I'm thinking I should get a Visa Support letter through WTR for Saratov and then register once I'm there, even though I won't be there for the majority of my trip. Good idea bad idea? Or do I have to actually be staying/paying for a hotel there for which I'm supposed to be?

Plan Changes:
-Instead of taking a flight from Moscow to Saratov, I'll be taking a train. Should I worry about trying to purchase a ticket in advance, or is it just as easy to do so when I'm there?

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 598

You can try registering at your friend's apartment in Saratov by following the procedure here:

http://blogs.waytorussia.net/item/59

Theoretically, it should be fine. But sometimes outside of the major cities it can be problematic. I have no idea what the situation is in Saratov.

Train tickets - it should be okay to buy them when you arrive. But, of course, it's impossible to say definitely.