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Paul1989
Just Starting
Joined: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:02 pm Post subject: Tourist/Business Visa? |
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hi, if anbody can help me i would be very grateful. it is concerning the tourist and business visa option.
i want to visit Russia this year for an extended period and longer than the 1 month tourist visa. i have read on this site that a business visa can be used if i am not a part of a business for extended tourism. i work for a local business at home, but would not be conducting business in russia at all. i have wanted to backpack around Russia for a long time so this option is perfect for me.
but is this legal or risky? am i likely to be refused more than the tourist visa? can this site help me to get this visa type more easily? i am 21 years of age and concerned my young age will raise suspicion with this visa type. |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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Russia has many laws and regulations that are very strong and strict. And most of these are quite routinely and normally violated without consequence. The gap between theory and practice is huge there.
Although business visas are not intended for tourism or general travel, or even less so for long-term residence, many thousands of foreigners regularly use them in this way. It isn't the most comfortable situation, but it is the "Russian system."
I don't know whether your age would be an issue, but I don't think it likely. I recommend using a full-service visa processing company, which will have experience and contacts. They will know what works and what doesn't, but they can't guarantee a visa.
In principle, consular officials can question any application, though I think this is quite rare. Anyway, using a good visa service company will reduce the chances of your having trouble.
But one thing that will guarantee trouble, is inconsistent information. A traveler applying for a business visa must write something like "business meetings" for purpose of trip on the visa application form, and check "business" as the purpose of visit when filling out the Migration Card to be handed to passport control when entering Russia. Saying "tourism" for a business visa would be a big mistake! |
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Paul1989
Just Starting
Joined: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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great thorough answer, thank you romdur.
my biggest worry is being questioned about business at passport control while i'm stood with an enormous travelling backpack on. it's going to set off a lot of alarm bells with the officials, as clearly i won't appear like a person with business interests.
this would be a nightmare! |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:25 am Post subject: |
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A year or two ago, someone with the exact same situation was asking the same questions ... I just don't know, how suspicious the officials might be; I always dress "business informal" (at least, by USA standards).
Two suggestions: when you fly in, dress the part (i.e., don't wear shorts and a shirt with 50 pockets); and "check" you giant backpack -- it may be too large for a carry-on anyway.
You will go through passport control BEFORE baggage claim, so they won't see it! Possibly, you can use a luggage-wrapping service to help prepare the backpack. |
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Paul1989
Just Starting
Joined: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | You will go through passport control BEFORE baggage claim, so they won't see it! Possibly, you can use a luggage-wrapping service to help prepare the backpack. |
does this procedure apply to airports only, or is it also followed by train? i will be arriving in russia from kiev ukraine by train.
thank you for easing my mind romdur you have been very helpful |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:33 pm Post subject: |
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I never entered by train.
If the passport control officers board the train near the frontier, then you can try to not make it so obvious that the backpack is yours  |
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Paul1989
Just Starting
Joined: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 1:01 am Post subject: |
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Sorry all to bump this thread back up.
I was just wondering if when the time does come that I apply, is there anybody/staff I can contact (e-mail or telephone?) on this site who can clear up any outstanding questions I might have with with the application? Can I put across any concerns or questions in the form when I apply through this site? Don't want to be a pain in the ass, but I'm absolutely clueless with the whole procedure, do's and don'ts, etc. I have asked my parents and they know about as much as me, as well as not being very supportive of me visting Russia which doesn't help! I don't want to screw the application up, as I've been saving solid for over a year. |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 2:08 am Post subject: |
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waytorussia has no full-time attention, so there's no staff to speak of.
On the application form, most of the information is just biographical, and is "for the filing cabinet." Simply answer those questions as accurately as you can, and relax.
The most important data are the purpose of visit, type of visa, number of entries, and organization to be visited -- this last will come from your invitation (also called a visa support letter).
The stated purpose of visit to Russia must agree with the type of visa (for example, on a business visa application the purpose might be business meetings).
There is a series of yes/no questions in which it is clear that any Yes answer will result in extra scrutiny on the part of the Consulate.
So to boil it down:
Be clear what type of visa you are applying for (for example, single-entry 90-day business, double-entry tourist, etc.)
Accurately reflect the visa type, and your invitation letter, on the application.
For the rest of the questions, simply answer with your best information.
If there's anything you're confused about, send me a personal message (pm) on this site, or post the question in this thread, and I'll do my best to answer. |
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Paul1989
Just Starting
Joined: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 3:08 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks again Romdur - I've sent you a PM, not certain if you have received it as it is still in my Outbox. |
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