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providing hotel confirmation for tourist visa, how not to?

 
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lukashin
Just Starting


Joined: 01 Apr 2011
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 12:27 am    Post subject: providing hotel confirmation for tourist visa, how not to? Reply with quote

Hey all,
I've noticed that the procedure to obtaining a Russian tourist visa and or business visa has become more rigid, stating that you need to provide pre-paid proof of your accommodation in a hotel or hostel. Well, to stay in a hotel for a month in a large city in Russia is a) effin' expensive and b) uncomfortable. Just like me, I'm sure there are a lot of people that (use to) obtain a tourist visa and stay with friends, family and or rent a room in a flat, because it's a lot cheaper and so on. Everyone has their reasons Smile

So my question: if there is a way to get around and if anyone could shed some light on my situation? I do have friends and family in Russia that could most likely apply to get me a visitors invitation, but that is really inconvenient for the person that has to do it.

Thanks
Luka
PS: I'm Canadian (if that makes a difference).
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romdur
Lounge Lizard


Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 189

PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Luka,

Quote:
you need to provide pre-paid proof of your accommodation in a hotel or hostel

For tourist visas, it is necessary to have an invitation from a hotel or travel agency, but this has been true for many years. This invitation (sometimes called visa support) has two parts, called the confirmation and voucher. There are plenty of travel companies that can provide these documents for a very affordable fee.

It is quite common that travelers use such documents to obtain a visa, without staying in a hotel or hostel, and certainly without paying in advance for accommodation.

Business visas require a different kind of invitation, but this requirement has also been in place for years.

So the good news, is that the visa procedure is actually no more difficult than it has been for years. I just looked at two Russian consular websites in Canada: the stated visa requirements look quite uniform with those of other Russian consulates, and the application form now used in Canada is the same one as used in the USA.

The only thing I noticed that seemed a bit unusual, is a statement that travelers should carry a copy of the confirmation and voucher to show to passport control officers, if necessary. If I saw this before, I had forgotten ... but it is in any case recommended to bring copies of these documents with you.

If this post doesn't respond to your concern ... or you have heard somewhere about different visa requirements ... then please post again, providing more detailed information.
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lukashin
Just Starting


Joined: 01 Apr 2011
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks! I went through a agency, ordered the support letter and ask them to send me the confromation when they sent back my documents. Just hope everything goes smoothly.
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xjessie007
Frequent Guest


Joined: 05 Aug 2011
Posts: 11

PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 5:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am sure any small hotel will make you a reservation and a stamp on it. Would that not be sufficient?
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