Russia - Russian Visa

I hope I'm posting this in the correct area. I am a natural-born US citizen. can anyone tell me if there is a SIMPLE way to obtain a Russian tourist visa - i.e. - recommendations based on your experince. I want to go to Moscow in October and before I book the trip, I'd like to know about obtaining a Visa. My internet search has been confusing, most notably this notion of a "sponsor" and who that might be? Thanks for any help.

There's a Russia forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/russia-485/) that's probably better suited to answer this question.

In particular, though, take a look through this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/russia/1270651-3-year-multiple-entry-no-invite-5.html); things are about to get much better for US citizens beginning sometime in September, so it may be advisable to hold off until more details on the implementation of this new arrangement are made available.

As mentioned, this query is probably better suited for the experts in the Russia forum to address, so we'll move this thread accordingly. Thanks! :) /JY1024, TravelBuzz co-moderator

As mentioned, you may want to wait for details on the new rules. And you cannot even apply until 45 days before your arrival. As of right now the simplest way is to use a service like Visahq (http://www.visahq.com/). Their DC office handled 5 visas for my visit last month. I had to full out the initial questionnaire online, which takes a lot of time (Russia asks for a ton of information). But from there just had to sign, attach the pictures, and they took care of the rest. Received email updates at each stage and the process was completed in a couple weeks.

The "sponsor" is usually your hotel or a tour company that will issue you the invitation letter. I stayed at the W St. Petersburg and they created the letters for me.

Things are about to get a lot easier!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/29/us-russia-visa-easing-to-start-sept/

Things are about to get a lot easier!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/29/us-russia-visa-easing-to-start-sept/Other than the removal of the silly 'invitation' requirement,I don't think the visa appliationi:rolleyes:n process is going to change much. The visa itself is going to last quite a bit longer, though.

As mentioned, you may want to wait for details on the new rules. And you cannot even apply until 45 days before your arrival. As of right now the simplest way is to use a service like Visahq (http://www.visahq.com/). Their DC office handled 5 visas for my visit last month. I had to full out the initial questionnaire online, which takes a lot of time (Russia asks for a ton of information). But from there just had to sign, attach the pictures, and they took care of the rest. Received email updates at each stage and the process was completed in a couple weeks.

The "sponsor" is usually your hotel or a tour company that will issue you the invitation letter. I stayed at the W St. Petersburg and they created the letters for me.

I second VisaHQ suggestion. Two visas in two years through DC office both were a breeze. It takes some time to fill out an online application but then you can track the progress online and even reuse the information next time. They stay on top of things and e-mail you regarding the progress. Ironically, this June it took longer due to creating an "invitation" - they said that their Moscow office was slow in issuing those due to some bureaucracy with authorities.

We are hoping to go to Russia in March. I see there's no longer an invitation requirement...does anyone know if the cost of the visa to Russia will be reduced?

We are hoping to go to Russia in March. I see there's no longer an invitation requirement...does anyone know if the cost of the visa to Russia will be reduced?

yes fees were lowered. see new 3 yr visa Thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/russia/1270651-3-year-multiple-entry-no-invite.html) 3 yr fee is $180

Please follow the discussion in the NEW Russian more liberal Visa rules (Sep 2012) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/russia/1392072-new-russian-more-liberal-visa-rules-sep-2012-a.html) thread.

JDiver, Senior Moderator