If I understand correctly,
- I fill out the visa application online (earliest @ arrival date - 45 days), print it and send it along with passport, 2 pics, hotel reservation at Starwood showing the reservation nos., and my APPLICATION ID, my SECURITY QUESTION, and my SECURITY ANSWER for Russian visa application to gotorussia.
- I fill out and submit the gotorussia travel order form with the CC number for $249.
- They get me the visa in 9 business days.
- The hotel in Russia will register my visa for free at the time of registration for the duration of my stay with them.
My total cost is $249 and with firm, confirmed itineraries, I would not need any extra visa days there, but should it be required under some unforeseen circumstances, I will get an extra couple of days to leave.
Alternately,
I can get an invitation hassle free for a mere $30 at
http://www.waytorussia.net/. This along with a copy of the online visa application and other required docs can be sent to the Russian Consulate in the US with the Visa fee to get the visa.
waytorussia website states that for $30 I get,
'A scanned copy (per e-mail) both of the original Reservation confirmation and the Tourist voucher. These are all the documents needed to get a Russian visa. Originals can be sent by post when required by the consulate (normally the copies are sufficient).'
Little confusing here, I provide my confirmed reservation at Starwood property to waytorussia and they get me the invitation from the hotel? And the 'Tourist voucher' is irrelevant in my case? Also, since I have 2 reservations in two cities (St. Petersburg and Moscow) for my duration in Russia, does that mean $60 for two invitations?
Our very first trip to Russia coming up in Mid April.
Thanks.