Originally Posted by
travelsbyplane
Thanks for your input. Though I understand the rule about a back-to-back technically being classed as a return, and not a transit, would this not just apply to a TWOV scenario where one would be denied boarding? What I was thinking of was actually getting a transit visa, but on the day would just choose to stay in the transit zone. Or do you think BA staff at LHR would insist on it being a tourist visa? From reading info on various forums, it seems that for a tourist visa, you have to get a sponsor e.g. hotel tourist voucher, so not sure this would work for b2b.
Interesting, and all quite complicated really! Maybe the best option is to just do a 1 night stay and go for a tourist visa! To be honest I'd be very interested to explore a bit of Moscow anyway.
Thanks all for the advice.
Don't over-complicate it. You just need to show an onward ticket, for BA to check you in for the flight. The visa check is done by the check-in agent. You just need to show him/her an onward ticket. Book an onward (refundable) international ticket with S7/RJ/ anyone.
On arrival in DME, just go to the transit line, (at immigration, take the escalator upstairs, turn left) and show your return BA boarding pass. You will be through in 2-3 minutes. Cancel your onward ticket.