Anyone ever done a MR to Russia?
Mar 18, 2009, 11:15 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 469
Anyone ever done a MR to Russia?
I've been able to hold a couple of weekend MRs to DME from LAX for $506ai. These work out to about 28,000 EQM each with the promo.
But it looks like visas aren't easy to come by, and the State Dpeartment isn't exactly encouraging travel to Russia:
What say ye, FT? Anyone done it? Worth the hassle?
But it looks like visas aren't easy to come by, and the State Dpeartment isn't exactly encouraging travel to Russia:
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: The Russian government maintains a restrictive and complicated visa regime for foreigners who visit, transit, or reside in the Russian Federation. A U.S. citizen who does not comply with Russian visa laws can be subject to arrest, fines, and/or deportation. Russian authorities will not allow a U.S. citizen traveler with an expired visa to depart the country, effectively stranding the person for up to 20 days, until local authorities grant an exit visa.
The Government of Russia does not recognize the standing of the U.S. diplomatic mission to intervene in visa matters, including situations in which an American is stranded because of an expired visa. U.S. citizens should also be aware that Russian immigration and visa laws change regularly, and the implementation of new regulations has not always been transparent or predictable.
The Government of Russia does not recognize the standing of the U.S. diplomatic mission to intervene in visa matters, including situations in which an American is stranded because of an expired visa. U.S. citizens should also be aware that Russian immigration and visa laws change regularly, and the implementation of new regulations has not always been transparent or predictable.
Mar 18, 2009, 11:18 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cambridge, MA
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Mar 18, 2009, 1:10 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: DFW/SEA
Programs: *A Silver, AA Gold + Miles Scattered Everywhere.
Posts: 2,045
even if you get deported at least you'll know you have a flight back and still get the miles 
the one and only time you'll be in russia...lol. but obviously have your documents ready and in order if you are to do such a MR.
the one and only time you'll be in russia...lol. but obviously have your documents ready and in order if you are to do such a MR.
Mar 18, 2009, 1:46 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,832
From the US State Department:
From http://www.russia-visa.com/ :
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: The Russian government maintains a restrictive and complicated visa regime for foreigners who visit, transit, or reside in the Russian Federation.
Russian visa requirements have never been easier
Mar 18, 2009, 5:30 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX -- AA Life Platinum; QF Life Silver; UA Silver
Posts: 5,462
Yep.. I've used www.russia-visa.com before when I visited Moscow 2005.. and just sent my passport off to them again last night. I should have my passport back on Mar 28/30.
Mar 19, 2009, 12:49 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happily living in Frenaros Cyprus having escaped the near-death experience called Sofia Bulgaria
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Posts: 2,052
Moscow is now the most expensive city in the world. And the traffic is terrible. Though I think you can take the Metro from DME into the city. Never done it as I was always flying into/out of SVO. The axchange rate is pretty good now
Last edited by STBCypriot; Mar 19, 2009 at 12:50 am Reason: added exchange rate note
Mar 19, 2009, 1:51 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
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Posts: 8,956
Mar 19, 2009, 6:54 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ATL, BHM, DUB, County Wexford
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Posts: 4,861
Instead of taking the expensive route of using a service like CIBT. I just bought a ticket to Houston (more miles), went to the consulate, the rep pointed out that I needed to put NA in all of the empty spaces and add the name of the insurance carrier. They wanted an envelope for the next week and then told me they could fedex it to me. I filled out the airbill to mail to me. Gave them a cashiers check and left. A week later all five of our passports arrived. No problem at all.
Now if you are not a US born or have a criminal history, things might be different for you. YMMV
Now if you are not a US born or have a criminal history, things might be different for you. YMMV