Applying for a Russian Visa
Aug 1, 2012, 4:58 am
#31
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
Programs: BAEC (Silver)
Posts: 248
Same thing as with CTA or Schengen.
Aug 1, 2012, 6:09 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ATL/MOO (Many Others Often)
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I agree. Don't risk it. If you stay in a hotel you will have to show the Belarus visa for sure. My case listed in another forum was an outlying anomaly I am sure.
Aug 2, 2012, 10:40 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
I had not looked closely at the web for the Consulate General of the Russian Federation until today. If I am reading it correctly today, it would appear that they as suggesting - or insisting? - that I use firm called ILS to get a transit visa. Does this mean I cannot use Travisa?
See these links:
http://www.rusconhouston.mid.ru/eng_main.htm
http://www.ils-usa.com/general-information/
I am still reviewing the ILS web like trying to understand how long it takes to process an application.
Edited to say that a literal reading of this page - http://www.ils-usa.com/mailing/ - means ILS must have all the documents 10 days before departure which is impossible since I will be in Greece at that time. I guess I do need two passports but that will cost $250 or more.
See these links:
http://www.rusconhouston.mid.ru/eng_main.htm
http://www.ils-usa.com/general-information/
I am still reviewing the ILS web like trying to understand how long it takes to process an application.
Edited to say that a literal reading of this page - http://www.ils-usa.com/mailing/ - means ILS must have all the documents 10 days before departure which is impossible since I will be in Greece at that time. I guess I do need two passports but that will cost $250 or more.
Last edited by Xeno; Aug 2, 2012 at 11:32 am
Aug 9, 2012, 12:34 am
#34
Join Date: Mar 2011
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Posts: 833
Are you able to apply for a visa outside your home country if you're on an extended travel?
I'm asking because they won't let the companies process an invitation that far in advance (months).
I know the Russian consulates usually only process visas for residents but there are some in some countries that have been known to make exceptions.
I'm asking because they won't let the companies process an invitation that far in advance (months).
I know the Russian consulates usually only process visas for residents but there are some in some countries that have been known to make exceptions.
Sep 17, 2012, 2:37 pm
#35
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
I just got a call from Travisa telling me that the Russian Consulate in Houston denied a double entry transit visa for me and gave me only a single entry transit visa.
The explanation was that my Aeroflot flights into SVO from STR and on to MSQ (Aeroflot #2337, 1834) come and go through Terminal 5. In other words, I will not go through customs.
I asked if there would be a problem at STR and MSQ and Travisa said no. Does anyone see a problem here or does this sound okay.
The explanation was that my Aeroflot flights into SVO from STR and on to MSQ (Aeroflot #2337, 1834) come and go through Terminal 5. In other words, I will not go through customs.
I asked if there would be a problem at STR and MSQ and Travisa said no. Does anyone see a problem here or does this sound okay.
Last edited by Xeno; Sep 17, 2012 at 3:45 pm Reason: add the word transit
Sep 17, 2012, 3:32 pm
#36
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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I just got a call from Travisa telling me that the Russian Consulate in Houston denied a double entry visa for me and gave me only a single entry visa.
The explanation was that my Aeroflot flights into SVO from STR and on to MSQ (Aeroflot #2337, 1834) come and go through Terminal 5. In other words, I will not go through customs.
I asked if there would be a problem at STR and MSQ and Travisa said no. Does anyone see a problem here or does this sound okay.
The explanation was that my Aeroflot flights into SVO from STR and on to MSQ (Aeroflot #2337, 1834) come and go through Terminal 5. In other words, I will not go through customs.
I asked if there would be a problem at STR and MSQ and Travisa said no. Does anyone see a problem here or does this sound okay.
In addition to TIMATIC, SU website confirms the same:
http://www.Aeroflot.ru/cms/en/before...er_fly/transit
[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.5/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
Code:
National USA (US) /Embarkation Germany (DE) Transit Russian Fed. (RU) /Destination Belarus (BY) ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW [Visa Information - Transit] Russian Fed. (RU) [Information For Normal Passports] TWOV (Transit Without Visa): Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets for a max. transit [[TIRULES/R32]] time of 24 hours. - TWOV not applicable if transit is to/from Belarus. - There are no transit facilities available at Krasnodar (KRR). Passengers are required to clear Immigration and Customs. - If in transit to/from Belarus; or if the airport of arrival is different from the airport of departure within the same Russian city; or if transferring between Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) Terminals B/C and Terminals D/E/F, then a Russian (transit) visa is required. [Health Information] Russian Fed. (RU) No vaccinations are required to enter Russian Fed. from any country. [Visa Information - Destination] Belarus (BY) [Information For Normal Passports] Passport required. - Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid on arrival. Visa required. Visa Issuance: - Holders of passports issued by USA can obtain a visa on arrival at Minsk (MSQ) provided [[TIDFT/BY/VI/IS/ID48918]] Additional Information: - All visitors are required to purchase health insurance on arrival in Minsk. Fee varies according to length of stay. [Health Information] Belarus (BY) No vaccinations are required to enter Belarus from any country. CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - CANADA: VISA REQUIRED FOR FIVE NATIONALITIES 17 Sep 2012 / 22:28 [UTC]
Sep 17, 2012, 3:41 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
Thanks KVS. It looks like I need to make some frantic calls tomorrow when everybody is open on the east coast as I want to make certain about the requirements.
I should have said that I was looking for a transit entry visa not an ordinary entry visa.
I should have said that I was looking for a transit entry visa not an ordinary entry visa.
Last edited by Xeno; Sep 17, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Sep 18, 2012, 6:33 am
#38
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
Programs: BAEC (Silver)
Posts: 248
This is OK, I think. On your return trip you will reach SVO by a domestic flight from MSQ, so technically there won't be a second entry. You only need to check that your visa validity period covers both out and in journeys.
Sep 18, 2012, 6:50 am
#39
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
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The ruling of the Russian Consulate was that my single transit entry was for the Aeroflot flight from MSQ to SVO where I switch over to DL for SVO-USA.
Anyway, maybe things will be more clear after a few calls and then seeing the actual transit visa.
Sep 18, 2012, 7:13 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
Programs: BAEC (Silver)
Posts: 248
Then on both SVO-MSQ and MSQ-SVO there will be no passport control. There may be some checks by the police or migratory services to make sure you have all the necessary documentation, but you won't be issued a new migration card and your passport won't be stamped.
It is somewhat similar to flying NYC-DUB-LON for a visa national to both Ireland and the UK.
Sep 18, 2012, 7:25 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
Applying for a Russian Visa
I am at med appt. perhaps I misunderstood Travisa. I will see actual visa later today.
Last edited by Xeno; Sep 18, 2012 at 9:48 am
Sep 18, 2012, 11:06 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
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Posts: 6,752
I just took delivery of my passport 30 minutes ago. It shows the only transit "entry" as my departure day meaning MSQ-SVO on Aeroflot then SVO-USA on Delta.
I finally got through to Aeroflot and they confirmed that I will arrive at SVO Terminal D from STR and departure from SVO Terminal D for MSQ. However, the Aeroflot agent in NYC said that I must have a double entry transit visa or I will be deported.
I asked Travisa about each of these points and will see what they say when I call again.
I finally got through to Aeroflot and they confirmed that I will arrive at SVO Terminal D from STR and departure from SVO Terminal D for MSQ. However, the Aeroflot agent in NYC said that I must have a double entry transit visa or I will be deported.
I asked Travisa about each of these points and will see what they say when I call again.
Sep 18, 2012, 11:47 am
#43
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
Programs: BAEC (Silver)
Posts: 248
Ah, so the validity period of the visa doesn't include the outbound journey? Then surely you won't be allowed to board in Stuttgart in the first place.
The fact that both arrival and departure are both from SVO/D means nothing. SVO/D is a mixed terminal with separate areas designated for international and domestic flights. One needs to undergo a passport control to get to one from another. Belarusian flights are from the domestic part, therefore you need a valid visa. :-(
The fact that both arrival and departure are both from SVO/D means nothing. SVO/D is a mixed terminal with separate areas designated for international and domestic flights. One needs to undergo a passport control to get to one from another. Belarusian flights are from the domestic part, therefore you need a valid visa. :-(
Sep 18, 2012, 1:00 pm
#44
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
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Travisa just repeated what they told me yesterday. I tried to call the Russian Consulate in Houston and was forced to leave a message.
In the meantime, I noticed this paragraph on the US Department of State which can be interpreted more than one way at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1006.html
Transit Visas: If you intend to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country, you must have a Russian transit visaissued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. If you are transiting through one international airport in Russia, and will depart again in 24 hours to an onward international destination, without leaving the customs zone, Russian law does not require you to have a transit visa. However, this law is sometimes misinterpreted by travelers and customs officials alike, and we recommend you obtain a Russian transit visa if there is any doubt about your transit plans. Foreigners who arrive in Russia without a valid visa, who do not meet visa-free transit requirements, may be forced to return to the point of origin at their own expense.
In the meantime, I noticed this paragraph on the US Department of State which can be interpreted more than one way at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1006.html
Transit Visas: If you intend to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country, you must have a Russian transit visaissued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. If you are transiting through one international airport in Russia, and will depart again in 24 hours to an onward international destination, without leaving the customs zone, Russian law does not require you to have a transit visa. However, this law is sometimes misinterpreted by travelers and customs officials alike, and we recommend you obtain a Russian transit visa if there is any doubt about your transit plans. Foreigners who arrive in Russia without a valid visa, who do not meet visa-free transit requirements, may be forced to return to the point of origin at their own expense.
Sep 18, 2012, 1:38 pm
#45
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
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I got through to a person at the Consulate General for the Russian Federation in Houston that knew my case. She complained that Travisa was slow to respond - something about it took 2 days - when the consulate was deliberating my case.
She went on to say that at this point it is too late to issue a different visa for me. She recommended that I contact SVO to see if they have any recommendations but she believes that there will not be a problem since passport control will not give me any grief because I am not going through customs (STR-SVO-MSQ) and arrive then depart from the same terminal. I sent them an email and I will call them if they do not respond.
I know the statement in my last post from the US Department of State says in theory I should be okay since I do not go through customs so I will print out that page in case I am given grief at SVO.
She went on to say that at this point it is too late to issue a different visa for me. She recommended that I contact SVO to see if they have any recommendations but she believes that there will not be a problem since passport control will not give me any grief because I am not going through customs (STR-SVO-MSQ) and arrive then depart from the same terminal. I sent them an email and I will call them if they do not respond.
I know the statement in my last post from the US Department of State says in theory I should be okay since I do not go through customs so I will print out that page in case I am given grief at SVO.