Russian visa nightmare
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
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Russian visa nightmare
I am trying to get a visa for my trip to russia in March,it seems to be a very complicated procedure,does anyone have any advice as to the EASY way to get one?It seems i have to pay Ł20;00 for a voucher,then fill in an online form,then go to the embassy to have fingerprints taken,is this correct?Any advice would be very much appreciated.

:confuse d:


:confuse d:
#5




Join Date: Jul 2003
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Posts: 607
This.
It's fairly certain that the new regime is to even the playing field for Russian nationals trying to apply for a UK visa. Don't you love schadenfreude at this time of year?
However, the OP, and most Brits have it easy compared with most Russians. A quick train in from Slough (For goodness sake, it even takes you to Paddington, i.e. not far from the consular offices (if that's where they are taking your fingerprints)) would be luxury. My in-laws have to make the equivalent of a transatlantic flight to get their fingerprints taken, as the distances in Russia are so much greater. My wife's cousin spent a total of 5 days on trains as a preference to flying....they still denied her visa!
It's fairly certain that the new regime is to even the playing field for Russian nationals trying to apply for a UK visa. Don't you love schadenfreude at this time of year?
However, the OP, and most Brits have it easy compared with most Russians. A quick train in from Slough (For goodness sake, it even takes you to Paddington, i.e. not far from the consular offices (if that's where they are taking your fingerprints)) would be luxury. My in-laws have to make the equivalent of a transatlantic flight to get their fingerprints taken, as the distances in Russia are so much greater. My wife's cousin spent a total of 5 days on trains as a preference to flying....they still denied her visa!
#6
Original Poster
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The problem arises from Russia's involvement in the Ukraine,as a consequence the EU has applied sanctions to all Russians travelling abroad,so,Putin has reacted likewise,and forced fingerprints on others travelling to Russia,seems the 'cold war' is back.Never mind,I will get it sorted and visit Russia,always wanted to go.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2003
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I've only gotten one Russian visa, but it was by far the longest visa form I've ever filled out, and the fee/charges were almost as much as the RT fare from the US. Granted, I did get a pretty low fare, but I won't make the mistake of buying a mini-jumbo without knowing visa costs.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Spalding
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I've only gotten one Russian visa, but it was by far the longest visa form I've ever filled out, and the fee/charges were almost as much as the RT fare from the US. Granted, I did get a pretty low fare, but I won't make the mistake of buying a mini-jumbo without knowing visa costs.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
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Posts: 248
#10

Join Date: May 2003
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Your visa, if a tourist, will be for 3 years now so really you're getting exponentially a better ROI than at any time in history. As painful as they are to get you only have to go through the cost and angst of it 1 time in 3 years these days. That's a positive!
#12




Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Singapore
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I have had good experience with Real Russia - they are based in London, not far from Old Street. They arranged last year for a 1 year multi entry business visa, rather quick and hassle free. Was not cheap though.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 11,595
The pain of visa application has always been there on both sides but with significant denial chances for russians.
Actually it is a bit easier and more organized now
Actually it is a bit easier and more organized now
The problem arises from Russia's involvement in the Ukraine,as a consequence the EU has applied sanctions to all Russians travelling abroad,so,Putin has reacted likewise,and forced fingerprints on others travelling to Russia,seems the 'cold war' is back.Never mind,I will get it sorted and visit Russia,always wanted to go.

#14
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Yes,I am getting mine done with them,but they are closed now,as Russian embassy staff are on holiday,got to wait until thursday,have a few problems with the forms.
#15

Join Date: May 2003
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