Visa
 

If one wants to explore St Petersburg and Moscow on one's own, and applies for a Russian visa, does it have to be accompanied by a letter of invitation from a Russian friend, family, company?

Thanks.

Yes - you need an invitation to get a visa (unless in transit only).

Lots of threads and info on the visa question in this forum and on www.waytorussia.net

Thanks. I assume that in transit includes a cruise. I will check the other site and apologies for not finding other threads.

Cruises usually give you a group visa. Check with your cruise company. If you have a group visa, you will have to remain with the group (no individual exploring). If you get caught somewhere you're not supposed to be without a visa, you could get in real trouble.

Of course, it's Russia. So a handy bribe might just do the trick.