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citadel · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 6:01 am Post subject: Travel visa?

I am considering travelling to Moscow for Christmas for Christmas break but I do have some misgivings about going to Russia. The visa process for U.S.citizens seems daunting and the U.S. Department of State travel site makes it seem like a travel back in time to the Cold War?

Is it really that complicated? Some feedback would be appreciated?

Thanks in advance.

Citadel Very Happy

Ryan_XC · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

Do it! It's not nearly as complicated as it looks, go through www.ils-usa.com (the official partner for Russian consulate affairs in the US) and get a 3-year multi-entry tourist visa. This is the cheapest and most flexible option, better than what is offered to the EU or UK. There are no trick questions, as long as you have no criminal convictions and a valid passport which doesn't expire in the next 4 years you will have no problems. If you can visit a local ILS office, even better.

Aside from the obvious foreign-policy headlines, you will find that for travelers this "cold war" mentality stops once you've left the US. There are many foreigners traveling here every day and they are quite used to tourists, just like any other European travel destination, but this one happens to be my favorite!

citadel · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:19 am Post subject:

Thanks a million. I thought perhaps the US Department of State's site was bit overboard. I will certainly explore and follow your advice.

Ryan_XC · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

You're welcome!

I'll also mention that when you read about the tourist visa you're going to find some confusing requests for a "voucher" from your hotel. Keep in mind that this "voucher" is a formality and very easy to get. If you aren't booking with a hotel in advance you can purchase one online (usually ~$20) or even ask the ILS desk if they can provide one. Doing this doesn't mean you are required to stay at that hotel or follow the travel plan you put on the application, it's all just for the paperwork. Once you're in the country you can improvise your travel plans just like in the EU.

Yes, seems the State Department would be happier if we all stayed home when you look at their "travel alerts". All the stories I've heard about bribes and tourist harassment in Russia are from travelers who haven't been here the past 5 years or so. There's been major changes in policing and I've never heard once of someone being asked for a bribe in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Good luck with the paperwork!

citadel · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 11:48 am Post subject:

And thanks again for taking the time out to give me detailed and valuable advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Just one more question though. Do I have to report to a police station or 'the police station' upon arrival?

Thanks again.

Shelby · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 66 Location: Russia

If you are staying in a hotel then they will take care of the registration, no need for a visit to the police station. It might be worth bearing in mind that Christmas in Russia is 7 January although this is pretty low key. If you want to see any kind of celebrations then New Year's Eve is the time to be here.

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 8:03 pm Post subject:

Has anyone mentioned the obligatory anal cavity check for US citizens?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

EEEwwww. I'm going through Sheremetyevo this weekend, enroute further East. They better not have any cavity searches Shocked

It's never happened before, anyway, or I wouldn't be going back Wink

Hehehehehehe.

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:13 pm Post subject:

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Gawd. Good thing I travel with an impermeable and intimidating bodyguard, then.