Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hexagonsun]

I'm planning on doing the Trans-Mongolian/Siberian Railroad around April or May. The problem is...I will be traveling extensively before actually stepping foot in China and Russia. Basically, I'll be in India in March then off to somewhere else in the mean time.

So my question is...

How does one go about getting the China visa and Russian visa so far in advance? Is it even possible or will I have to do some of the leg work for those visas while I'm traveling in India/elsewhere?

I know for Russia I have to get some Soviet era invitation paper as well as the visa.

I just started my research on this, but streamlining the process with advice and websites would be great. I already bookmark pages like seat61.com and such. I'm also somewhat clear on prices, but money is really not much of a concern. I've been saving for 3 years for this trip.

So has anyone done this before? How were your experiences?

Thanks!

[soviet_man]

If you have not been to Russia before and are coming ex-Korea or China, then the "least horrendous" way to get a Russian visa invitation and train ticket would be by www.monkeyshrine.com

Good yes. Cheap no.

They email you the invitation. You print it off. You then go down to the Russian embassy in Seoul with your passport, photo, ARC, application form, cash and hope they are in a good mood.

While the rail fares have gone up in the past few years, the arrival of several hostels in Moscow, does take the edge off the previously insane hotel prices.

In terms of getting the visa in advance, 3 months I believe would be the earliest you could do it (including a maximum stay of 30 days - but the invitations have set dates).