Someday I really want to visit Russia. Now that I'm living in the UK, Russia is a lot closer, so it's a thought for a future trip!

I wonder: Why is a visa still required for tourists to visit Russia? Even US citizens, like me, are required (as is everyone else on Earth) to visit Russia, even if we are "just tourists". Also, could I still get a visa even though I'm currently living in the UK?

What's the reason? Is it a remnant of Cold War days?

I've always been very fascinated with Russia, since I grew up during the latter years of the Cold War (and I remember some pretty strained times between the US and USSR in the 1980s, as well as the detente). Russia has always had an air of mystery about it (KGB, espionage, etc).

I would like to at least visit Moscow, see Red Square/the Kremlin, fly on a Russian aircraft, and visit Monino, the Soviet aircraft museum that is well-represented here on A.net! I'd also like to pick up some Cold War Soviet souvenirs, add some Russian glass syringes to my medical collection, and especially, shoot lots of photos of Russian aircraft.

Is it hard to get a visa to visit Russia? Could I still get one, as a US citizen, living here in London as a student? Please let me know. Thanks!

SmithAir747

Some countries guard their borders better than others. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't get a Visa. Talk to the nearest Russian Embassy and they'll hook you up.

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): Is it a remnant of Cold War days?

Most likely. Ivan is not a very trusting person with outsiders.

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): Is it hard to get a visa to visit Russia? Could I still get one, as a US citizen, living here in London as a student? Please let me know.

I don't see why not. IIRC you might need to have your hotel send you a letter or "invitation" and perhaps proof of a return flight to include with your visa application. I have been told by numerous people that even during the height of the Cold War it was easier for an American to gain entry to the then USSR than it was to get into Canada. I wouldn't worry too much but I would go during the Summer or early Fall.

In mother Russia... visa requires you.


**filler**
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-UH60

From Continental's website and their passport/visa requirements section...

National U.S.A. (US)
Embarkation UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)
Destination RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RU)

Passport required.

Visa required. Visas in expired passports are not accepted.

If arriving at Sheremetyevo, visa can be obtained on arrival:
- provided prior approval has been obtained from the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs; or
- in the case of a technical failure with an already issued
visa.
Fee: USD 75.- to USD 150.-, depending on circumstances.

All visitors are strongly recommended to have sufficient
health/travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Passenger must hold Immigrant Card, obtained free of charge on
board or on arrival.
If staying longer than 3 days, passenger must register the
Immigrant Card and visa through hotel or sponsor.

If visiting relatives:
passenger must register with local police upon arrival and
have registration entered in their visa. If staying in hotel,
this will be arranged by the hotel.

If staying longer than 3 days, passenger must register the
Immigrant Card and visa through hotel or sponsor.

Non-compliance with entry regulations may result in fines for
carrier varying from a min. of USD 1,800.- to a max. of USD
3,600.- or the equivalent in local currency per passenger,
and in either deportation by same airline on first available
flight or an indefinite delay for passenger at point of entry.
If carrier can prove that at boarding point passenger had
proper documents to enter or transit territory of Russian
Fed., passenger may be fined for USD 160.- or the equivalent
in local currency.

Vaccinations not required.

Warning: passengers exceeding a stay of 3 months in the Russian
Fed. should present an AIDS Test Certificate together with a
visa application form to the Consular Department or Embassy of
the Russian Fed.

Anyone ever think it might just be a cash grab, in order to make some money for the failing Russian economy? Seems pretty obvious!

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html

There's the US State Dept's Consular Information Sheet for Russia...it should help you out somewhat!

Greg

Quoting BA747YYZ (Reply 5): Anyone ever think it might just be a cash grab, in order to make some money for the failing Russian economy? Seems pretty obvious!

No offense to India but I kind of felt that way when I had to get my visa to go over there for business. My business visa was 150USD while other folks didn't have to pay nearly as much. Of course they aren't a failing economy. Perhaps our extra visa costs are adding to their coffers.

Type of Visa US Nationals Other Nationals

Transit Visa (Single/Double Entry) Validity 15 days only
US nationals $ 30
Other nationals $ 10

All types of Visa other than transit Visa valid up to 6 months (Multiple Entry)
US nationals $ 60
Other nationals $ 40

Student Visa (Valid for over 1 year to 5 years) Multiple Entry
US nationals $ 95
Other nationals $ 75

All type of Visa other than transit Visa valid for over 6 months and up to 1 year (Multiple Entry)
US nationals $ 85
Other nationals $ 65

All types of Visa other than transit Visa valid for over 1 year and up to 5 years (Multiple Entry)
US nationals $ 150
Other nationals $ 130

Tourist/Business Visa – (for US Nationals only) valid for over 5 years and up to 10 years
$ 150
N/A

Transfer of Visa to New Passport
US nationals $ 25
Other nationals $ 5

The main reason: revenues !!!

Since most travel to Russia by Americans is through business, it's
an easy money-maker for them.

Ukraine and Belarus have the same policies, even Chile and Brazil do
it to Americans (although their Visas are good for the life of your
passport), but nonetheless more expensive than the actual cost
of an American Passport.

Quoting PSA727 (Reply 8): Ukraine and Belarus have the same policies

Americans do not need a visa to enter the Ukraine for a stay up to 90 days. I took a trip to visit my family in Kiev last January and used my US passport to enter the country.

It's funny how some people in America get so spoiled that they say they can't enter Russia EVEN with a US passport.  
Russia is just one of those countries that you need visas for. It's actually not a hard process, and I doubt the procedure will change in the near future....

Aeroflot777

Frankly I've always wondered why India and China and Russia have visa requirements for visitors from the West.

It's not like the average American, Parisian or Canadian wakes up one morning and says "I hate San Diego/the Left Bank/Montreal...I'd much rather move to Chennai/Shenzhen/Vladivostok."

Quoting Jaysit (Reply 10): Frankly I've always wondered why India and China and Russia have visa requirements for visitors from the West.

India, I have no idea other than revenue. China and Russia (and the former USSR) make sense due to the imbedded distrust of outsiders in their governments, and perhaps cultures, due to their current and former (depending on which country you are talking about) use of Communism and desire to control all aspects of life in the country. That said I would love to visit both of them and go back to India.

Quoting PSA727 (Reply 8): even Chile and Brazil do it to Americans

That is reciprocation.

SmithAir747:
I'll be in Russia next month. I had to go through a ton of red tape to get my visa. As a tourist, it's easier to obtain a visa as all you need is a invitation letter from the hotel you're staying, proof of departure date and Passport. Then you go to your nearest Russian consulate/Embassy and apply for your visa.
Now finding a decent price in Moscow is another job. I had two hotels cancel my reservation because they found 'others' willing to pay more for the room I already booked. Customer service hasn't made it's way to Russia yet.   
However, I managed to find a hotel that hasn't cancelled my reservation and has issued my invitation and visa.
Will my room be availible when I get to Moscow?
I shall see. Well read the trip reports forum in two months. 


SmithAir747:
Now are there NIMBYs in London that banned the TU-154 and IL-62 from the U.K.?
If I were you, go through the proper channels to get a visa to Moscow and see for yourself. Aeroflot wont have there TU-134, TU-154 is service for ever.
See if you can fly there via Athens or Istanbul on a TU-154.
Does Palma de Mallorca stil get teh Aeroflot TU-154?

Quoting BA747YYZ (Reply 5): Anyone ever think it might just be a cash grab, in order to make some money for the failing Russian economy? Seems pretty obvious!

Quoting PSA727 (Reply 8): The main reason: revenues !!!

If it was just a cash grab, they'd issue them on arrival.

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): Even US citizens, like me, are required

Quoting Aeroflot777 (Reply 9): It's funny how some people in America get so spoiled that they say they can't enter Russia EVEN with a US passport.

I know, I noticed this as well. The sense of entitlement displayed by Americans is quite remarkable. Thinking they should automatically get special treatment. Infuriating, isn't it?

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): I wonder: Why is a visa still required for tourists to visit Russia?

Funny this kind of amazement comes from an American. Some of the "Cold War" ways of Russian bureaucracy pale in comparison with all the post-11/9 immigration hysteria and Orwellian measures the US government introduced.

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): Even US citizens, like me, are required (as is everyone else on Earth) to visit Russia, even if we are "just tourists".

You are not THAT special, believe me...  

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): What's the reason? Is it a remnant of Cold War days?

Do you know how many nationalities don't need a visa (or are in the visa waiver program) to enter the US? Do you know how much it costs for a family of four to apply for a US visa? And did you know that if they are turned down (no reasons are given) they don't get their money back?

Count your blessings.

Quoting Cedarjet (Reply 14): The sense of entitlement displayed by Americans is quite remarkable. Thinking they should automatically get special treatment. Infuriating, isn't it?

Well the American poster perhaps, although I tend to think it was either naivete or bad wording, I think he was referring to his being from an industrialized, wealthy, Western country whose citizens, rightly or wrongly, rarely need to get visas. but it isn't good to generalize - I'm American and I don't have a sense of entitlement. You've never met me so you'll have to trust me on that.

After all if one replaced Americans with the following....

The sense of entitlement displayed by Whites is quite remarkable.

The sense of entitlement displayed by Blacks is quite remarkable.

The sense of entitlement displayed by Jews is quite remarkable.

The sense of entitlement displayed by Arabs is quite remarkable.

The sense of entitlement displayed by Women is quite remarkable.

...it sounds a little, um, off, doesn't it?

Quoting ANother (Reply 16): Do you know how many nationalities don't need a visa (or are in the visa waiver program) to enter the US?

Two. Canadians and Mexicans - but Mexicans need a BCC (Border Crossing Card) aka Laser Visa - Cost USD100 (USD13 for Children)

Quoting ANother (Reply 16): Do you know how much it costs for a family of four to apply for a US visa?

$400

SmithAir747:

I went to russia last Easter, if i remember the Visa was around £45 and i think it could be mailed to the Russian Embassy saving yourself a trip there and the waiting around. The Visa itself is quite something - a full page in your passport with your details written in Cyrillic as well as English. It is stamped on arrival and on departure. If nothing else it makes your passport look more exotic!

Enjoy those TU-154s it'll certainly make a change. I flew Lufthansa via FRA on an all too common 733 MAN-FRA and A320 FRA-SVO

It is a shame people still need Visas for Russia, because I would certainly like to visit Moscow and St.Petersburg, as well.

It is still a bureaucratic, unflexible way. As far as I know, chances to get a Visa are almost 100%, but it costs money.

It is easier to get to Cuba than Moscow for Germans.

I think the main reason is reciprocity. The EU is hesitating to give Russians Schengen Visas, as far as I know, therefore it goes the other way, as well. I hope this will change, but I would doubt to see changes in the next 10 years.

Quoting ANother (Reply 18): Quoting ANother (Reply 16): Do you know how many nationalities don't need a visa (or are in the visa waiver program) to enter the US? Two. Canadians and Mexicans - but Mexicans need a BCC (Border Crossing Card) aka Laser Visa - Cost USD100 (USD13 for Children) Quoting ANother (Reply 16): Do you know how much it costs for a family of four to apply for a US visa? $400

Incorrect, you are probably thinking passport not visa. Nationals of about 25 countries do not need a visa to enter the USA, most in Europe with Canada, Australia, Japan and Brunei (maybe one or two more) being the exceptions.

Here is the list.

Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:

Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries.

Andorra
Iceland
Norway

Australia
Ireland
Portugal

Austria
Italy
San Marino

Belgium
Japan
Singapore

Brunei
Liechtenstein
Slovenia

Denmark
Luxembourg
Spain

Finland
Monaco
Sweden

France
the Netherlands
Switzerland

Germany
New Zealand
United Kingdom

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): wonder: Why is a visa still required for tourists to visit Russia?

Sorry, but your question is incredibly naive. Many countries require a visa for Americans for no other reason than we require it from them. Except for a handful of countries, the vast majority of foreigners have to pay $100 per person for a U.S. visa application, whether its granted or not. The money is not refundable.

Give our own immigration policies, as Americans, we're just lucky that there aren't more countries that require us to obtain visas.

Quoting VC10BOAC (Reply 21): Incorrect, you are probably thinking passport not visa.

No I was talking Visa. The existance of the Visa Waiver Program does not mean that citizens of these countries do not need a visa in all circumstances. It means that under certain conditions the requirement is waived.

But you are not the only ones - The Australians require visas from everyone (except for their cousins across the Tasmin). But, in my case, I obtained an 'electronic' visa through my travel agent for free.

Thanks for all your advice!

I won't be able to go this year--I've got a lot of plans. This May is full of examinations (7 of them!) at King's College London. This summer, if I get a Wellcome Trust summer research grant, I will be participating in a summer student research project in KCL's Dept. of Craniofacial Development at Guy's Hospital (that's the field I really want to make a career of), so my summer will be mostly filled up.

My third year at King's (next year) is pretty filled up too--my curriculum will center on craniofacial development and research (they're piloting a new craniofacial sciences third-year curriculum next year, and I'm a guinea-pig student!). My year will be involved in laboratory research.

So, the earliest I could go to Russia would be May 2007--since there wouldn't be but 1 or 2 (not 7) exams, that might leave a nice window of time in May. I have no idea of my summer 2007 plans, though! My student visa for the UK ends in summer 2007, anyway (unless I reapply for another one to extend my studies here).

To plan a little trip to Russia (for a few days) sometime next spring, would I need to reserve a return flight and hotel room BEFORE applying for a visa? Please let me know. Thanks again for your advice!

SmithAir747

This is as much as I saw. Left side of the clear cut is Finland, right side is Russia. Damn the Visa!

What's the reason?

Your country requires it of them. They require it of you.

At least you guys have it lucky. You can obtain your Russian visa without ever having to step foot into a Russian embassy or consulate.

Spare some thought for a family of 4 from Vladivostok who wish to visit America. They are required to attend an interview at the US embassy in Moscow in person. $100 per application (so multiply that by 4), return airfares KHV-MOW-KHV (couple of thousand dollars).

For the majority of Russians, their visa decision is already pre-determined. DENIED! And for the privilege of being denied, they are charged $100 a pop.

Americans getting Russian visas on the other hand, pay their $100, and are awarded with a Russian visa.

If people want to go on about cash cows and revenue raising, one need look no further than the US visa bureaucracy for this.

It is also laughable that one above claims it is due to the failing Russian economy! Funny because the Russian economy is EXPANDING and GROWING, and contrary to popular opinion, it isn't due to the oil and gas sector (this actually holds back the Russian economy somewhat), but rather to agriculture, communications and construction. The oil and gas industry has placed some inflationary pressure on the Russian economy, but with growth in other sectors, it is forecast that inflation will decrease in 2006.

A couple of years ago Putin made a statement, that he planned to increase the size of the Russian economy twofold by 2010. Many people, including people on these forums, scoffed at this target. Well Putin is having the last laugh at his doubters, as the Russian economy is well on track to, not just meeting that target, but exceeding it by several percent. BA747YYZ, if you ever want to become an investment banker, please don't specialise in the Russian economy, as you will only look like a dimwit to your clients for whom you could lose billions.

To plan a little trip to Russia (for a few days) sometime next spring, would I need to reserve a return flight and hotel room BEFORE applying for a visa? Please let me know. Thanks again for your advice!

It is adviseable. It will help with the visa application if you have at least a confirmed flight.

What's the problem with Russia requiring visas? It gives themm some extra $$ and it also helps in knowing better who is visiting the country. Besides, as mentioned earlier, it would be strange for Russia not to require visas for US citizens when getting a US visa is even harder!

saludos  

Quoting L410Turbolet (Reply 15): Funny this kind of amazement comes from an American. Some of the "Cold War" ways of Russian bureaucracy pale in comparison with all the post-11/9 immigration hysteria and Orwellian measures the US government introduced.

Sigh. It would be nice if non-Americans on this forum would stop acting as if every American had a hand in making policy.

Quoting VC10BOAC (Reply 22): Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries.

I thought Greece was in that list as well, but I guess I was wrong.

lots of countries require visa but not a word about mastercard.


^----------------runs and hides

"Visa, It's Everywhere You Want To Be."

Quoting Flynlr (Reply 31): lots of countries require visa but not a word about mastercard.

Quoting ANother (Reply 24): No I was talking Visa. The existance of the Visa Waiver Program does not mean that citizens of these countries do not need a visa in all circumstances. It means that under certain conditions the requirement is waived.

You are making no sense my friend. This thread is about a visa to visit, and the USA does not require a visa from the countries I listed before hand to visit. The only difference with Canada and Mexico is that a passport is not required, but the same reasons one can be denied entry from the visa waiver countries exist for these two as well. In fact technically Mexicans do require a visa because essentially that is what the boarder crossing card is. Read the excerpt below from the State Department website then do some research before you respond to this again!

"The new BCC is a laminated, credit card-style document with many security features and ten -year validity. Called a "laser visa," the card is both a BCC and a B1/B2 visitor's visa. Most Mexican visitors to the U.S., whether traveling to the border region or beyond, receive a laser visa."

[Edited 2006-05-05 14:56:12]

For US citizens the Russian visa application is more "thorough" than for other countries (i.e. much more information is requested in a more extensive application form). The reason for this is most likely is reciprocity.

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): What's the reason?

Because they say so. Their country, their rules.

Next question.

Quoting VC10BOAC (Reply 33): You are making no sense my friend. This thread is about a visa to visit, and the USA does not require a visa from the countries I listed before hand to visit. The only difference with Canada and Mexico is that a passport is not required, but the same reasons one can be denied entry from the visa waiver countries exist for these two as well. In fact technically Mexicans do require a visa because essentially that is what the boarder crossing card is. Read the excerpt below from the State Department website then do some research before you respond to this again! "The new BCC is a laminated, credit card-style document with many security features and ten -year validity. Called a "laser visa," the card is both a BCC and a B1/B2 visitor's visa. Most Mexican visitors to the U.S., whether traveling to the border region or beyond, receive a laser visa."

Do they issue the usual visas stuck in the passports at all here? The reason i ask is that my friend (who is not mexican) is going to renew his visa next week here in Mexico (Mexico City) to be exact, and I am very intrigued to know what he will get.... (Card or normal visa)

remember it is a long drawn out process to get a visa for Russia. The reason why they still do require a visa is not only because of security reasons, but is in place as a system of checks and balances for immigration. As far as the tourist thing they love to have visitors, but it takes a great deal to earn their trust. Some day myself i want to see, as the russians would call it, cankt peterborg( sanct Peterborg is the pronunciation)

Quoting SmithAir747 (Thread starter): I wonder: Why is a visa still required for tourists to visit Russia? Even US citizens, like me, are required (as is everyone else on Earth) to visit Russia, even if we are "just tourists

"even US citizens, like me"?????????????

What is that supposed to mean? are Americans somehow different and deserve any kind of special treatment???

Your country charges US$100 for tourist visa. Even more, you have to PAY EXTRA for the consulate interview, and extra for the company that hand out the papers, as you can't do it directly in the consulate. So, you end up paying about US$125

And more... if the visa is denied, you lose your money, no matter that US$100 can be a lot of money for many people living in countries "of the third world".

So, don't complaint about Russia, above all the people of the world, US citizens MUST be charged befor traveling abroad

Quoting PSA727 (Reply 8): Ukraine and Belarus have the same policies, even Chile and Brazil do it to Americans

It's not a proper visa. When a country issues a visa, as USA, you hae to do prior paperwork and they can deny iot to you, not allowing the travel.
Chile allow all americans to arrive here, we won't deny your entry or request some proof that you are not immigrant. You only have to pay the same US$100 that you people charge us. Only money, no visa...

Regards )(

Russia does it for two reasons..security...and hard currency.
Been there..done that..even bought the t-shirt. One of my more fascinating trips..White Night cruise from Saint Petersburg to Moscow....
TPAnx

Yeah, Americans tend to have it worst with the Visa regulations.

On the other hand, Australians and New Zealanders have it so much easier than a lot of places   Most countries in the world don't require us to have a Visa to enter - including relatively obscure countries such as Yamen I found out yesterday by accident. We're very lucky as it makes travelling so much easier.

Still, we do need them for Russia and China, but they're inexpensive and easy to get (I have both in my Passport).