There has been some changes in Russian visa regulations, which were implemented a few days ago.

1. A foreign citizen can now obtain a Russian visa ONLY in the country of his/her citizenship. One can also obtain a Russian visa in another country but will need to present to the Russian consulate a permit of stay in that country valid for more than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant’s own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.

2. A multiple entry business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to 90 days out of the period of 180 days.

3. A multiple entry visa is only available for people who have been issued a Russian visa before. If this is your first visit, you are only eligible to obtain a single or double entry visa for 1 to 3 months, which is the only way now to stay in Russia for longer than 50% of time if you plan to live here (apart from getting a residence permit or an official work permit, which enables you to stay in Russia for as long as you are employed here). A copy of your previous Russian visa should be enclosed in your application for a multiple entry invitation.
A possible workaround for the 1st rule would be to get a simple registration, not an official visa-permit of stay and try to get a visa with it. It’s still an official document, and the consulate might be OK with it. For example, in Germany one can get a “registration” (anmeldung) quite easily in a local area council office. If anybody knows about this possibility in other countries, please, post it here.

admin :: Oct.29.2007 :: Russian Visa News :: 2 Comments »

The new Regulations of getting Russian Business Visa for EU citizens come into effect on June 1. To obtain a Business Visa to Russia an applicant must now present an original invitation letter from the inviting Russian company to a Russian consulate or embassy abroad.

Unlike the previously used Letters Of Invitation, which were issued by Passport and Visa Department or Ministry of Foreighn Affairs, the new letters are to be written by the company itself on its stationery, signed by the Director and stamped.

N.B. The new Regulations concern ONLY EU citizens. Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark will require Letters of Invitation issued by Passport and Visa Department / Ministry of Foreighn Affairs to apply for their Russian visas.

However, as it often happens in Russia, even though the law is signed in the effect, the forms that will have to be used, requirements to the letter contents, the procedure of the letter approval and many other details have not yet been finalized. We urge you to contact affiliated agencies for up to date information.

admin :: Oct.23.2007 :: Russian Visa News :: No Comments »