Anyone here has tried to entering Russia for a small vacation? 🙂
Damn it! I am doing a small trip there soon and one must obtain a 'letter of invitation' (????) plus stating port of entrance and exit, plus presenting more papers than in marriage procedures [I'm just guessing here], plus this and that... 😕 hell, and in every stage there is an 'official' offering you 'fast track' in exchange for a certain amount 😞
Kurat, raisk! ðŸ˜
Hey, and I thought Latin American authorities were surrealistic, uh
Was in Russia for two months last year. As you say, the red tape initially seems like a nightmare but eventually I stumbled across a website which was able to arrange both the invitation and the visa itself:
http://waytorussia.net/
If you intend to travel for more than one month you can apply for a business visa with no problems, irrespective of your actual intentions. A company within Russia will provide the invitation as well as initial registration on arrival if needs be - many hotels/hostels will however provide free registration. Also, it is no longer necessary to provide a fixed itinerary for your travels,although certain areas (mainly military cities, such as Kazan) require additional permits.
The company seem reliable and were very helpful in dealing with the overly officious policing and registration process in some of the more remote regions. It is probably therefore worthwhile requesting a copy of the original invitation letter, which you may not otherwise see.
Anyway, enjoy your travels and take a spare liver with you. If you have any further questions feel free to pm me.
Marcus
