Travel in Russia
You also would not need visa to Russia if you travel in a Cruise ship and your stay does not exceed 72 hours. However, you can not visit any other city except St Petersburg; it is possible to leave the ship only within tourist group; and it is forbidden to ask for a visa in Russia, as Russian visa can be granted only in the country of your original residence.
In all other cases, tourists have to ask for a visa in the Consulate Department of the Russian Embassy (the list of departments for all destinations) or in a travel agency. Each country has its specific requirements for documents or services, so it would be clever to visit your country consulate website to know the details.
In any cases, the procedure is quite complicated, so please be prepared for the time-consuming bureaucratic procedures, long lines and mostly unhappy faces. You have to stay calm and positive in order to find some fun in the process of entering the Russian Federation; try to enjoy it! May be you will never experience anything like this again!
By the way, my unconditional favorite is the Russian Post! Lines there are never-ending and service is simply horrible. Need to kill some time and be entertained? Try to send a small package to a friend outside Russia in any office of the Russian Post. You will recommend my blog to everyone after that, LOL!
To get Russian visa the following documents are required:
1. A valid (for at least six months beyond the end of your stay) passport with at least one blank page for your future visa.
2. Two copies of the filled in visa application form.
3. A passport-size photograph (sometimes two photos are needed): not > 6 months old, light background, 35mm x 45mm in size.
4. And a Tourist Invitation. This can be issued by travel agency or prepared by your Russian friend. Second option is a bit more complicated, as it takes longer time and requires some paper work from your Russian host. (He/She will have to fill in 2-pages invitation form; sign a paper confirming the whiling to pay for your stay and to provide accommodation (even though you will pay all bills yourself); queue a line to ask for it (the invitation takes up to 30 days to be issued), and another line to get the ready document; plus, send the original to you by post, as copies are not accepted. Your Russian host can find more details re documents and procedures in Russian language.)
Have your visa ready? There is another important procedure!
But already inside of Russia
When arriving in Russia, you will have to pass through immigration, custom and border control. There are required migration cards to be filled in. IMPORTANT: do not lose your migration card; otherwise you will need to pay a heavy penalty.
You will also have to fill out a customs declaration form if you have more than $10,000 cash; jewelry; artwork; antiques; musical instruments; goods of value greater than 2000 Euro and weight greater than 35 kg; weapons; drugs; alcohol over 2 liters; and tobacco (over 50 cigars, 100 cigarills, 200 cigarettes, 0.25 kg pipe tobacco). In all other cases, use a green corridor with 'nothing to declare' sign.
Then, last but not least, there is VISA REGISTRATION procedure which is lawfully mandatory within three business days upon your arrival. The registration can be done at your hotel, by the owner of the apartment where you are staying or by the company which issued your visa invitation. The first and third options are the least painful, but the second option requires you to go to the Russian Post (here it is again) office and spend a half day there queuing.
You will be asked for your visa registration along with your migration card upon your departure. So please do not forget to follow all of these rules; otherwise your visa may be revoked for up to five years and you may have numerous fines.
Congratulations, you are in!
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