Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's possible to apply at your local Russian consulate by dropping off all the
necessary documents with the appropriate payment or by mailing it all (along
with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for the return). When you re-
ceive the visa, check it carefully - especially the expiry, entry and exit dates
and any restrictions on entry or exit points.
A third option is to use a visa agency. While more expensive than doing it
all yourself it's a great way to delegate the hassles to someone else. Some
agencies charge very reasonable fees to submit, track and collect your visa.
The following are some recommended ones:
Registration
On arrival you receive an immigration card, which you must fill out and get
stamped along with your visa. Half the card will be kept by the immigration of-
ficer, the other half you should keep with your passport for the rest of your
stay. When you are checking in at a hotel, you'll have to surrender your pass-
port and visa so the hotel can register you with OVIR (office of visas and re-
gistrations). Usually they are given back the next morning, if not the same
day.
If you're not staying at a hotel, register the visa yourself. The easiest way is
to take it to a travel agency where staff will usually offer registration for
between R500 and R1000. If you are staying in Russia for fewer than seven
working days, there is no need to register your visa.
