Question by Sam: How hard is it for an American to attain a business Visa to Russia?
I don’t need to know the steps I just want to hear someone’s experience. I will be staying with a friend for three months initially, and then going back to Russia later in the year. I need multiple entry so I can travel to other countries surrounding Russia.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Alan B
Its easy to obtain provided you have no criminal record.
Just check out the Russian consular website for details of documents you need to submit and current visa fees
Add your own answer in the comments!
kate says
I answered exactly the same question not so long ago
just look me up
It is not hard but requires time and money. Though I might say it is a headache
It is easier to go to Ukraine instead. No visa is needed.
iceman says
A suggestion, make sure you want a business visa not a tourist visa. The business visa usually costs more (go figure) and as a rule a non Russian uses it while going to a show or convention. I would suggest any good visa service that is located where there is Russian Embassy in the same city (ie. Seattle, New York, Washington DC) they hand deliver and collect the passports and visas. The amount they charge is nothing compared to doing it yourself.
have a good trip
F T says
You need an invite which ether comes from the company you wish to visit or more often is provided by a visa company itself (they own 'paper only' companies and issue invites on their behalf).
The visa needs registering every time you enter Russia and the visa company needs to be informed before you leave. You can only stay 90 days out of 180 days, so effectively you need to leave for three months twice a year.
Here are two good visa companies – http://www.waytorussia.net/Travel/VisaSupport.htm… http://www.gotorussia.com/visa_services_russia_vi…