Question by Herman B.: What will happen to me if I visit Russia when I turn eighteen?
I’ve been living in Australia since I was one, but I have Russian citizenship. My mum said that they’ll try to force me to join the military if I go there between eighteen and twenty seven but she would only know this from Soviet Union times. I’m wondering if anything has changed that would allow me to just go to Russia for a short visit.
Thanks.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Horsegirl
“I’m wondering if anything has changed”.
Wow. Obviously it’s changed. For one, it’s not the Soviet Union anymore, which you stated in your question.
See, you answered your own question!
“…allow me to just go to Russia for a short visit.” You need a visa to visit Russia, but when you have that you should be fine to go.
Read all the answers in the comments.
What do you think?
Alexey says
No, you shouldn't worry about that.
There are two related but different concepts: citizenship and residence.
The Federal Law of Russia #53 states that those citizens of Russian Federation who are _not the residents_ of Russian Federation are _exempt_ from military register [voinskiy uchyot] (article 8) and thus are _not eligible_ for military call-up [prizyv] (article 22). http://www.consultant.ru/popular/military/
First of all, it is unknown, whether you have 100% proven citizenship of Russian Federation or you just could claim (or reclaim) that citizenship using your existing Soviet or Russian birth certificate. In fact, the birth certification register is separated from the citizenship register and parents here have to register their children's certificates for Russia citizenships with special stamp (now) or birth certificate inlay (before 2007). Do you have your certificate registered?
Also, it is unclear whether your parents (mother or both) still having Russian citizenship. If your parents are not citizens of Russia (for example your mother rejected the citizenship when you moved to Australia), then you don't have Russian citizenship, but possibly can reclaim it.
Next, it is clear that currently your country of residence is not Russian Federation, until you decide (by your free will) to register in Russia as resident [but not necessarily as citizen] (for staying longer that any tourist visa allows). This is not the case because you wrote about possible "short visit".
Also, since your parents moved to Australia 16-17 years ago, sure, very little traces of your existence left in Russian archives and even those traces are not linked to your Australian identity papers. You don't have the Russian national (internal) passport, isn't it? Then you're not on the Russian military register for sure. You're not forced to take your birth papers to Russia, no window will pop up on the immigration officer's computer when you cross the borders.
Try to get the Russian tourist visa as citizen of Australia and if you get one — then your Australian ID papers with open tourist visa will be your perfect protection in spring and autumn seasons. Obey all rules for foreign visitors.
Further reading:
Federal Law #62 (Закон о гражданстве Российской Федерации) http://www.fms.gov.ru/documents/grazhdanstvo/Pdf/…
especially Articles 5a, 6, 9, 10, 24, 25
F T says
I know an American guy (born in Russia and in the same situation) and he did visit on a few occasions before turning 27, but was careful not to stay too long. The risk of military service is real.
Riga says
it's off to Chechnya with you….no I'm kidding that would be scary.I'm sure your OK to travel to Russia it would be hard to try to call up a citizen of Austria to join the Russian army.
Diman says
If you are a citizen of Russia then by law shall be a military call-up for 1 year. There is a system delay. Example to students. Not subject to conscription into the army with variations in health or 2 children. On the other hand that would have called you, you must register with the military commissariat. I think the special problems will not.