[MichaelCorleone]

I did use plenty of searches, I found one guy in a thread that referenced a site, but I found it unworkable.

I know alot of you guys went to Russia, can you help me out with who you used? I need the Visa in 10 business days and if you could ballpark the cost from the site you used.

Thank you to all respondents in advance.

[calwinston]

(05-31-2015 10:41 PM)MichaelCorleone Wrote:  

I did use plenty of searches, I found one guy in a thread that referenced a site, but I found it unworkable.

I know alot of you guys went to Russia, can you help me out with who you used? I need the Visa in 10 business days and if you could ballpark the cost from the site you used.

Thank you to all respondents in advance.

I used Go to Russia, when I was living in California...they even have a tracking service for you to tell you where you are in the process. Used them twice back in 2012 and 2013. Great service and easy to get in touch with them. The last one I did my self in London for the 3 year visa without the help of a agency.

http://www.gotorussia.com/index.htm

http://www.gotorussia.com/visa_services_...russia.htm

[rishboy77]

Cal - is it possible to get a general like for 6 moths and travel when you like ? I thought you must travel on the dates you have your tickets booked with the accommodation when you apply for the visa ?

I really need the versatility with my changing work schedule to make changes.

[Blunt]

^^The problem with Russian visas is they change the regime every few years depending on relations with the US and they don't completely clear up the old rules.

If you get one of the 3 year visas you should have it start right before your planned trip, I think the rule is you can't get one with a start date more than 3 months in advance. They don't want people getting visas and sitting on them.

The good thing is unless things have changed, after the first trip on the 3 year visa you are pretty free to come and go as you please.

[_Cicero]

I used Travisa. Expensive, but my employer paid...

[matthewshannon9]

Visahq.com invitation and visa and service is about $300 and you get a three year visa.

[Pacesetter20]

I also used Travisa. As mentioned, pricey, but they knew they game and ensured I had all documents in order before they sent it to the embassy, after that it was a fairly quick turnaround.

[dsutmdo]

Passports and visas .com

They get the invitation for you as well cost about $300 + shipping to and fro.

[calwinston]

(06-01-2015 10:02 AM)rishboy77 Wrote:  

Cal - is it possible to get a general like for 6 moths and travel when you like ? I thought you must travel on the dates you have your tickets booked with the accommodation when you apply for the visa ?

I really need the versatility with my changing work schedule to make changes.

The invitation letter(essentially a blank check of 3 years) covers that part of where you are staying and when you are coming to Russia. In the application you write down the address given to you on the invitation and the dates you choose to travel.

You also give the agency your login password to the online application so they can make quick changes and corrections if needed.

You don't need to have the airline tickets physically booked from what I understand. That might have changed since last the last time I done it. If going through a agency contact them. If you are doing it your self contact the closest consulate to you for the procedures.

Plus the requirement may be different for Canadians. Since in the US we can get 3 years.

[TripleG]

I just came back from a memorable (albeit a bit depressing) trip to Moscow, the visa process was the easiest part of the trip (finding a good apartment deal with great logistics proved more difficult...all places within the first ring are too damn expensive and without car logistics are critical in Moscow). I did not get laid but I made some friends who are begging me to come back, both Russian girls and guys. Russia should be on everyone's radar and the visa process should not deter any US citizen from visiting (btw, don't listen to the western press, I encountered few anti-American sentiments)

If you live in Washington, DC, Houston, NYC, San Fran, or Seattle I recommend going via http://www.ils-usa.com/ They are the official visa centers for the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC USA and have the fastest processing times. Forget about Visahq or any of the other visa processing sites that rip you off. Just go to one of those centers once you have the LOI and the other necessary paperwork, spend about 30 minutes having your info checked, and then pick-up your visa a few weeks later (depending on visa type).

You do not need to have a flight booked but a hotel/apartment confirmation and an individual who is hosting you is necessary. I was able to get my visa done in 10 business days (instead of traditional 15 days) by paying an extra $30 for expedited service.

Here were my costs:

Tourist Visa Multiple Entry (3 years) - $160
Visa Processing Fee - $33
Express visa processing fee - $30
Additional review fee @@ - $25
(@@I made a slight mistake on my travel itinerary but was in a hurry so asked them to fix the application on the spot)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Cost: $248*
(really should have been as little as $188 but I was in a hurry and lazy to redo the application)

*The letter of invitation I received from waytorussia.net ($30)

For any further questions just ask or PM. Желаю вам успешной и увлекательной поездки, TripleG

P.S. Unless one is in a great deal of hurry DO NOT get the single entry 30-day tourist visa. Cost is almost the same for 3-year VISA and so is the amount of paperwork.