To all the folks who need to renew/secure the Russian visa - try Belgrade,
Serbia. Americans don't need a visa. Just go to the Russian consulate. They
use a short form, and after waiting in line for your turn, it only takes a few
moments if your have your invitation in order. Then you go to the bank and
pay, return with the receipt and get the visa. The office is only open a
couple of days a week and only in the morning. Get there early for a place in
line - say 8:30 or even earlier - and don't forget to get a number from the
gentleman guarding the gate.
I use a service in Moscow to get the invitation properly done - Dave's.
Reasonable and no hassle.Phil Smith
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:40:10 +0300From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL
PROTECTED]: Expat List Belarus visa...Hmmm...I would never attempt traveling to
Belarus without a visa, as an American. One fine day, five years ago, when
some chap named Alexander was returning to Moscow with his fiancee from a
romantic week in Prague, he thought he could get through Belarus without a
visa. He thought is "incoming" transit visa was good enough, though expired.
What ensued? Alexander got a free escort to Warsaw. No chances for bribes,
negotiations, nothing. "Off to Warshava for you, Amerikanski."Yes, I was
coming in from Europe that time. Yes, if you get denied at the border, you'll
simply get stuck in Russia (until your Russian visa runs out. :)I mean, why
not just pay the $40 for a Belarus visa?!?It simply boggles my mind how many
"cool visa shortcuts" I hear from expats. I get the impression that some
people have very little to lose. And I've heard literally dozens of bad-luck
stories from people trying to cut corners.To Americans in Russia, needing a new
Russian visa, I say:
If you need a visa FAST: fly to NYC.
If you need a visa CHEAP, and you can wait a week or two, pick a town in Europe
where you have friends/a place to stay. (Belarus is fine -- but get a damn
visa.)I simply see NO point in cutting a $40 corner. The Belorussians CAN mess
with you for not having a visa. The Belorussians also CAN demand a 10-day
waiting period at the Russian consulate there. Maybe they WON'T, but -- Hell
Yes, They CAN.I don't care if it's been done successfully a billion times.
This seat-of-the-pants "wonder-solution" is NOT something I'd recommend to any
American with a family who they love, or an important job, waiting for them
back in Russia.I've been living in Moscow for 6 years, as an independent. I
don't take chances anymore.REGISTRATION:About the registration, I have to agree
100% there. No need to use a "service." However, the Registering Party MUST
submit paperwork (mail a letter) when your visa expires, or whenever you leave
the city for 3+ days. If you violate this rule, the fines can be disastrous to
the party who registered you. (Never happened to me, but the Codex stipulates
fines in the tens of thousands of bucks -- even to private parties.)All the
best, and good luck!-Alexander
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