Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 May 2014
branners's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 46
Registration, very confused

I have just arrived in Vladivostok on Business Visa, riding to London
I am getting totally conflicting messages on whether or not I have to register.

I'm in a Hostel that says its not needed but I checked somewhere else that says the Hotel should do it... My Hostel doesn't do it and many hotels don't either
So...do I or do I not have to register and if I do ... How do I do it if the hotel/hostel doesn't?
Appreciate help as it's very frustrating getting conflicting info

Last edited by branners; 6 May 2014 at 06:58. Reason: Russian. Registration
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 May 2014
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
As you leave Russia ,, those sheets are the first thing they will ask for.
All hotels provide the service,, only few hostels do. You need to stay at a decent hotel once in a while to get it. Or you have to go to a local police station..
If this is not possible ,, save all your gasoline receipts ,, food purchases etc. Also if you are holding US passport ,, be on alert,, just in case.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 May 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
We are in Russia now and had some similar questions that were posted elsewhere on HU.

Basically, you MUST get a registration within the first seven days of entry. If you stay at any city (hotel) for 3 days or more, you should get another registration. Our concern arose from the fact that we won't be in any other city for 3 days or more, as we're constantly moving.

We asked for, and got, registration from two hotels within the first seven days, telling the second that theirs would be our first registration. We have subsequently been given two additional registrations from hotels without asking.

Some hotels don't want to go through the trouble of doing the registrations and some do it as routine.

We are more than happy with the four that we've got to cover our journey across Russia. We have also kept every receipt from hotels that we stayed at that didn't provide registration. Some nights we wild-camp so obviously have no receipts for that, but we can say where we were and can back it up with a GPS log if necessary. Having said that, I think our four registrations will be sufficient.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 May 2014
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
[QUOTE=Bermuda Rover; Having said that, I think our four registrations will be sufficient.[/QUOTE]

Afraid ,, four quite not enough ,, they want to see your point of entry and exit.
And the progression of your trip.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 May 2014
Edd Edd is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: living in hong kong
Posts: 107
Quote:
Originally Posted by seouljoe View Post
Afraid ,, four quite not enough ,, they want to see your point of entry and exit.
And the progression of your trip.
unless your work for the russian government, how can you make this statement?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 May 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Arrived in Russia yesterday and spent the night at a nice hotel in Nalchik, but they did not do the registration as we were only staying one night.

Tonight we are staying in another small hotel in small town, in a half built hotel, but the 2 young girls running it will certainly not bother either with registration....

I will keep my receipts and hope for the best. As we are staying only 4 nights in Russia , before getting in Kazakh, it should be fine.

It seems that there is no set rule for that! All very confusing i agree!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edd View Post
unless your work for the russian government, how can you make this statement?
Rules are rules. While the government officials know some of them .. people who travel will have the rules applied to them and learn of them (sometimes to their cost).

So .. the local cop shop sound like a good idea for 'registration'. When you wild camp - take a photo or two .. show the tent and bike with the back drop ... that 'proves' you camped .. hopefully in a scenic spot. They may enjoy the photo and that gives you a more personal aspect to your travels for them.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 May 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 View Post
Arrived in Russia yesterday and spent the night at a nice hotel in Nalchik, but they did not do the registration as we were only staying one night.

Tonight we are staying in another small hotel in small town, in a half built hotel, but the 2 young girls running it will certainly not bother either with registration....

I will keep my receipts and hope for the best. As we are staying only 4 nights in Russia , before getting in Kazakh, it should be fine.

It seems that there is no set rule for that! All very confusing i agree!
As I understand it, the 3-day stay rule for any one city (hotel) generally applies, but doesn't apply to the requirement to get a registration within the first seven days (for that, a single-night stay would qualify for the hotel to process the registration). We had a couple of hotels quote the 3-day rule but one agreed once we told them it was our first registration.

Some hotels do the registration automatically (we now have 5 to date).

What isn't clear to me is whether or not you need to register if you won't be in the country for seven days. That will apply to us on our next two entries into Russia, so it would be useful to know. We'll try to get a registration on each subsequent entry, quoting the first entry requirement.

We're now about two days from Irkutsk and then on to Mongolia.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
I was in Russia for over a nearly 2 months last summer. I entered and exited 3 different times. I was on a tourist visa so it might be different

From kazak to Barnoul the out into Mongolia south of Ulan Ude (12 days), I was not registered once, they never checked when I left.

I went into Altai Russia from Mongolia and spent 8 or 9 days camping in Altai, then went back through the same border crossing. No registration, no one asked.

I entered Russia the 3rd time south of Ulan Ude. I rode for 1 month in Russia and left from Sakhalin island. This time I was registered 2 times. Once on a little hotel somewhere on the BAM road and another time on Sakhalin island. When leaving Sakhalin, they glanced at the paperwork but didn't care about it much.

If you get to a border where they ask for registration, you can always say "I asked them to register me at this hotel but they wouldn't".
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 May 2014
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Just be safe folks ,, get it at every opportunity if you can. Better to be safe than sorry.
With me ,, every hotel I walked in ,, as I handed over the passport ,, first thing out of my mouth was stamp please then I would stamp my left hand with right fist. They all nodded. Next morning ,, it was always inserted.
Especially if you are heading west ,, towards Ukraine or Moldova. Like I've said ,, when I left Russia to Trinistra ,, the guard ,, pretty much looked at all of them ,, I had some 20 sheets.
I just can not believe ,, cities in Ukraine, with great people,, which I've enjoyed so much ,, only two years ago are now bleeding.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 May 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Truckee
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by seouljoe View Post
Also if you are holding US passport ,, be on alert,, just in case.

Joe, I'll be in Russia starting about Jun 23. Having a US passport should I expect extra scrutiny? Harassment?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 May 2014
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flynpenguin View Post
Joe, I'll be in Russia starting about Jun 23. Having a US passport should I expect extra scrutiny? Harassment?
I see no particular dangers, for US passport holders,,, so far.
Be more cautious of the roads,, especially the tarmac melting in the hot sun,, they are the killers. It will get hot very soon.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 454
Quote:
Originally Posted by seouljoe View Post
Afraid ,, four quite not enough ,, they want to see your point of entry and exit.
And the progression of your trip.
Bollox.

POE is stamped in your passport.

Im with Noah, Registered once on each entry where I could but didn't go out of my way. Kept some fuel receipts, some hotel receipts etc. Stayed with a policeman in Mirny for 5 nights, stayed with friends in Vladivostok for 2 weeks! Other than Yakutsk for 3 nights (didn't register) we kept moving.

Georgia - Volgograd - Kaz 2 registrations
Altai - none
Mongolia - Irkutsk - Mirny - Yakutsk - Magadan - Tynda - Vladivostok 1 registration

No questions EVER asked in the 3 months we travelled Russia.

Get what you can, but don't stress over it. take business cards for each place you stay (if you stay) and fuel receipts. If someone does ask, you have phone numbers and a trail, but don't worry about it too much.

Happy trails

G
__________________
Land Rover D90
www.Siroccoverland.com | Follow us on Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 May 2014
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
have entered Russia about 300 times. One registration slip per entry (if over 7 days) is enough. I have never been hassled for more.

If you are less than 7 days, you do not need one. They will see from your entry stamp if its less than 7 days or not.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 May 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
We left Russia with 7 registration forms from various hotels during our drive from west to east.

We handed over our passports and migration form at the border. Nobody said anything at all about registration and nobody asked to see the seven forms.

Seems like a lot of fuss over nothing. I expect that the registrations that we got were all recorded in a database somewhere and would have been accessible. One of the hotels told us they are not allowed to give us original registration forms, as they have to be submitted to the authorities after we check out, but they were able to provide us with copies.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Renewing registration while away snaga Trip Paperwork 0 14 Feb 2014 17:16
2012 UK Autumn (Mendip) Meeting is now open for registration! Grant Johnson HU Travellers Meetings - UK 52 1 Mar 2013 20:07
What if your vehicle registration expires while on the road? jimosse sub-Saharan Africa 16 4 Oct 2012 14:54
Canadian Registration expired : problems in Europe ? mart.math Trip Paperwork 4 18 Sep 2012 23:29
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:11.