Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Russia Visa in Ulaanbaatar, Possible? Whats the situation? Russia Visa in Ulaanbaatar, Possible? Whats the situation?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 51
Russia Visa in Ulaanbaatar, Possible? Whats the situation?
Hi all, we will soon be doing Mongolia on two wheels but will sell the bike in Ulaanbaatar to take the trans-siberian home.

I have read some conflicting info about whether you can get a Russia visa in UB or not. One of us is with a US passport, the other with a Swiss. Anyone done this recently?

Specifically we were curious of

A.) it is possible (I have heard you must apply for Russia visa in your country of residence)

B.) Do you need all the invitation and hotel bookings etc.

C.) How long does it take

And lastly, if it takes several weeks would it be a problem to leave our passports in UB while they process the visas and go tromping around Mongolia with only photocopies of our passports and the receipt from the Russian embassy.

Any help much appreciated!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 May 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by momo034 View Post
(I have heard you must apply for Russia visa in your country of residence)
Not sure about for Swiss citizens, but US citizens definitely don't need to apply for a Russian visa in the US. I've received many Russian visa outside of the US. This differs by country, however, based on reciprocal visa arrangements, so could be different for Swiss.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 May 2017
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
In 2015 I met one person in Oasis who got a Transit Visa in UB.

I am not sure what Nationality he was, but I think he was from Europe.
At least he did not speak German. So no Swiss, Austrian or German.
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Galicia
Posts: 60
Last year friends of me get It. Not sure how many time was needed, but I think It was less than a week. Try to get fresh news.

Regards.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 May 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
I got my Russian work visa (UK passport) in UB November 2016.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Is there any update to this?

Coming from Europe to Mongolia, continuing to Vladivostok, it is not clear to me what the best choice is. Perhaps take a normal tourist visa of one month (which we will probably need one month). And then go to Ulaanbatar to get a new Russian visa?

I also read the business visa can be used to get a longer duration double entry visa. But if you take the multiple entry that is one year, you have to stay out of Russia for three months. This is too long, maybe we stay two months in Mongolia.

So three months double-entry also won't work because it is probably too short.

So I'm wondering if we would take a 5 to 6 months double entry business visa, it would work? Or other restrictions?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Oct 2017
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
First:

This year I met a British guy in UB who got transit Visa.
And he was able to go back to Europe in 10 days, not more.

Second:

I ad 3 times now Russian Multi entry business visa.

And I got in several times without 3 month of waiting.

With a 1 year business visa you van stay up to 90 days in 6 month, then you have to wait.

And you have to apply for it in the country where you are living.

only transit you can get on the road as it seems.
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Oct 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 51
Thanks for all the replies. Just to report back how it went for me...

It was possible for me (I am with a US passport) but my travel partner was Swiss and for her it was NOT possible. She had to Fedex her passport back to Siwtzerland and pay an agency to do it. Go figure.

For me I needed the invitation and hotel bookings and it took just over a week I think. I was out motoing around the country though and didnt return to pick it up for several weeks, which was fine. The guy working at the embassy speaks great english and was surprisingly friendly.

So it works fine for some nationalities, but not for others.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Thanks guys for the info.

It seems that for Europeans you could only arrange transit visa's. I guess we could use that as a backup plan, but would prefer the business visa with double entry.

@klausmong1, I guess I didn't interpret the rules well. I guess during 6 months you can stay 90 days, but they can be split up over multiple entries. And when you reached the maximum of 90, then you have to stay out for 3 months. I guess it is like that?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Oct 2017
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
Yes, it is like that.

And you cannot have 2 Russian Visas at the same time!!

So if you have a valid visa, you cannot apply for a new one
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Nov 2017
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by klausmong1 View Post
Yes, it is like that.

And you cannot have 2 Russian Visas at the same time!!

So if you have a valid visa, you cannot apply for a new one
you can ... you just need to have more than one passport.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Nov 2017
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post

I also read the business visa can be used to get a longer duration double entry visa. But if you take the multiple entry that is one year, you have to stay out of Russia for three months. This is too long, maybe we stay two months in Mongolia.
I have had 15 one year business visas, and often go in and out weekly. There is obviously no 3 months out of country requirement. The only requirement is that you are limited to be in Russia a maximum of 90 days during the past 180 days.

Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 6 Nov 2017
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
you can ... you just need to have more than one passport.
You are right, I did just think about the option with 1 passport.

And how I understand, if you use the 90 days in the first 90 days, then you have to wait for another 90 days ( to fullfill the 180 days ) to enter again.

But if you use the 90 days in different periods, than you can just enter again after 180 dys for a new 90 days of traveling

I hope this was not to complicated.:-)

But if someone knows the rules well, it's Colebatch
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
It is clear to me, thanks. I have used two passports per person on a previous Asia trip, but now it doesn't seem to be necessary. Longer Russia visa, Mongolia visa, and Japan you get 90 days free.

And we travel with kids, so that would involve a lot of extra cost (not only for the passport but also double visa)
Last edited by Lovetheworld; 6 Nov 2017 at 09:39.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Coming back to this topic, it seems that we won't be able to get a Russian Business visa for the kids (I guess that kind of makes sense, otherwise it would be child labor :P )

So we would probably have to try and get either a new tourist visa or at least a transit visa in Ulaanbataar, to get to Vladivostok. If we choose to do it this way, we will update this topic.

However, it would also mean that using a tourist visa for the first part. It would have to be 30 days at least, and should start (as in being valid) from around a week after we left home, something like that. That seems to be possible, if the invitations are done correctly, is my current understanding.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Comprehensive Guide To West Africa - Without Carnet Wanted sub-Saharan Africa 48 17 Jan 2020 22:50
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
Getting Russia transit visa in Ulaanbaatar? cruiser81 Northern and Central Asia 19 10 Aug 2014 04:59
Real Russia visa agency. Beware, be very aware... chris Trip Paperwork 13 12 Apr 2014 17:12
Visas – What do you need know before you drive to China? BigO Trip Paperwork 3 15 Jun 2013 01:35

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 17:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top