Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 59
Applying for a Russian visa outside country of residency

Hello,

I have been stiffed by Ukrainian Ferries as they have discontinued their line from Kerch to Poti. This means I would have to take a ferry from Odessa to Batumi unless...

I've heard that Russia has opened its border with Georgia. As I am in Lviv I was thinking of getting a Russian visa. Only thing is I'm not sure it is possible to get a Russian visa outside ones country of residency. Has anyone ever done this before?
Thanks guys,
Kurt
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Sep 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
Four years back I wanted to pick up a Russian visa enroute. I found that there were certain consulates which were doing this, and many which were not. Russian consulates were, at that time, operating semi-independently, like little fiefdoms--making their own rules.

The rumored easiest place to pick up a visa was Tallin. I got my letter of introduction straightened out beforehand (using a visa service), but by the time I got to Tallin on my bike some sort of diplomatic crisis had erupted between my country and Russia. Instead of a few days, they told me it would take a month...and it was already almost October. I decided to bypass Russia.

The folks with the most reliable, up to date information on all of this were the visa agency I used for the LOI. I can't remember which one it was, but if you google Russian visa (or something similar), you'll find the several big ones which can do stuff on-line. It'll cost you, and you really want to know where you'll need to go for the visa itself, and what the current odds are.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Kurt,
According to the 'rule book' it firstly depends on your citizenship (Passport Nationality) as to if you need residency in the '3rd country' of application.
For some Nationalities one can apply anywhere - for other nationalities you can only apply where you have a specific, proveable, Right to be there for more than 90 days.

I suggest you look at the sites of the Russian Embassy official Visa Application Centres such as in London Russia Visa Information - UK - Home Page
These are interactive in that they give detailed requirements for various Nationalities applying in UK. There are similar sites in other major countries.

But some Consulates (and their paymaster 'private' agencies) appear to operate true to the traditional addage "you can buy anything in Russia".

However, anyone can apply for a Transit Visa, anywhere - if you don't mind keeping to the very limited validity period based on a daily distance allowance, to reach the next country (for which you must already have and show a Visa).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
I think you have two options - mail your passport home with all the necessary paperwork. The visa agency in London through which all visa applications are made is quick and efficient in my experience (if you have a UK passport / residence).

OR

Get a transit visa. I got a 10 day transit visa last year on the spot in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. There was no fuss about daily kilometres, though it wasn't cheap. However, I was refused a transit visa in both Tashkent and Bishkek, so don't count on this. Your chances in Ukraine may be higher though, as it borders Russia. Don't forget also that there may be more than one place in Ukraine where you can get a visa, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa perhaps?
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 59
Thanks guys that's all great information. Went to the Consulate today. Between us we have an Australian, Austrian and Great Britain passport. It goes like this:
Australian visa (10 day processing) requires no Ukrainian residency permit US$55
Australian visa (2 day processing) requires Ukrainian residency permit US$110
Austrian visa (10 day processing) requires Ukrainian residency permit US$50
Austrian visa (2 day processing) requires Ukrainian residency permit US$100
GB visa (10 day processing) requires no Ukrainian residency permit US$75
GB visa (2 day processing) requires no Ukrainian residency permit US$145

Might try to wrangle a transit visa as per your idea Daniel (thanks for that). Will let you know how it goes.
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
Russian Visa for a Korean National in the UK bushman_uk Trip Paperwork 17 23 Apr 2012 16:16
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 14:39
russian visa (again :-( ) sazamataz Trip Paperwork 3 10 Mar 2012 19:43
UK citizen applying for USA visa geordie_e Trip Paperwork 16 9 Feb 2012 21:02
russian visa in japan ben south Northern and Central Asia 6 17 Nov 2011 20:29

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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. 11-15
  • 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 13:19.