Russian Multi Entry Business Visa confusion!

[maria41]

I was under the impression that getting a multi entry business visa ( we will be in and out 3 times next spring/summer!) for Russia would not be too hard, especially using an Agency.

I got in touch with one. They seem to require a UK business letter to start process (which we cannot provide!) and quote a fortune for it in any case. see below.

And is it really "A big risk" to use a business Visa as a tourist, as they mention?!

Surely, there must be an easier (and cheaper) way?
And what the problem with french passports now??? What did the frogs do lately to upset the Russians?

Email from that agency:

You need to understand that it is a huge risk obtaining a business bias for Russia when you are clearly tourists in transit.
First of all we have to get an original invitation that costs £350.00 each + courier fees from Russia @ £60.00 and we then have to complete your on-line application form @ £25.00 each with false info + the visa fee @ below;
Business 12 month multiple entry Russian visa

£227.60


£60.00


£287.60

Business 12 month multiple entry Russian visa Express Service

£334.80


£60.00


£394.80

The invite takes a month to come through so we often end up using the express service. All this is beyond our control.
BUT we can not get the visa without a business letter to back it up so if you are unable to provide it then we simply can’t do it. I also might like to add that the Russian embassy are a bit more particular with French nationals.
I have copied in Darren who is my Russian specialist if you want to discuss this issue further.

There is no point in me advising further on the other countries until you have made a decision about Russia as you say the trip would be ‘off’.
Amanda

Any thoughts? Or maybe I contacted the wrong agency. If so, who would you recommend to sort out all my visas at once?
I don't have time to go round London to each embassy, I am a contractor and if I don't work I don't earn, so much better for me to pay an agency to do all the legwork.
Happy to hear from anyone on this.

Cheers.