I am planning a two to three month tour in the Russian Federation entering the country at the border with Vyborg in Finland around August 2006. I am from the UK and hold a British (EU) passport. Can anyone help with the following questions?:

1. It seems that a business visa is the only option (due to the length of the stay). Does anyone know whether you can have problems when presenting this visa at the border or to the authorities (e.g. the police) because it is fairly clear (particularly with the laden bikes) that you are a tourist and not on business?

2. I read somewhere (The Lonely Planet I think) that you need an "auto-tourism visa" to bring the bike in. Has anyone any experience of this visa? Does it exist? Obviously I am aware of the need to have a carnet.

3. I was hoping to bring GPS into the country. I have read in one publication that you are not permitted to bring GPS into the country. I also read somewhere else that GPS is permitted but only if you have a permit. Can anyone shed any light on this?

4. I believe that you need a Russian translation of your drivers licence. Is the international drivers licence sufficient or do you actually need to have your licence translated?

Many thanks. All advice and any experiences will be gratefully received.

Tom.