Kinvig, Hi

A Tourist Visa is only for a single entry.

Business Visas are the best if you are planning more than one entry. I have 1 year Multi Entry Visas (now about to get my 4th) which cost me about £130 at the London Embassy plus whatever your "Inviting" (or sponsor)Company want - this service can be provided by Visa Agencies but I am unaware of the current charge. Russian Embassies in different countries charge differing amounts - I believe in France and Finland they are cheaper!.

The advantage of Business Visas over Tourist is you do not have to have confirmed accomodation etc when you apply covering the entire duration of your intended stay, and Registration formalities are more flexible.

Once the Visa is issued there is no interest in how you got it or its purpose or type even though the Invitation letters are bogus.

Registration, as Poul says, is necessary within 3 working days of entry (Weekends and official holidays do not count). A Tourist Visa registration must be done through your hotels - BUT a hotel generally will only do it for the period of your stay there unless they see a good reason to extend this. $$ are a good reason! With a Business Visa you (or rather your host) registers at a local Post Office - cost about £4. Getting someone to "host" you costs anything from £35 up - its a Free Market Country!!

Technically a Registration should be changed if you move to another District for more than 3 days - but even Russians ignore that these days.
The Registration should be sent back to the local Police Office 2 days prior to leaving Russia.

You should carry your Passport, Migration Card and Registration (or a photocopy if sent back) with you at all times.


Rocco
Invitation Letters.
I don't have this problem but it is indeed a sellers market. Shop around the Visa and Tourist Agencies via the Internet or local newspapers in Russian communities in your country. The rate we have seen offered in London is currently about £200. But everything is negotiable.


The current diplomatic spat between Russia and UK does not affect the travelling public - YET.
It certainly has no influence of the attitude of Russian people toward you.

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