My question is if anyone knows what the expiry dates are for visas to the following countries before entering the country. For example, how far in advance one is able to get a six month, multiple entry visa for Russia? Once one has the visa, for how long is it valid prior to entering the country?

Basically I'm trying to time my visas so that I can get them in the appropriate order of expiry for the eastward journey of the trip.

Russia
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Mongolia


Thanks!

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RTW from Calgary to Calgary in 2008 www.heretohere.com

TintinStrom
Hi (again!)

Russia
My experience is of two Multi Entry, 1 Year Business Visas issued by the Russian Embassy in London. The application form (see http://www.rusemblon.org/ ) requires dates of next intended visit. Although these were both a little way ahead, the Visa was dated/valid for a year from date of issue/application date. So it looks like no forward dating possible.

Note - US citizens require a different form.

Also re HIV tests. These are mentioned by some Agencies as being required for Visas longer than 3 months. This is not mentioned on the London Russian Embassy Website - nor have I either been asked for one nor had one. Maybe it is a British exemption, thinking us to be pure and virtuous.

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So, just to repeat back what I'm hearing from you is...

You have up to one year as the start date for a visa that is then valid for one year?

ie. I could apply for a visa on January 2, 2007 and state that my travel date is January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008

Am I picking up what you're putting down?

Also, out of curiosity, what part of London are you in? I used to live there back in 2001.

__________________
RTW from Calgary to Calgary in 2008 www.heretohere.com

NO!!

I am saying there appears to be no forward dating or gap between application date and Visa start date.

I applied for my last Visa on 21 March 2006 and mentioned travel dates later in April 2006. That Visa was issued as valid from 21 March 2006 to 21 March 2007. Not April 06 to April 07. At least that was a little more than a year. A day for free1

I do not think further Visas can be applied for within Russia but you must be outside in another country. I read an article about this in The Moscow Times (free English language local daily newspaper) suggesting the merits of various European capitals for renewals and comparing respective application fees. I remember Helsinki and Paris were far cheaper than London. Probably due to closer historic, cultural and diplomatic ties.

Currently I am just west of London in the Denham/Uxbridge area, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Heathrow. Always up for a and a chat! But planning to be away on the road in March (Morocco) and again during June to September (trans Russia).

The above visa experience is Russia which is my only experience of the countries you mention.

Considering routes I would avoid Belarus which is not so Bela and full of paperwork, bureaucracy and bribes (I am told). I would prefer a route to enter Russia via the Baltic states through Poland to Latvia or Estonia. All these countries are EU members which makes things much easier for UK citizens - possibly others too with close historic ties to UK, such as Canada.

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