Visa for Russia?
 

We hope to enter Russia pretty soon.
We know that there are agencies that help but apparently since 2007 you can only apply for a visa in your country of residence.
This is impossible for us as we have been on the road for almost 2 years.

We want to enter from Estonia and drive via St. Petersburg to Finland.

Any tips or ideas?

This is incorrect, although Fees and processing times can be greater for Visa Applications from Non-Nationals in the country where the application is made.

Also, for example, looking at the UK Russian Embassy's website Russian Consulate you will see the above is confirmed on the Tourist Visas general information pages, under the sections Postal Applications and Personal Applications.

This also might imply that Non-Nationals can only make Personal or Postal applications which, if so, may be why Agencies might not do them.


Another point, if there is the choice and money is tight, is that Visa Fees vary depending on which Country you apply from - I understand in Finland and France they are cheaper then in the UK. Searching Embassy local websites will confirm this - or not!

Another suggestion is to take a ferry direct from Estonia to Finland, by-passing Russia altogether.

Thank you for your responce.

We will follow your links when we have more internet time.

By-bassing Russia is an option that we can always follow.
We still have a number of weeks before reaching Estonia so we can always pop into one or two Russian consulates on the way.

Any other advise or tips for acquiring a visa (internet based agencies that can take care of the invitations etc.) are very welcome.

Ian

Stan Tours should be able to get it for you...

STANTOURS - Central Asia Travel Resources