24/10: New Russian Visa Regulations - 90 Day Rule
There has been some changes in Russian visa regulations, which were implemented a few days ago.
1. A foreign citizen can now obtain a Russian visa ONLY in the country of his/her citizenship. One can also obtain a Russian visa in another country but will need to present to the Russian consulate a permit of stay in that country valid for more than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant's own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.
2. A multiple entry business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to 90 days out of the period of 180 days.
3. A multiple entry visa is only available for people who have been issued a Russian visa before. If this is your first visit, you are only eligible to obtain a single or double entry visa for 1 to 3 months, which is the only way now to stay in Russia for longer than 50% of time if you plan to live here (apart from getting a residence permit or an official work permit, which enables you to stay in Russia for as long as you are employed here). A copy of your previous Russian visa should be enclosed in your application for a multiple entry invitation.
A possible workaround for the 1st rule would be to get a simple registration, not an official visa-permit of stay and try to get a visa with it. It's still an official document, and the consulate might be OK with it. For example, in Germany one can get a "registration" (anmeldung) quite easily in a local area council office. If anybody knows about this possibility in other countries, please, post it here.
15 November 2007 Update: American Chamber in Moscow invited migration officials to clarify the new rules and Tantuss has posted the main points on Way to Russia Forum.
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1. A foreign citizen can now obtain a Russian visa ONLY in the country of his/her citizenship. One can also obtain a Russian visa in another country but will need to present to the Russian consulate a permit of stay in that country valid for more than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant's own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.
2. A multiple entry business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to 90 days out of the period of 180 days.
3. A multiple entry visa is only available for people who have been issued a Russian visa before. If this is your first visit, you are only eligible to obtain a single or double entry visa for 1 to 3 months, which is the only way now to stay in Russia for longer than 50% of time if you plan to live here (apart from getting a residence permit or an official work permit, which enables you to stay in Russia for as long as you are employed here). A copy of your previous Russian visa should be enclosed in your application for a multiple entry invitation.
A possible workaround for the 1st rule would be to get a simple registration, not an official visa-permit of stay and try to get a visa with it. It's still an official document, and the consulate might be OK with it. For example, in Germany one can get a "registration" (anmeldung) quite easily in a local area council office. If anybody knows about this possibility in other countries, please, post it here.
15 November 2007 Update: American Chamber in Moscow invited migration officials to clarify the new rules and Tantuss has posted the main points on Way to Russia Forum.
Would you like to received important updates like this one to your mobile phone? Subscribe for free by sending a message starting with "WTR Subscribe" to +44 7624 802552 (your network's standard charge applies only)
Total Votes: 10 - Rating: 4.40
Del.Icio.Us
Digg.Com
Anand wrote:
Can anyone please provide help on this.