1 Travel Russia
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VISA AND PASSPORT
Before traveling to Russia, U.S. citizens should verify the latest
requirements with the nearest
Russian Embassy or Consulate (for
contact information for the Russian Embassy and Consulates in the
United States. U.S. citizens must always possess a valid U.S.
passport and appropriate visas for travel to or transit through
Russia, whether by train, car, ship or airplane. The visas should be
obtained from a
Russian Embassy or Consulate in the
U.S. or abroad in advance of travel, as it is impossible to obtain a
Russian entry visa upon arrival. Travelers who arrive without an
entry visa are not permitted to enter Russia and face
immediate expulsion by route of entry, at the traveler’s expense. Be
aware of the
laws,
safety
and
traffic issues
before you depart for Russia.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT CUSTOMS
When
arriving in Russia travelers must declare all items of value on a
customs form; the same form used during arrival in Russia must be
presented to customs officials at the time of departure. Travelers
may enter Russia with up to 10,000 U.S. dollars without submitting a
customs declaration. Travelers should obtain receipts for all
high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Any article
that could appear or as having cultural value to the customs
service, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals
and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no
historical or cultural value. It is illegal to remove such items
from Russia without this certificate.
Visa Requirements
There are two types of Russian Visas available for travel to Russia; Vacation and Home Stay.
A Tourist visa
requires a hotel to confirm your presence in their establishment. The Tourist Visa is based on the premise that you will be staying at a hotel or on an organized tour. The Hotel you will be staying with will send you a confirmation of your stay which you attach with your Visa application (meaning you book the hotel then apply for the visa).
A Home Stay Visa
This Visa requires your girlfriend to submit an invitation on your behalf, then send the approved application to you so you can apply for a Visa. The process is more lengthy than a vacation visa but it has extended benefits. Longer time periods are allowed, you can stay where you like as long as you check in at their Immigration offices once in a town, and you have more time to schedule the visit. If your fiancé has applied for you to stay with her, then you will attach this document (obtained by her from her local OVIR office) with your Visa application.