Monday, April 13, 2015

Russian Tourist Visa Procedure

Getting Russian Visa is not so difficult yet not easy :)
here's the required documents: ( For Philippine Passport holder)

1.Duly Accomplished Online Application Form printed on A4 size bond paper.
    see the info here :   visa.kdmid.ru
2. 2 pcs. passport size photos with white background, no eye glasses and most recent photo.
3. Passport
4.Flight Itinerary ( plane ticket is optional )
5.Hotel Voucher and Confirmation from Accredited tour operator and with stamped by the 
Russian Federal Migration Service.
  * train Ticket and Voucher (if you will travel via train)

Note: Personal appearance may be required after submitting the documents.

When applying Russian Tourist Visa, It can be done via Travel Agency or If you are residing far from Makati City which is the Consular Office Located, you can ask your friends or relatives to submit you application on behalf of you. But take note, the person you ask to submit your application must know some details why you will go to Russia. Consul ask some question regarding your purpose in Russia. Consul window is covered by Glass so, Interview done via telephone call in front of the window.

Requirements from 1 to 4 is very easy but number 5 is quite difficult. So, be careful when choosing the tour operator in Russia. It should be an accredited by Russian Federal Migration Service.
Because sometimes it's a cause why Consul don't accept application for visa.

Consul Office Operates from:  10:00 AM- 1:00 PM (for application process and releasing)

But you must go to the consul office as early as you can because many travel agency come there and process  visa for ( Group Tour). No Limit as many applicant as they have.
Write your name on the logbook/list ( ask the guard on duty)

MY EXPERIENCE:

I've been there at Consul Office at 6:30 in the morning. I write my name on the logbook and I saw that I am on NUMBER 8 already.

Guard on duty said you may come back there at 9:30 Am so that we can prepare before the Consul Officer arrived.

9:30 am, I and some of the applicants go up to the office 4th Floor. I am on the no. 8 
10:00 am Consul officer arrived. 
1st process is releasing of Visa. 
10:40 AM  starting the No.1 on the line to process their application.

Note:  No.1 and 2 on the line was their second time to go in Russian consul office because of cut off time last week. (they said)

Until 11:40 AM comes. I'm still waiting. All number is 10 but some of the person holding the lowest number was from Travel Agency which is processing group tour visa's. (It takes long)

No. 8 comes, so it's my turn but sadly time is already 12 NN. Consul didn't accept my application 
(Cut Off)

The remaining time 12:00 NN- 1:00 PM is only waiting time for those application is accepted and just pay the visa fee on the bank downstairs.

So, I must go back the day after next tomorrow. 

I decided to talk somebody to go back to the Consul Office on behalf of me. I pay Php 10,800 pesos
including single entry visa which is 7,980.00 pesos ( Rush Process in 3 working days ) and the rest of money was service fee( payment for the person I ask to submit my visa application.

Sample of Tourist Visa




REMINDER: 
No travel agencies are processing tourist visa alone, they process group tour. If you ask them to do individual process of application for tourist visa, you need to buy AIRLINE TICKET (real ticket or reservation ticket) Hotel Reservation (confirmed) and Hotel Voucher & Confirmation from their owned Russian Tour Operator Partner.

It cost too much for me as an individual traveler. So, I tried to search and ask somebody what tour operator is credible and cheapest and I'm glad I found the right one.

I prepared all documents needed and ask somebody to submit. ( you must know the person that you ask for this kind of favor, take note you will gave your documents to him/her which is very important)

VISA FEE: PHP 5,700 ( regular processing , 10 business days )
                    PHP 7,980 ( rush processing, 3 working days)
                    *SINGLE ENTRY

Working Days:  
                    Monday & Wednesday Only

Visa Validity: 
                   Fix date which you can see at your Visa Sticker at your passport.

                   Unlike any other country, Russian Visa validity is different. They based on what is your prefer date and it shown also at your hotel voucher & confirmation given by your chosen Russian tour operator.

Consular Office Address: 
                  Room 402 A, 4 fl., RCI Building, 105 Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Website:    http://www.philippines.mid.ru/


Warning:  * website and policies might change without prior notice.
                 * Please note that the granting of visa and the type of visa to be issued is NOT GUARANTED as it is based solely on the discretion of Embassy. 
                 * Visa Fees are NONREFUNDABLE.



Info made:  April 2015

Feel free to follow me & ask question, just leave your message/ comments.

Have a nice day!!!!!
@travelerqueen23