Thread: Quick Trvael Question

Being from the US, do I need a visa?

Man am I asking this question too late? yikes

Uhm, yes, visas are kind of important. Luckily for you, if you're going to Ukraine like I think, they just changed the law -- you can stay for 90 days without a visa. You'll still need a passport, of course. You do have that right?

The State Department has some information below:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...ures_1229.html

Yes, passport in working order. No I will not be there for 90 days. 5 at the most

Where are you going JeffJ? Which country?

Odessa Ukraine, March 9th thru the 14th. I am so pumped

You are good. American citizens do NOT require a visa.

D'ya reckon Russia will change the law anytime soon?

No way! Not in the forseeable future!

Originally Posted by basurero

D'ya reckon Russia will change the law anytime soon?

When pigs fly through an icy hell... Visas have always been a pain, but from what I understand, they're actually being a little more strict now -- I don't remember the particulars, but cruise ships that came into StPb for a day or two used to have a really easy way to let their passengers disembark for a visit; they closed that... Oh yeah, you have to have an HIV test, too...

Lol that's what I though. Man, why does Russia have to be so stingy!

Originally Posted by basurero

Lol that's what I though. Man, why does Russia have to be so stingy!

Why does USA have to be so stingy?

Actually, the latest i've heard (and I know the visa laws in Russia change about every month it seems like!) is that if your staying in Russia for less than 90 days, you do not need an HIV test. That's for a single-entry business visa though...

tdk

You're right; I stayed over 90 days, so I had to, but I didn't realize that was the rule -- I thought it was for anybody and everybody, basically. Full text from DoS:

RUSSIA - *Passport and visa required. Tourist visa, valid for 30 days, requires 1 application form, 1 photo, confirmation and voucher from travel agency and/or hotel in Russia, cover letter from travel agency, and processing fee. Business visa requires 1 application, 1 photo, cover letter from your company, and letter of an official invitation from an authorized Russian counterpart and visa-processing fee. Single-entry visa for business/tourist visas are $100 for not less than 6 days, $150 for not less than 3 working days, $200 for next business day, and $300 for same day processing fees. Multiple-entry business visa (needs confirmation through the Russian MFA) processing fee $100 for not less than 6 days, $200 for not less than 3 working days, $250 for next business day, and $350 for same day processing fees. Fees must be paid by money order or cashier's check only. Provide SASE for return of passport by mail. HIV test certificate required for anyone staying over 3 months. For additional information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Russia, 2641Tunlaw Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202/939-8907 or 891 or the nearest Consulate General: NY (212/348-0926, 0955, 0626), CA (415/928-687, or WA (206/728-1910). Internet: www.russianembassy.org