Life's A Picnic

Win luxury hampers plus Waitrose vouchers & guidebooks

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

From Times Online

August 23, 2007

Red tape in Russia

The Sunday Times opens its travel clinic on a daily basis to answer your holiday queries. Today: Russian visas

I recently had a very different experience obtaining a Russian visa. I telephoned the Russian Embassy and their staff gave me courteous and efficient help in good English, ensuring that I downloaded the correct form and list of necessary papers and reminding me that the fee must be paid in cash only. My only difficulty came from the travel company, who tried to persuade me that I would not manage to get the visa - but which eventually but reluctantly (and at a charge!), provided the Letter of Invitation and the confirmation of flights out of Russia.

The visit to the Embassy could not have been simpler: I arrived at 0845, queued for 12 minutes, another wait of less than five minutes and a very efficient receipt of my papers saw my out on the pavement with the job done! Because I did not wish to return later in the day to collect the visa, I had been asked to provide a special delivery envelope - and the visa arrived less than 48 hours later

Judith Rich, Winchester,