Get a Visa to Russia… (Update – 2011)


Russian Visa...

Russian Visa...

As promised an update on getting a visa for Russia from Ukraine. As the status is right now for me in Russia, I get a new visa to Russia every 3 months. The total process changes like the wind but the basics are stable. But many times, my last update has become obsolete by the time 3 months come around again. So lets do a post on getting a visa for Russia from Kiev, Ukraine… (as of January 2011)

Remember I am an American and this applies to Americans. All other countries have to deal with the rules and regulations associated with your country. The rules at times change as fast as the train trip from Moscow to Kiev. This is also only for a 3 month double entry business visa for Russia and only from Kiev, Ukraine…

So lets start with what items you need:
1. Two Russian style (size) passport photos… (3.5cms X 4.5cms and No Smile on your passport photos. Only Americans smile for a passport photo…)
2. Two completed (filled out) visa applications… (Link to download)
3. Letter of Invitation… (in Telex format preferred by the Kiev consulate)
4. Copy of Migration paper the you received at border for Ukraine…
5. Your American (USA) passport and a copy of that passport… (Color or black and white, does not matter.)
6. $335.00 American dollars! (Not pesos, pounds, hryvnia, euro and or anything else) Make sure that the money is crisp and clean. Torn, wrinkled and trashy looking dollars will be frowned upon and most likely rejected. Did I say dollars… (There is a nice bank nearby that has wonderful hundred dollar bills. The consulate loves those bills…)

Next prepare data before entering consulate in Kiev:
1. Make sure applications are filled out in full… (hand written in blue or black ink or typed and signed by you!)
2. Make sure photos are pasted to appropriate spot on back of applications…
3. Make sure you have the migration card copied before you enter the consulate…
4. Letter of Invitation in telex form should be at the consulate, (verify before going to Kiev) but bring your confirmation letter in case they have to hunt it down. The process of speed is involved with telex…
5. Make sure that you have two copies of your passport. Yes two copies, one for the consulate and one for you to carry until you get your passport back with a new visa…
6. Have everything in a file folder to be able to easily keep track of all papers…
7. Other words, dot all I’s and cross all T’s, before even thinking about crossing the threshold of the consulate doorway…

Process to enter the consulate and get visa:
Be patient and polite and do not express your desire at the fact that you are an American and deserve special treatment. I have watched to the detriment of several fellow Americans get in a rough situation when they try to push their way ahead of the rest of the crowd. I stand in line like the rest of the Russians do and allow what happens to happen…

Since the bombing of the Airport in Moscow certain carry bags are not allowed inside. They will simply not care that all your life is in that bag and it will stay out side off the premises, to be possibly stolen… (mine was, so call ahead of time and verify what you can carry in or not carry in)

Once given the go ahead to enter the consulate by the guard. You must proceed straight to the desk on the right in the lobby and show your passport to the man in charge. So do not put away your passport after the guard at the main door looks at it because you still need it and they seem to be in a big hurry to get you signed in…

Now is where having all your paperwork done pays off. Once signed in they will take you literally straight to have your visa done. If you blink at this point and say, “I need an application! Please…” They frown and you most likely have been set aside and could spend an extra hour getting everything done…

Then with paperwork in hand you get to proceed to the office where the nice lady who never smiles (she is Russian) takes your paperwork and processes it. Please remember to have your paperwork in order because this nice lady controls your life at this point and please make sure that the office door is closed after you enter…

Then after the nice lady is done, she tells you to go to the cashier and pay. She also asks you when you want the visa (I tell next day) and makes sure that you know how much and if it is different from the last time you were there. Don’t ask questions. (Shut up and have your money ready. Do not, I repeat do not say, “Oh I have to go to the bank…”) Also make sure the door to the office is closed as you leave…

Knock on the door of the cashier (right across the hall) first and try to open the door. If someone is in there paying, you will know by the remark of what kind of idiot you are to barge in. Please do not sit on the chair next to the door. It is to block the exit door farther down the hall way. If you sit on this chair someone will tell you to get your butt up. They have cameras and they will see you sitting there. So just stand there and stare at a nice chair while you wait 20 minutes sometimes…

When it is your turn to pay. Make sure that the door is closed behind you and stay quiet and pay what ever sum was told to you in the other office. The cashier will give you two very important pieces of paper. Do not loose them. They are a receipt for what you pay and a paper stating when you can pick up your passport. Anyone with that paper of passport pickup can get your passport no questions asked. So do not loose them! It is appropriate after paying, to comment on the picture behind the cashier of her and Jean-Claude Van Damme. She is proud of it and you will get one of those rare Russian smiles when you do…

When you are done with all the above. Leave the building quickly and quietly with your receipts for your passport and visa. Then go back the next day at the appropriate time frame and wait in line again to get your passport back with your new visa. Much of the above information is appropriate for the second day entry into the consulate. Other words get in and get out quickly and quietly… 🙂

Some notes:
I am in Kiev 4 times a year just to get a visa, so I know what I am doing. Even if you don’t think I do. The list of items to gather is always the same. With the exception of the amount you pay. It was $450 for years, then became $250 and now has become $335. I see no rhyme or reason in the price. What I do know is that prices vary from where your home country is… (I have seen people pay over a thousand dollars at times…)

Remember Telex. Remember politeness. Remember cold hard American dollars. Remember to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Remember to be flexible…

What has very much changed is the process to enter the building to obtain your visa. That is why I went into detail. The staff of the Kiev Russian consulate has had a huge change over in the last year. Looks like a new boss. So of course things change, just as when terrorists attacks happen in Moscow, they affect the rules at all the embassies and consulates associated with Russia…

Number to call for information at the consulate –

Country:
Ukraine
City:
Kiev
Address:
Ukraine, Kiev, Vozdukhoflotskyi, 27
(phone +38 (044) 244-0961, 244-0963, 244-0967; fax +38 (044) 246-3469; email embrus@public.icyb.kiev.ua)

Some of the few links, Windows to Russia has on getting a visa and stories associated with getting a visa… 🙂

http://windowstorussia.com/going-to-ukraine-and-get-a-visa-to-russia.html
http://windowstorussia.com/pickpocket-we-all-think-that-it-will_2958.html
http://windowstorussia.com/from-russia-ukraine-trip-will-last_20.html
http://windowstorussia.com/the-next-visa-to-russia.html
http://windowstorussia.com/making-a-visa-run-to-ukraine.html
http://windowstorussia.com/part-2-ukraine-visa-trip-january-2010.html
http://windowstorussia.com/visa-trip-to-ukraine-for-russian-visa.html
http://windowstorussia.com/get-russian-visa-from-ukraine-part-1.html
http://windowstorussia.com/pickpocket-we-all-think-that-it-will_1437.html
http://windowstorussia.com/pickpocket-we-all-think-that-it-will_04.html
http://windowstorussia.com/pickpocket-we-all-think-that-it-will_8063.html
http://windowstorussia.com/pickpocket-we-all-think-that-it-will_28.html
http://windowstorussia.com/windows-to-russia-kiev-visa-trip-4-20.html
http://windowstorussia.com/getting-visa-to-russia-here-is-how-we.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-time-soon-onward-to-israel_29.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-registration-update-july_16.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-part-4-homestay-visas_11.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-part-3-transit-visa_10.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-part-2-tourist-visa_09.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-part-1-business-visa_08.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-visa-information_27.html
http://windowstorussia.com/russia-time-to-get-new-visa_20.html

Read some articles on getting a visa. I have given you a world of information for free…

Windows to Russia!

Interview of an American Living in Russia… (Paul Eng)


Unbelievable: This is an interview with an American (Paul Eng) that came to Russia and has now lived here 5 years. I can associate with 90% of what he says, “to a tee”…

Moscow is a city which lives day to day:

Paul Eng grew up in Chinatown, New York, where his parents – both Chinese immigrants – ran a store. He wanted to be a photographer but had been told there was no money in it. He did his degree in architecture, worked in office design, music, and then creative visual design before turning to photography full time. He has lived in Moscow for 5 years and is a successful photographer here…

Of course you already know that I think Moscow and Russia is a fantastic place. But after I listened to his interview and found so much real honest information that it was amazing. I realized that Paul has the same feelings about Russia that I do. The interviewer did a great job and of course Paul is a typical American from the look to the accent…

Take a break and listen to the interview. You will hear what Russia is really about…

From: Russia is like America in the 50’s, to My Russian’s really bad, to my Russian wife has no fear of speaking English and touching on why people in America live in a dream state…

The clincher in the whole interview was the end when he said, “Don’t come here (to Russia)!”  because well, “You will muck it up…” 🙂

I have grown to understand that statement very well…

Windows to Russia!

Russian News From Russia… (02-07-2011)


Two suspected terrorists behind Moscow airport blast named:
A police source has identified two men who have been put on the wanted list for alleged links to the terror attack at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport…

Moscow calls on Tokyo to take reasonable approach over Kuril Islands:
Japanese are marking another Northern Territory Day with protests, while Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov advised them to take current realities into account…

2 Russian icebreakers rescue oil tankers:
Once the Krasin and Admiral Makarov icebreakers rescued five icebound ships from captivity late last month, they have been engaged since Sunday in piloting oil tankers to the freezing De-Kastri terminal and back, in the Khabarovsk Region, in the Russian Far East…

Flu quarantine extended at Moscow schools:
Moscow’s health authorities have extended flu quarantine for another two days in kindergartens as well as primary and middle schools, media reports said on Monday. Right now, flu epidemic shows no signs of abating in about 60 Russian regions, medics said…

Japanese radicals desecrate Russian flag:
Japanese radicals have desecrated the Russian flag outside the Russian embassy in Tokyo. The incident occurred earlier today when the Japanese ultra right organizations marked the “day of northern territories”, – that is the Russian islands of the South Kuril Range that Japan lays claims to…

Fearful Russian lawmaker flees to U.S.:
WASHINGTON (AP) — A wealthy Russian lawmaker has fled with his family to the United States, saying he fears assassination over accusations that some of Russia’s richest and most influential people swindled him in a real estate deal. Back home, he’s been charged with financial crimes…

Russia to present Sochi Olympics mascot candidates:
On Monday, Russia’s broadcaster Channel One will present 13 candidates for the official mascot of the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. A brief TV show, in which animated characters would call on Russians to support them in the nationwide SMS-vote, is due to begin later in the day…

Windows to Russia!

START in Question if US Expands Anti Ballistic Missiles…


Russia will consider the sense of observing of the strategic arms reduction treaty (START) if the US or NATO change the scale of their missile defense systems, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said Monday.He said if the US continues to build up its missile defense system, Moscow will have to take measures of a “military technical” nature…

Funny how we do not want to hear what Russia is saying about all this…

Ryabkov stressed that the link between offensive and defensive weapons is binding under START.

But I realize that the mainstream press in America is praising the wonderful achievement that Obama pulled off, as if it was a miracle in international security and vision for the future…

Kinda like this miracle and vision: WikiLeaks cables: US agrees to tell Russia Britain’s nuclear secrets… in return for START…

Hummm…

Windows to Russia!

Iron Maiden Rocking in Moscow… (Feb. 11th, 2011)


Iron Maiden...

Iron Maiden’s – Final Frontier World Tour will see the band play 29 total shows and visit 26 cities all in 13 countries. The performance in Moscow is on February 11, 2011…

It is said that Iron Maiden is one of the  premier heavy metal bands in the world and has affected more rockers around the world than any other heavy metal band. With their hits like Run to the Hills, The Trooper, Fear of the Dark and Aces High you never have to worry about staying in touch with the darker side of life…

Friday 11 February 2011
Iron Maiden
Olimpiisky Arena Moscow, Russian Federation…

OK – well I care…

Windows to Russia!

Russian Video From Russia: Check this out on the bombing at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport…


Doku Umarov, Amir of the Caucasus Emirate, ex-...

Doku Umarov...

Check this out on our Video Blog… (Russian Video From Russia)

http://video.kylekeeton.com/2011/02/russian-video-doku-umarov-behind-bombing-at-moscow%E2%80%99s-domodedovo-airport.html

This Sunday news in Russia is controversial and turmoil, plus being presented hot and heavy all over the country. These videos that Sveta posted are videos of Russia’s most wanted terrorist, Doku Umarov. In these videos Umarov has warned of more terrorist acts to follow, promising Russia “a year of blood and tears.”…

Interesting…

Windows to Russia!

Pravda Digital Archive From 1912 to 2009…


Click Google search above to go to link…

I found this wonderful archive of the old Pravda newspaper. It is the archives of the paper from 1912 to 2009. It seems to me though that when they stopped publishing Bolshevik propaganda in 1991, they became a tabloid of much lessor worth. But the archives have what is necessary and the data from 1912 to 1991 is of interest to me… (The more modern data from this source is a dreaded tabloid variety…)

Lenin reading Pravda.

Lenin reading Pravada...

Look at it as the history of Soviet communism through the eyes of the Pravda newspaper, which by the way was founded by Vladimir Lenin, is a valuable source of information for anyone who desires. It comprises of at least 150,000 pages in PDF…

Pravda, or “Truth” as translated, was (not now though) a land mark newspaper in the Soviet Union. It was given birth in St. Petersburg by Lenin around 1912. From my understanding it was the official propaganda tool of the  Communist Party from 1917 on after a few years of a rocky start…

I have seen several articles in full and will tell you that if your interest is in this area, then this is a gold mine. Of course it is not free and at the bottom of the PDF display you will get the details of what you have to do to enjoy such a wonder of history… 🙂

Acquire the entire 1912-2009 collection of the Pravda Digital Archive for a one-time cost plus an annual maintenance fee, which is waived with a current subscription to Pravda online or a current subscription to East View’s UDB of Russian Central Newspapers.

This project is a partnership of the Russian Communist Party and a US-based company called EVIS, which specializes in Eurasian studies. Many universities and collages have signed up for the information, according to the available data. This privilege of studying Communist history has its price and I am hoping that I can find a good University access source for free, amongst my connections. Otherwise I will most likely have to ultimately purchase access…

Yes the Communist Party wants money for their history…

Hummm…

Windows to russia!

Spam is gone and the Coffee is good…


That cup of coffee was really extra wonderful this morning. For the last two days I have had a total of 8 spam. It seems that we have “nipped it in the bud”  with the latest changes. But that saying “nipped it in the bud”  brought back a memory of Barney Fife on Mayberry always saying that quote. Then that thought brought back my past and I sipped my coffee remembering how I grew up and also raised my kids in towns like Mayberry…

Hermitage, Missouri – We never locked our doors on our house and left our keys in the ignition of the truck over night. The kids graduated from a High-school in a class of 10 kids or less. The 30-30 Winchester was in the pickup truck back windows 24 hours a day, for emergencies. You built a barn or a shed and the whole countryside came to help. The Sheriff was a good ole boy that could be trusted. You picked someone up when they fell down and kids did not bad mouth adults. Everyone always drank from the same cup at the pump at the town square. Those were the days “sigh”…

Enough of that. Back to spam! It (spam) is almost gone and that is a real reason to smile for today and enjoy a few memories and a cup of coffee…

Windows to Russia!

Coffee and Chinese Bailouts and Russian Gold…


So as I was drinking my morning cup of coffee. I was doing some thoughts on what is happening on this side of the world. Is anyone watching what the Chinese are up to in Europe? It looks to me like they are buying bonds of several + European nations that are struggling. They buy these bonds at a bargain rate after selling toxic US Treasury bonds to buy these new bargain bonds. Looks to me like they are playing Europe and America as a game. I also see by the news that Germany is relieved about the lessening of pressure to support failing countries. The fact that shows that, is Germany has opened her doors to China with multitudes of technology. In hopes of more money being transferred to Europe in support of failing countries…

The seemingly valid (or not) support for the Euro has many upsides to China. It allows China to reduce dollar dependence as they spend those dollars all over the world…

I also hear from the grapevine that China intends to convert all those toxic bonds that they have of the USA’s and convert them to Gold and Silver. Of course not all at once…

So now speaking of gold and silver: Russia has had a slew of articles making sure the world knows that they are buying gold by the tons. In fact just today there was news on the wire about how Russia is wanting private individual gold miners to have free access to mining gold in Russia. In fact it was stated something like, “The State Duma has passed adjustments to the Federal Law on Mineral Resources. The Entrepreneur for gold has support!” This it is said, is to make the availability for private individual gold miners to pan for gold legal. It seems that Russia sees this as a way to increase her huge gold supply faster and keep more people from trying to escape Siberia in search of better money… 🙂

Take it how you want, but things are changing fast in the world. Gold is becoming the stable money again. Paper is not stable…

Windows to Russia!

START Treaty is now a FART Treaty…


Obama the president of the USA signed the START Treaty. But not without exclaiming about the real issue and thorn in the treaty, that has come out with Russia:

“It is the policy of the United States to continue development and deployment of United States missile defense systems to defend against missile threats from nations such as North Korea and Iran, including qualitative and quantitative improvements to such systems,” Said Obama…

“Consequently, while the United States cannot circumscribe the sovereign rights of the Russian Federation under paragraph 3 of Article XIV of the Treaty, the United States believes continued improvement and deployment of United States missile defense systems do not constitute a basis for questioning the effectiveness and viability of the Treaty, and therefore would not give rise to circumstances justifying the withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Treaty,” Said Obama…

Hummm…

That is not what Russia thinks and what Obama signed as a START Treaty makes that clear. America had changed the START Treaty and Russia responded in like form…

Now we have a START is a FART treaty…

If America farts over missile defense without Russia being happy. Oh – the stink will hit the fan…

We should have left the treaty alone as it was first presented. The new Russian wording and amendments are serious issues to Russia…

Who plays chess and who plays checkers?

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