russian visa (again :-( )

[sazamataz]

I'm planning a motorcycle trip from the UK, through to South East Asia.

Just starting the application for a visa to cross russia (through the ukraine and kazakhstan).

I realise I need to have the visa ready for the country I exit into (kazakhstan).

Having got an application for a Kazakhstan visa, one of the questions is 'do you have an entry visa for your country of destination?' If I just tick 'no', will the application be accepted, or will I have to get a visa in advance for every country outside Europe I plan to visit?

With regards to the Kazakhstan visa, will I need a letter of invitation, and if so where is the best place to obtain one?

Also, any advice on the best points to cross these borders? I think the time they give you for a transit visa is pretty limited, so I'd like to make it swift and painfree...

Cheers!

[Tony P]

Transit Visas are not really appropriate here. They are intended for changing airports or night stops for flights on a journey starting and finishing outside RUS and for train journeys where the train enters and exits RUS, even without scheduled stops, purely because that is where the track goes.

I have heard of them being issued to stranded/visa-less travellers wishing to cross part of RUS by road to 'get home'. I believe they work out the validity period on the minimum distance necessary within RUS between stated entry/exit points - something like 500km a day comes to mind.

A Tourist Visa is more appropriate and cheaper in terms of Embassy Fees too. And the question about an onward visa does not arise.

As far as RUS borders - it depends slightly on your intended route, Ukraine or Baltics (unless you fancy another Visa for Belarus), but it is the accepted 'rule' that motos always go to the front of all queues. Officials and other vehicle drivers all actually encourage this.
Just do it carefully and not to cover the waiting line with dust - children and pets could be stretching their legs during their long wait!

Be aware there is a fairly recent customs union between RUS and KAZ and ensure you get proper exit/entry documentation for the moto crossing from one to the other - otherwise they may not let you out at the other end of the second country because you had no customs documents for it coming in to that second country!

[sazamataz]

really? nice one! so they don't question you entering and leaving through different borders?

is it advisable to get a kazakh visa in advance or is it obtainable at the border?

thanks for all the info!

[Tony P]

A RUS transit visa probably has specific exit point(s) but a Tourist or Business Visa certainly does not.
I have entered/exited Russia by a mix of 6 different routes to/from 7 different countries on Visas. No difference - their only concern is your visa is valid on entry and that you have not overstayed its terms on exit.

I dont know about KAZ. Although I have seen the country from across a border and been very close in several places within RUS, I have never crossed into KAZ.