Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Russian Visa for a Korean National in the UK

I have been trying to Assist a Korean national ( Neo Neo-Nomad ) in the UK, his problem at the moment is no Russian visa to return overland back to Korea. He has tried a UK visa agency and not had any help there, he has contacted the Korean Embassy and they have suggested just to try another agency .

Does anyone have any suggestions, ideas or experience on an agency that could help him or is it possible for him to enter another country , Scandinavia , EU , Balkan states etc for him to gain this all important visa .

Time is against him now as his UK visitors visa expires on 25th April
Thanks Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Apr 2012
strimstrum's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
Mark

Has Neo got a UK only visa or does he have a Schengen visa as this might make a difference on if he can leave the UK to Europe. Has he got to apply for his Russian visa in Korea like we had to apply for ours in the UK ?

I looked at the Stantours site but they specialise in the Stans - if he could get across the Stans into Kazakhstan then he might be able to go through China or does he have the same restrictions on travel as we would have ? He would need to get through Europe into Turkey then across to Armenia into Azerbaijan then ferry to Kazakhstan then into China. But if his visa runs out on 25th April he will need to set off now !

Last edited by strimstrum; 8 Apr 2012 at 18:20. Reason: dupl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Apr 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
The UK Russian consulates theoretically ONLY gives visas to UK nationals and people with some sort of residency in the UK.

If he is on a visitors visa, he is better off trying elsewhere like Poland or Latvia to get the Russian visa
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
Does this mean as a British resident in Portugal, I won't be able to get a Russian visa. Don't mean to hijack this thread. Just noticed Colebatch's reply. Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
As a citizen of South Korea (I get confused by the real names!) he can only apply for a Tourist or Business Visa in UK if he can produce "Proof of residence in UK for the last 90 days."

Diferent conditions MIGHT apply in other countries - assuming, as Strimstrum says, he can get to them with whatever Visa(s) are required along the way after UK.

If that fails he can always apply for a Transit Visa, possibly in UK or other countries nearer the Russian border.
These are usually for 3 days as they were originally intended for people on trains that pass through bits of Russian territory even if not scheduled to stop. They are also for leaving 'airside' when changing flights on a longer air journey starting and ending outside Russia.

For road Transit Vsas you can get longer than 3 days, as he will obviously require.
Their time validity will be based on 500Km per day for the most direct route between the declared Entry and Exit points.

Check it out with the Russian Embassy's own Visa Handling Agents Russia Visa Information - UK - Home Page
These are the people who initially accept or reject the Application.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Quote:
Originally Posted by strimstrum View Post
Mark

Has Neo got a UK only visa or does he have a Schengen visa as this might make a difference on if he can leave the UK to Europe. Has he got to apply for his Russian visa in Korea like we had to apply for ours in the UK ?

I looked at the Stantours site but they specialise in the Stans - if he could get across the Stans into Kazakhstan then he might be able to go through China or does he have the same restrictions on travel as we would have ? He would need to get through Europe into Turkey then across to Armenia into Azerbaijan then ferry to Kazakhstan then into China. But if his visa runs out on 25th April he will need to set off now !
Thanks martin , His schengen visa is good for 90 days , his travel in China is the same as UK , need guides /tour and a visa lots of difficulties. I think his best bet would be as Walter and Tony have suggested go east maybe to the Stans and try for a russian transit visa there.
I would like to hear from anyone who has gained a Russian transit visa in any of the Stans.
Thanks guy's
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Neo

Bushman_UK ,,
I've already have answered him a week ago on his EM,,, concerning in country residence rule for the visa as well as Russian embassy criteria on Korean nationals.
He either has to go as far as he can ,,,
or fly back to Korea for the Russian visa ,, or pull a string through a diplomatic channel along the way.

Any way ,, it is awfully good of you and strumm ,, to help the kid out like this.




Quote:
Originally Posted by bushman_uk View Post
I have been trying to Assist a Korean national ( Neo Neo-Nomad ) in the UK, his problem at the moment is no Russian visa to return overland back to Korea. He has tried a UK visa agency and not had any help there, he has contacted the Korean Embassy and they have suggested just to try another agency .

Does anyone have any suggestions, ideas or experience on an agency that could help him or is it possible for him to enter another country , Scandinavia , EU , Balkan states etc for him to gain this all important visa .

Time is against him now as his UK visitors visa expires on 25th April
Thanks Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Tony p

May be Tony can decipher this ,,
Russian migratory agency decree.
http://www.fms.gov.ru/404.php

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
As a citizen of South Korea (I get confused by the real names!) he can only apply for a Tourist or Business Visa in UK if he can produce "Proof of residence in UK for the last 90 days."

Diferent conditions MIGHT apply in other countries - assuming, as Strimstrum says, he can get to them with whatever Visa(s) are required along the way after UK.

If that fails he can always apply for a Transit Visa, possibly in UK or other countries nearer the Russian border.
These are usually for 3 days as they were originally intended for people on trains that pass through bits of Russian territory even if not scheduled to stop. They are also for leaving 'airside' when changing flights on a longer air journey starting and ending outside Russia.

For road Transit Vsas you can get longer than 3 days, as he will obviously require.
Their time validity will be based on 500Km per day for the most direct route between the declared Entry and Exit points.

Check it out with the Russian Embassy's own Visa Handling Agents Russia Visa Information - UK - Home Page
These are the people who initially accept or reject the Application.

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
I am not in my country

I am not in New Zealand. Can I apply for a Russian visa in a third country?

Visas to travel to Russia are usually issued by the Russian Embassy in the applicant’s country of nationality i.e. New Zealand nationals apply in New Zealand. But Russian visa regulations now allow foreign nationals with the right to stay in another country for longer than 90 days, to apply for a visa at the Russian Embassy in that country.
When applying for Russian visas in a third country, you need to submit with your visa application evidence of your right to stay in that country for longer than 90 days. This could be a long-term entry visa, work permit or residence permit. Present this in the original and attach a copy to the application. In countries where visas are not required e.g. the United Kingdom where New Zealand nationals have a right to stay for up to six months as a General Visitor (see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk) take a copy of the six month entry permit stamped into your passport on arrival.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Apr 2012
strimstrum's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
Quote:
Originally Posted by seouljoe View Post
Any way ,, it is awfully good of you and strumm ,, to help the kid out like this.


Just wish I could do more but me and Mrs Strimstrum are off to Germany on a 10 day break on Thursday so will probably miss seeing Neo off on his trip. I know Mark is busy trying to get a little trip in the UK put toghether for him.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Where I get my Russian visa in three days,, every time.

I mean ,, business visa invitation letter,,,


Get visa to Russia - tourist, business visa support and invitations. Russian embassy and consulate visa requirements. Visalink
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Ok thats OK, i shall have a chat with him when he comes to stay with me on the 16th and see what he wants to do.

Once again thanks for all your input , well done guys
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
SeoulJoe (and others)

The ability to apply for a RUS Visa in a 3rd country depends on ones own Citizenship - and that comes from the level of relations between the citizenship country and RUS.

It is not a matter of where you are, but where you are from.

Looking at the Russian Embassy Visa Handling Centre in UK, compare the Proof of Residency requirement for USA and S.Korea citizens wanting to apply for a RUS Business Visa while in UK.

USA citizens
2. Proof of residence in UK for the last 90 days. One of the following documents should be submitted to confirm the same: a valid UK visa in passport or valid UK residence permit. Please note that if you do not have proof of your residence in UK for the last 90 days, you still are eligible to apply, but visa processing time will take 10 to 14 calendar days.

Republic of Korea citizens
2. Proof of residence in UK for the last 90 days. One of the following documents should be submitted to confirm the same: a valid applicant's UK visa in passport/ last three months bank statements/ utility bills with applicant's name and address/ letter from employer specifying the start date of their employment OR for students, letter from University/ College specifying the date of enrolment and course details. Rent or mortgage agreements and phone bills are not acceptable.

Note the final sentence for USA.

So an American in London can just walk in and get one, although taking a little longer.
By contrast, S.Korean cannot unless he can show proof of 90+ day Residency - otherwise he must return to S.Korea to apply for it, exactly as UK citizens have to return to UK to apply.


This is how RUS SHOULD treat applications from those citizens, wherever in the World they try to apply for a Business Visa. I highlight the word 'should' because I have heard of these rules occasionally being ignored or sidestepped in some other parts of the World.

"Anything is possible in Russia" is a well used expression!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 9 Apr 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Algarve Nick View Post
Does this mean as a British resident in Portugal, I won't be able to get a Russian visa. Don't mean to hijack this thread. Just noticed Colebatch's reply. Thanks.
You should be able to apply for a russian visa either in Portugal or in the UK ... as you are a UK national, and you have residency in Portugal. i.e. In each country you have criteria allowing you to be eligible to apply locally. No problem.

Problems arise if you are non UK national, with no UK residency rights, trying to apply in the UK. As a general rule, they wont accept it.

Similarly, if you are UK national passing thru Mongolia as a tourist, you are unable to apply for a Russian visa in Mongolia. You have to DHL your passport home and get someone in the UK to get it for you, then DHL your passport back.

Note ... you do not have to return, only your passport has to return (to a visa agent usually) in your home country where a visa can be applied for.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Note ... you do not have to return, only your passport has to return (to a visa agent usually) in your home country where a visa can be applied for.
Except, in theory, most countries require that everyone, be they locals, visitors or long term residents, have their Identification Document either on their person or close by to be available for inspection.


If doing this I would advise retaining a Notarised copy of the Passport should the proverbial hit the fan while the Passport is sent away.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Russian Business Visa Boycie Northern and Central Asia 42 15 May 2012 12:47
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 13:39
russian visa (again :-( ) sazamataz Trip Paperwork 3 10 Mar 2012 18:43
russian visa in japan ben south Northern and Central Asia 6 17 Nov 2011 19:29

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:22.