Update on Russian business visa application process
 

I've read a few threads about not being able to get a multi-entry business visa if it is the first time you are applying for a multi-entry business visa.

Here is a brief outline of our visa application process for a multi-entry business visa.

A few things to note:

- We have never been to Russia before.
- We appied for our multi-entry business visas on a British passport.
- We applied at the Russian consulate in Sydney.

We used Stantours to apply for our Russian letter of Invitation. Their service was excellent and we did not have any trouble receiving the original LOI via DHL.

Russian Foreign Ministry will not issue the LOI more than 45 days in advance of intended date of entry.

We used the 28 days service from Stantours, but got the LOI in about 22 days.

I asked Stantours the question regarding not being able to get a multi entry visa if it is the first time you apply for the visa. Their response was that generally speaking if the LOI is issued, then the coonsulate will just process the application and issue according to the LOI. We decided to go ahead and applied for the LOI for the multi-entry even though there could be a chance that it might not be issued. We did however receive the multi-entry business visa LOI.

We paid AU$ 350 per application at the consulate in Sudney. Processing time was 15 working days. The process was really very easy and straight forward. Fill in the application form with one passport photo. It does say on the consulate website that you need a HIV certificate. We did have this, but the guy never looked at it.

:DWe received our multi-entry business visas today. :D There is a limitation on the visa that you can only be in Russia for 90 out of 180 days.

Hope this helps someone...:thumbup1:

Cheers

do you know anyone who can provide me a support later?

cool my girlfriend has just gone to london to hopefully get ours!