UK to Vladivostok
 

I'm looking at the idea of a trip from UK to Vladivostok and I'm considering ongoing options from there. One option is to ride back to the UK again.

Can anybody tell me the maximum duration of a visa for riding my bike in Russia? As far as I can see I might be limited to a maximum of a 30 day visa. Also, looking at the visa application website it appears I need an invitation for the entire duration of my time in Russia. How does that work with the idea that I would not be pre-booking all (or even most) accomadation?

Many thanks,

Rachel

Are you going to visit other countries? So more entries? Or just more time.
Search for info on a Russian Business visa, 3 months double entry should be achievable. But check out maximum allowed stay in Russia.

My initial thoughts are a single entry. If I opt to ride Vlad & back I'd possibly struggle to get enough time off work to go other places during the same trip.

If you're doing serious mileage you'll want more than 30 days, especially if you may be turning round and coming back. A double entry 90 day business visa is what you need, and the usual Russian visa specialists should be able to help you get one.

As for going to Vladivostok, I considered that for my trip and decided against it. The Trans-Siberian is long enough as it is, and if you go past Ulan-Ude and come back you're committed to a road trip of 7,000 kms. As bragging rights go, as much as it would be nice to have been there/done that, for me the extra mileage didn't add up. The main reason for going to Vladivostok for most people is to get shipping to the US.

RachelAnne: There is a wealth of information online regarding getting a Russian visa, please search and spend some time reading. The website of Russian and Trans-Siberian Travel and Visa Services | Real Russia is an excellent source.

The Trans-Siberian is a long and mostly rather boring road. The attractions lie off the road, so going quickly to Vladivostok and back is (in my opinion) only worth doing if the destination or the sheer mileage itself is the aim of the journey. Otherwise there are far more interesting and beautiful parts of Russia which you can visit.

From (near to) Vladivostok there are ferries to Japan and Korea, and to other (even more far-flung) parts of Russia; otherwise you need to ship (or drive) back.

The area around Vladivostok is very beautiful; the coastline north of Nakhodka is stunning, and the region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Definitely worth a detour.

Good luck

EO