Quote:
Originally Posted by ComicMonster
Our question is: Is it possible to CROSS Russia wit a car of our own —to go and come back? Is it expensive —in terms of Visas and bureaucracies? How long does it take to get a Visa (more or less)? How far in advance do we have to take Visa?
We have been amazed to see that Google maps is unable to build routes through Russia: does that mean Russia is closed to foreign road traffic?
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As said above - it's not the vehicle type that keeps us together, it's the tracks and roads we go to. Welcome, brother!
ROADS.
Russia is open to all traffic except for around a very few, generally remote, clearly marked military areas.
COSTS.
Visa. They depend on your 'home' citizenship, visa type and duration. It sounds like you will need a double entry visa which are valid for 90 days. If you need longer you will need a Multi entry visa valid for a year but they are still restricted to 90 days per 180 days. Costs are listed on your local Russia Embassy Website. You will need an Invitation as well for which the going charge is 50-100 Euros. Alternatively, if you have no contacts within RUS, there are Agencies who do all the visa paperwork and handling for a fee.
Fuel. Currently petrol about 0.66 Euro/litre. Diesel 0.60 Euro/litre. These are Moscow prices. It tends to be 10% - 15% more in remoter areas.
Accomodation. Motels on main roads are about 40-45 Euros for a twin room per night. Regular hotels, in larger towns cost a little more. Moscow is the very expensive exception!
'Wild' camping is allowed and free.
Vehicle Insurance. If you do not obtain a Green Card at home, you can buy 'legal minimum' RUS insurance around the border areas. Costs depend on power and duration. As an example, I recently paid 76 Euros for a 1800cc Ford Mondeo for 3 months.
On each entry vehicles are issued with a 3 month Customs Entry document. This is free. This can be extended during it's validity period.
Breaking traffic rules could cost you fines (or cash bribes that are generally negotiable, cheaper and quicker!). Crossing a white line 12 Euro, Speeding by up to 20kph 25 Euro. But they will try it on to get you to pay more.
Strict zero alcohol limit.
Learn the cyrillic alphabet - at least for place names.
Preferably also learn basic phrases too.
Understanding of English is generally uncommon except with younger people, Older people often know some German.
Enjoy - great country and people.