Biting the bullet and submitting the paperwork for our Russian visas (we are riding East from Uk, via Central Asia and then on to Canada via Vladivostok and Korea starting April 2019).

We'll be entering Russia from Kazakhstan and then again from Mongolia. We had understood we could travel on a double entry business visa - but have since been told by a (seemingly) reputable Visa agent that this might cause problems and they wouldn't be able to process the application for us because we are not 'working' in Russia.

This is the first time I’ve heard/read about this.

Instead, they say we should apply for a 90 day dual entry visa for science culture sports & religion. In order to apply for this visa they say that we would need a telex or letter from the ministry of tourism confirming the purpose of our travel.

Does anyone have any first hand information that might help? In particular whether (i) you had heard of other overlanders using this sort of visa (ii) whether you have any idea who might be able to issue the telex/letter that is required - alternatively, (iii) can anyone confirm that they have used a dual entry business visa for this type of trip (and in particular who you asked to provide your visa support letter in Russia to confirm your details and purpose of travel).

Thanks guys