This is not true, at least for citizens of all countries. As a US citizen I have obtained visas in other countries.

I have never heard of anyone asking for vehicle insurance for getting a visa. I just entered Russia a few days ago and they didn't even ask for insurance at the border.

Worst case you could tell the agency you've changed your mind and are flying into Russia; as far as I know there is no question on the visa application about how you plan to enter Russia...

I'm fairly sure it is a rule, somewhere, but like so much in Russia it's all about whether they choose to enforce it. I believe it is technically illegal to drink alcohol in public (outside of bars etc) in Russia, but you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

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4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960

Car insurance is easily available at the border. There are little huts set up with people flagging you down to sell the third-party insurance to you. It's not expensive, but its is the most basic coverage available.

My UK insurer gave me green card coverage for EU and Ukraine but not Russia.

Vehicle insurance should not be of any concern for the Russian visa. It wasn't for us and we declared that we'd be travelling by vehicle. I suspect that your visa company has got this wrong.

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2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com

This is starting to get out of hand!!!

We have spent the day going around in circles with insurance companies, the Russian embassy and the agents handling our visa.

Both the Embassy and the visa agent are saying we definitely need proof of third party insurance for our vehicle to obtain the Russian Visa. This is the first we've heard of this, all our research on the net says otherwise and that you just get this at the border.

We have been offered green card insurance, but it does not cover Russia. Both from companies in and outside the UK.
We found a reasonably priced policy from Walkabout (herts) who would cover the third party insurance through Russia. But then they came back to us and said it needs to be a UK registered vehicle.

We've just got onto an insurance agent based in the Netherlands, they've told us that they can do third party insurance for ALL countries included in the green card agreement. We are just filling in the application form now and will get it off as soon as possible. FINGERS CROSSED!!! we are fast running out of options, and already my wife is saying she doesn't want to go to Russia after spending all day dealing with unhelpful and rude Russians!

Oh yeah, you can apply for a Russian visa as a non-resident, you have to wait the full processing time, it can not be fast tracked. We are up to 20 days but looks like it will be longer now.

Will keep you informed as to how it goes.


London to Cape Town via Central Asia.

Paraplegic driving a modified Toyota Landcruiser Troopcarrier

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