I am planning on 1-2 weeks in Russia. I heard about getting the visa at the Polish border. So I am thinking of flying to Warsaw and taking the train to Moscow. Will this work? What about Poland to Ukraine? Thanks for your wisdom! You can respond directly to me @ surferbrian@hotmail.com
Russia / Ukraine visa at the Polish border?
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Russia and Ukraine are different countries requiring separate visas. You can no longer obtain a Ukrainian visa at the border or in aiports, you must request one ahead of time (usually a tourist visa). If you plan to go back and forth, or re-enter these countries, you must obtain double-entry visas. For instance if you were going from Poland to Ukraine to Russia, then back to Ukraine to Poland then your Ukraine and Polish visas would need to be stamped as double-entry types. Ukraine also requires you to buy Ukrainian health insurance at the border or in the airport (in order to get through customs -- about 6-25 USD depending on length of stay) don't argue, just pay it. Obtaining a visa will be easiest if you have hotel reservations, the hotel(s) will assist you or your travel agent.
Be forewarned -- when it comes to train travel, the border guards sometimes find good excuses for taking a certain percentage of the cash you are carrying. If asked, you must play the odds on how much to tell them you have vs. how much they might find *IF* they decide to search you and/or belongings (then it's "undeclared" money). However, I understand they are usually not very aggressive and train travel is not particularly dangerous. There will be a delay/stop between Poland and Russia, or Ukraine, while they shift the train cars to other carriers that accomodate the different gauge tracks.
You do need a visa for Russia, and You con NOT get it at the border (There are some possibilities for Polish citizens - ie. travel vouchers, which I think that what you heard about). Also You will need an invitation (from Person or Hotel) in order to get the Russian visa. So this requires bit more planning , before going. Once You prepay Hotel in Russia (and ask for visa support), Hotel will send/Fax you an invitation, which then with a visa application, and copy of your passport - You need to sent to Local Russian Consulate, in order to obtain visa. On the Border make sure You do fill out the customs form, with correct $$ amounts and have it stamped, or by Russian customs law, You will not be able, to leave Russia, with more than $500.
Russian Consulate in USA:
http://www.russianembassy.org/
Russian Customs Form in English:
http://www.tmk.com/~ben/customs/customs.html
Enjoy all they all beautiful countries.