Obtaining a Russian Visa
 

Good Morning Fellow Travelers

My wife and I are off to a trip to seven countries including Russia and Belarus. I have a question about visa service companies. Has anyone used VisaHQ? I did review the forum and the folks who quoted expressed an opinion about Visa International. They are very expensive and seem to need more lead time than many of the others. Since we booked late time is an issue. Any help on VisaHQ or another company? I am of course leery of letting my passport go in the mail.

Thanks for your help.

Brian & Fran

Why pay a middleman ? Do you live anywhere near a Russian embassy, consulate or Russian National Tourist Office ? If not you can apply through the RTNO website for your country by printing off an online form and posting it - they have an express option.

I don't live near any of the Russian embassies, consulates or what have you. I used a visa agency last year to get my Russian visa. I will look up the name for you tonight, as I'm going to use them to get my Chinese visa this year. Yes, there was a service fee, but better than having to schlepp to NYC or DC where there is an embassy. Just send your passport either Fed Ex or US Postal Overnight Mail and you'll be fine.

Well, in this case a "middleman" actually does save a lot of time, money and hassle. I've used VisaHQ for my Russian visas and they're great. They pointed out some things that was wrong with my application and helped me get passed the hassle of traveling and dealing with the embassy myself. I got my visa in no time. They also give you updates with every step. So that's cool. You never have to worry. If you use Fedex or Express mail there's nothing to worry about with your passport. If time is an issue, you'd better call them soon! It's not automatic these visas...

Have fun! I wish I were traveling!

I used Passport Visas Express last summer for my Russian visa. They are at www.passportvisasexpress.com or call 1-888-596-6028. I called them a few times with questions about answering the visa application and they were very responsive. They'll also review the application before they submit it and call you if there are any problems.

Def use a Visa Agent....saves a lot of hassle....

I've used Travisa and found them efficient.

Thank you to all who responded. We used VisaHQ and they are working out just great.

Thanks again for the help.

Brian