Visa Regulations

Amy & I are still trying to figure this out. There have been some changes to Russian visa policies. (They went into affect in October, but I hadn't been looking at visa stuff since we're not heading back until next summer). I'm not sure if the changes affect all visa types or if they affect only Business visas. If only commercial (business) visas are affected, Amy and I are a-ok - we're cultural exchange visas. I'm not sure about educational visas either. So it might be smartest for us to travel on an educational visa. I'm trying to do some research to figure this out.

Here's the new rules:

1. A foreign citizen can obtain a visa to Russia ONLY in the country of his/her citizenship. Exceptions include those who have a residence permit for a foreign country for the period more than 90 days. A visa may also be issued in a country other than an applicant's own in case of urgent necessity, such as participating in international, governmental, official, scientific, sport and cultural events. A final decision in these cases would be left up to the consulate.

2. A multiple entry business visa allows nationals of all countries to stay in Russia up to an aggregate of 90 days out of the period of 180 days. (does this mean that Amy and I will have to spend 1/2 our time outside of Russia?)

3. Russian Foreign Ministry has retracted its decision to apply the new visa rules even to visas issued before October the rule came into effect. Older visas have now been "grandfathered." (This means that Jim & Sally can stay in Russia until their current visa expires)

4. A multiple entry visa is only available for people who have been issued a Russian visa before. If this is your first visit, you are only eligible to obtain a single or double entry visa for 1 to 3 months. A copy of your previous Russian visa should be enclosed in your application for a multiple entry invitation. (Praise the Lord! Both Amy and I have had visas issued to Russia before).

Again - I don't know if these apply to all visa types or just commercial/ business visas.