Visas for Work and Business in Russia

by Mark
(Winston Salem N.C.)

Hi Bob,

I have a super important question Per visa work and business? In Short;

I learned today all firms like Visa Express are different. Some have stricter guidelines and requirements than others. Visa Express is ok but there is a ton of merit in shopping around. Cost and process time also varies.

Do you have any recommendations for a firm that offers the Visa service based on some of all the factors involved like cost, processing time, How strict their guidelines are for admin? Example = Visa Express wants Foreign Ministry Documents from Russia and proof of no HIV/Aids. Where another company will except simple letter head from the company you land a job at, or have business with. Faster processing = $600.00 additional bucks with Visa Express.

Any info appreciated.


Bob's Answer:

Keep in mind that these visa processing firms are simply services that facilitate obtaining a visa. They know each country's visa rules and build their online forms around those rules. The Russian government charges fees for various visa applications. These firms pay that fee out of what you pay them.

Usually if you find different services offering very different prices I would suspect that it's not exactly the same service. For example, "visa support" may be very inexpensive, but doesn't actually include the visa application itself, only the formal invitation letter.

In the past I've used
Visa HQ and thought it was a good service. I have also heard good things about Way to Russia.