BootsnAll Travel Community

How on earth do you go about getting a Russian visa if you are making your own arrangements? I wouldn't have a clue how to get an authorised tour voucher and tour confirmation number, and certainly won't have a travel agent's cover letter.......

I have no personal experience with this as I went to Russia on a student visa, but I met many people who got their tourist visa invitations through the Russian HI. www.waytorussia.net offers visa invitations too.

It isn't the easiest thing.

Basically, you need a letter of invitation and a hotel booking. It doesn't matter if you stay at the hotel or not. The letter of invitation can be from a person or a travel company.

Most travel companies that deal with trips to Russia can get these for you. If you know somebody who lives in Russia and is a Russian citizen, they can send you a notarized letter for the invitation and giving you a place to stay.

If there is a Russian community near you, go to a travel agent there. They will be able to take care of everything.

realrussia is another company i've had suggested to me. i'm doing the same as you. i'm starting to think paying the little extra and getting them to do it all might be a little simpler.