So, Rasmus and I have planned and paid for a trip to Russia in May, and the only hurdle left is to apply for our tourist visas. Unfortunately, even after 3 vexing trips to the Russian Consulate here in Tallinn, we have not been able to complete the application process, and here are the Top 10 reasons why:
10. The print shop is about a 20 minute walk away, making printing documents highly inconvenient.
9. Though the form states: "Important! Please type or print using ballpoint", what it actually means is using a black ballpoint pen, not blue. Apparently, this was clearly written on a sign in the consular office, but, of course, it was written in Russian.
8. The two, identical, two-page forms that were meticulously filled out in blue, were the wrong size anyway -- the top and bottom margins were slightly too large.
7. Europeans must have health insurance for their visit, though it's optional for Americans.
6. You must have forms that that clearly prove that this insurance is current and valid for Russia.
5. Though the office is open in the afternoon, visa applications must be submitted in the mornings. This was posted in the office - in English this time - but nowhere on their website, and not in emails responses about visa submission and opening hours.
4. The required invitation from a Russian hotel company must be signed and stamped.
3. The dates on these invitations must match the start and end dates of your visa, even if you have proof of the tickets for the night buses you will be taking to Moscow and from St Petersburg showing your arrival and departure on the invitation dates.
2. Your visa must include both days you are on the night buses, because you cannot guarantee what time of night you will cross the Russian border, and if it's on the wrong side of midnight, they won't let you in/out.
1. Russian bureaucracy.
Here's to hoping that the fourth time will be charmed for us.
