fighting the red bellied serpent of bureaucracy

Replies: 3 - Last Post: 04-Mar-2007 12:09 Last Post By: everbrite

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glinstiger

03-Mar-2007 16:47
Posts: 5

fighting the red bellied serpent of bureaucracy

Hello-

I am planning on travelling to Mongolia by the trans-siberian railroad. I would like to be able to travel freely, and decide where to go next while in Mongolia, possibly China. I have cleared all outside obligations to allow for unlimited travel, but I keep running into a huge red brick wall that has the capital letters BUREAUCRACY transcribed above it. It seems like I have to plan everything out in advance to obtain the necessary visas (to go to China, for instance). I am already having one heck of a time trying to get a Russian visa, and now, if I want to go to China, it seems like I'd need to arrange this several months in advance. And all these countries that require a visa, also seem to want you to send your passport to them for a lengthy period of time. Since I only have ONE passport, I don't know how I can manage going about without a schedule (which is my preference) and still travel to all these countries without planning everything out months in advance. Any suggestions for a first time global traveller?

mario

bmta

03-Mar-2007 18:39
Posts: 8,941

to start with using brains! how do you expect a sensible answer if you dont give full detals?
1.WHICH nationality? may make all the diff!
2.WHERE do you apply?
3.most likely (as its mostly ignorant USers that pose this) youre completely wrong re china.

so you believe anything - on the news? on TV? in your guidebook? on this forum? good luck then - you'll need it!

everbrite

04-Mar-2007 12:08
Posts: 16,252

From Mongolia you have two choices if you plan to leave by train: Russia and China. The country only has borders with these two countries. And there is only one border crossing between China and Mongolia at the Zammin Uud/Erlian border. All other border crossings with China are open only to local residents.

Even if you decide to fly, your choices are quite limited. Only four companies depart from UB's international airport: Air China, Aeroflot, Korean Air and MIAT, the local airlines.

As noted above, when asking visa questions it is imperative that you indicate your passport and where you are thinking to apply for a visa.

Chinese visas do NOT require that you preplan your trip. While it is true that Russia does legally, there are ways around this.

Ruth

First check: Everbrite's travel pages, the New RU sticky,and New RU train sticky

Since I have taken the time to answer your question, it would be nice if you took the time to respond as to whether the information was helpful.

everbrite

04-Mar-2007 12:09
Posts: 16,252

PS for advice on obtaining a Russian visa, it is all spelled out here: New Russia Sticky

Ruth

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