Hi, I will be applying for my business visa shortly. I have a question though...
On the uk Russian embassy website point 5 is -
5. Introductory letter from your British company (or from yourself if you are self-employed) giving full details of the traveller, destinations, terms and purpose of the visit. It must be indicated in the letter who is financially responsible for your stay in Russia. Self-employed applicants must show copies of their bank statements for the last three months.
I'm sure this has been loads of times before, I have searched but didnt find anything... Do you just make something up?
ie, I'm looking to import Russian goods into the uk? Or would it need to be more watertight. I understand that once in Russia its not checked but how much checking does the embassy do. I see many people manage to get the business visa so it cant be to hard... What reasons have you given?
Thanks for any help,
Sam
I think this is a new requirement and thus this question has not been asked before this.
I don't recall having seen any Russian consulate ask for bank statements from Westerners previously so I suspect that this is new and part of the policy to tighten up using business visas for tourist purposes. I am not sure that it will continue to be as easy as it was to get a business visa and use it for tourist purposes.
You should probably discuss this directly with the company from which you intend to purchase your business visa support. Ask them their recent experience with the UK consulates and what do they recommend that you write. Your invitation will be specifically from a particular company. Probably your letter needs to mention that company and include travel that is appropriate.
In the past you could write your own cover letter. Then I generally suggested that people keep as close as possible to the truth, but this seems to require more information and the possibility of being denied. Perhaps you aren't aware but occasionally they do require interviews for business visas. If so, be prepared for them to grill you further.
Ruth
Mmmm.. thanks for the info Ruth. At the mo I'm working for a large global company that also has an office in Moscow which I will be leaving in Jan. I might just 'borrow' some headed paper and write my letter stating that I am visiting our Moscow office and pretend its from my Manager.. Are they likely to call the contacts in Moscow to check?
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<hr> Your invitation will be specifically from a particular company. Probably your letter needs to mention that company and include travel that is appropriate. <hr></blockquote>
Would this be a company that I specify or one that is assigned to me by the visa support company (if the latter then the above would not work)
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<hr>Perhaps you aren't aware but occasionally they do require interviews for business visas. If so, be prepared for them to grill you further. <hr></blockquote>
Haha! that would be a real experience.. I wasnt aware of that, thanks for the info.
Has anyone had a Business Visa application rejected recently?
One more question... I have seen conflicting info on how far in advance you can apply for the visa support? One website says 45 days, another 90 days. I have emailed them both but not had a reply.
Thanks for your help, especially you Ruth!
Assuming that you apply for a business visa through the internet, the company will be supplied to you by them. It will not be one that you specify. If otoh you work for a company that has contacts in Russia, perhaps they would be willing to provide the necessary documentation.
I haven't heard of anyone being rejected but most of the people here apply for tourist visas, especially in winter.
How far in advance you can apply depends upon how far in advance you can get your visa support information. Generally support for business visas is NOT available until within 6-8 weeks of entry and sometimes even closer to the time of entry.
Ruth
Why not use a visa company in London to help you process your visa application. They will walk you through the form/requirements. I have used Intourist many times (http://intouristuk.com/index.php) they have given me very good service. The Russian embassy in London can be a nightmare their service includes submitting and pick up of your visa.
This sounds like a cheesey advert but it's not. I have no connection with them.
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