Russian Visa Duration
I have a Russian 3 year multiple entry visa, on which is written "за шесть месяцев" (for six months). The police here say that the visa duration is 3 months on, 3 months off, but have agreed to check on this.
On the Russian consulate site, it also says 3 months off, 3 months on (90 days in a 180 day period), but this is a contradiction of what is written on the visa.
I have found an article titled, "Historic Visa Agreement Enters Into Force September 9, 2012" (http://moscow.usembassy.gov/pr_visas-082912.html), which states that,
For Americans in Russia, the agreement lifts the previous restriction limiting stays in Russia to 90 days within any given 180-day period—just like Russian travelers, they will now be permitted stays of up to six months. In addition, “exit visas” will no longer be necessary in the case of U.S. citizens who lose their passports while in Russia. (Russian citizens may already exit the United States without an exit visa). U.S. citizens with current Russian visas are reminded that they are still subject to the terms and dates of the visas already in their possession.
Unfortunately, this is on the U.S. Embassy site and not the Russian Embassy/Consulate site. Even worse, it is written in English, which no one here knows.
(http://moscow.usembassy.gov/russian-visas.html)
In October 2007, the Russian government made significant changes to its rules regarding the length of stay permitted to most foreign visitors. Visas issued for 3 years allow for a 6-month uninterrupted stay in the country. The break between the intervals may be as short as one calendar day.
I suppose, then, I am asking if anyone can find an official document stating that a 6 month duration is valid, and especially something in Russian?
Best Answer
Found this press-release on russian version of the US embassy in Moscow (simply add russia.
to the URL of the release:
??? ??????????? ?????????? ??????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ? ?????? ?? 90 ???? ? ??????? ?????? 180-???????? ??????? ???????? ????. ??? ??, ??? ? ????????? ? ???, ?? ?????? ????? ????????? ?????????? ? ?????? ?? ????? ???????.
As you stated, it says that the previous restriction is lifted away.
Update:
On Russian Consulate in San-Francisco you can find a document with the Aggreement's text (direct link):
- ????????? ?????? ?? ??????, ??? ???????, ???????? ???????????? ???? ??? ?????????? ?? ???? ?? ????? 6 ??????? ? ???? ??????? ??????, ?????????????? ? ??????? 36 ??????? ? ???? ??????, ??? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ??????????: ?????????? ?????????? - ???????, ???????, ???????????? ? ????????????? ???? ? ???????????? ??????? ??????? - ???? ?1/?2.
It states that you can be in Russia up to 6 months since last entry date, and visa is valid for the 36 months (3 years). So, yes, you are right in the conclusions that you can stay in Russia for 6 months in a row.
Update #2:
??????????? ??????????? ??? ?????? (Russian consulate Department) site contains the agreement text:
???? ??? ?? 08.11.2011 ?46197/??
Regulation base for the US-Russia relations
Hope this helps for the police check, good luck with that. Don't give away your passport and call the consulate as soon as you can. Do not offer the bribe.
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How long is Russian visa valid?
Prices for Russian tourist visa invitationNumber of entriesVisa's validity periodProcessing time in 15 minutesSingle-Entryup to 30 days27Special-aim tourism*up to 10 days30Double-Entryup to 30 days35Multiple-Entryup to 90 days401 more rowCan I stay in Russia for 6 months?
In October 2007, the Russian government made significant changes to its rules regarding the length of stay permitted to most foreign visitors. Visas issued for 3 years allow for a 6-month uninterrupted stay in the country. The break between the intervals may be as short as one calendar day.How do I get a 3-year Russian visa?
The Russian Federation offers U.S. nationals the opportunity to apply for a three year multiple entry visa. To be eligible for consideration, the traveler must have a passport valid for at least three and a half years beyond date of first entry into Russia with at least two blank pages.How much time Russian visa takes?
It takes between 4 working days and 6 weeks to get your Russian visa depending upon the type that you need.Russia visa categories and visa Duration
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