Visas

This is perhaps the most fundamental issue at the time of preparing this trip independently. If visas for China and Mongolia (the latter of transit) show no unusual requirement, Russian visa has its particularity. Although no one be alarmed, with time and the collection of reliable information is relatively easy to obtain.

To obtain a Russian tourist visa is required, among other things, two important documents, a "voucher" and a foreign tourist confirmation or invitation. The "voucher" is a document written in English (although it may be in Russian) and in it are marked the accommodations where we will spend the night in Russia and the data related to the agency which facilitates the documentation. The invitation for its part is a document written entirely in Russian with a voucher-like content, but we also specifies the type of visa you have requested. Both documents dealing with the case's own property where we decided to book, or also through an agency in Russia. Once in hand all necessary documents are sent to the Russian embassy, where it is necessary to ask for day and time, yet not always ensured that you receive. More simply be handled through a travel agency specializing in Madrid or place of residence. After a week you have formalized a Russian visa in the passport. Note that once in Russia need a visa registration, management provided us accommodation. My three trips to Russia I've done to date have been made with the same procedure without any problems.

In 2005 I planned to cross Belarus, requiring a transit visa to cross the country. In the absence of diplomatic representation in Spain, I had to send my passport (with the Russian visa and previously processed) to the Belarus Embassy in Paris, although I suppose any other city would have been diplomatic representation. As a transit visa requirements are relaxed enough and you get, therefore, easily within 15 days.

ATTENTION: Any person who enters into Russia by land through border posts bordering Belarus, the surprise will be that there is no customs control at these points. This is because plain and simple "no diplomatic border" between Belarus and Russia, carrying out the sealing of the entry Russian visa in Belarusian territory (eg in my case at the border between Poland and Belarus on the journey of 2005) .

Will be another surprise, this time unable to get nasty by the Russian customs agents migration card compulsory for all foreigners entering Russia. Once in Russia will have to fend for it, the Consulate of Spain in Moscow has no competence in this area (if any in the case of passports), but the consulate staff will do their best to help you and give you the administrative procedures with the relevant Russian entities. Discover for yourself the administration and operation of the Russian bureaucracy (see story). One way to enter Russia by train no surprises of any kind is by Ukraine, Estonia and Finland. Of an easier way, this possibility of error is eliminated on a plane.

The Chinese visa is not a major problem. China's consulate in Madrid issued with minimum requirements, and within a week you have the appropriate visas.

In my original trip was scheduled to pass through Mongolia, so I did not bother to inform me about the corresponding visa. Irkutst Once the plans changed and I had to make the spot visa processing. Mine was a transit (in any case its duration was 4 days) and gave me overnight without further delay. More information for a tourist visa.

The total price of the 4 visas totaling about 280 €. Avoid agencies that specialize in visa arrangements operate abusive prices for a service that you yourself can do with time and a little patience. It is highly recommended, I would say essential, always carry passport-sized photos, you never know when you might need in case of some urgent paperwork. In my case it was very important.