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Good news (for a change) on the Russian visa regime. I confirmed today that
it is possible, fast, easy and cheap to be registered at a private home --
regardless of whether you have a PRIVATE or BUSINESS visa.
All you need do is go to the nearest post office with the following
documents:
- Your Passport
- Your Immigration Card
- Your Host's Russian Passport
- Less than 300 Roubles
If the post office isn't busy, everything can be done in about 40 minutes,
but to speed things up (and to prevent problems in case there are 'technical
issues' with the post office photocopier -- or if they don't have one),
better to bring the following as well:
1. Have copies made of the following documents:
a. Copy of visitor's passport main page.
b. Copy of visitor's passport visa page.
c. Copy of visitor's migration card.
d. Copy of host's passport main page.
e. Copy of host's passport home registration page.
2. There is a standard application form - the same as used by hotels. It can
probably be found on-line, but I don't know the URL. This form should be
completed in duplicate.
3. Small fees for postage, envelope, submission, forms, etc. - totaling less
than 300 Roubles.
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Basically, you fill out the application form (2 sides -- and in Russian only
-- even though it appears it can be done in English). The data is entered
into the computer. The post office gives you the tear-off from one of the
application forms with their stamp. The document copies and other
application form are sent to OVIR by postal mail.
(At this time, I don't know whether or not OVIR sends anything back -- but
as long as you have the stamped tear-off, you're good to go.)
The main drawback to this is that someone who is registered at the flat you
are staying with has to be with you for the registration (and bring their
passport). The main advantages are that it is 1,000 times faster and easier
than going to OVIR and 10 times cheaper than even a hotel or agency would do
it. You don't relinquish your passport, and get the registration
IMMEDIATELY. If you have all the copies and application done in advance, you
could be out in minutes.
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