Tourism in Russia has seen rapid growth since the late Soviet times, first inner tourism and then international tourism as well. Rich cultural heritage and great natural variety place Russia among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country contains 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while many more are on UNESCO's tentative lists.
Major tourist routes in Russia include a travel around the Golden Ring of ancient cities, cruises on the big rivers like Volga, and long journeys on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway.
Most popular tourist destinations in Russia are Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the current and the former capitals of the country and great cultural centers, recognized as World Cities. Moscow and Saint Petersburg feature such world-renown museums as Tretyakov Gallery and Hermitage, famous theaters like Bolshoi and Mariinsky, ornate churches like Saint Basil's Cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Saint Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Blood, impressive fortifications like Moscow Kremlin and Peter and Paul Fortress, beautiful squares like Red Square and Palace Square, and busy streets like Tverskaya and Nevsky Prospect.
Bairdstravel`s guide to getting a Visa for Russia.
Tourist Travel to Russia
- Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay
- Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel
- Russian Visa is Required
- Vaccination - None Required
Russian Tourist Visa
This visa type is issued to tourists who have booked accommodation in Russia for non-business reason. Tourist visas are issued for a maximum of 14-30 days (check with your local Russian Embassy or Consulate). A tourist visa is best when you know exactly where and how long you will be staying without diverting from your planned itinerary. For a tourist visa to Russia, you must have confirmed accommodations or transit information for every night of your stay in the country.
Before you go near Consulate you must have a Tourist
Visa support Doc .This is done over the net . and sent to you as an attachment to an e mail . I used company below.
http://www.waytorussia.net/Services/VisaSupport/Tourist.html
Tourist Visa Support
- We need complete passport information and dates of visit to Russia
- Invitation and voucher would be prepared same or next business day depending on your urgency and send to you by fax to any country in the world
- To obtain your visa, present the invitation and voucher at a Russian Embassy or Consulate
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After you have printed this attachment . You need to get your self a return envelope for important documents out of the post office . Tell them what it for and they will know the right envelope .
Cost around £5
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You are now ready for the final stage.
Take your Passport,Visa support doc ,
return envelope, flight details,hotel details ,
cash [must be cash] phone 441312259587 for latest cost and one passport photo to the Russian Consulate near you .
They will return your passport in seven days
RUSSIAN CONSULATE Edinburgh
Address: 8, Melville St., Edinburgh, EH3 7HF, UK
Phone: +44 131 225-7098
Telex: -
Fax: +44 131 225-9587
E-mail: visa@edconsul.co.uk
ALL DETAILS ARE CORRECT ON 2008