Russian visa, Transsiberian & football hooligans

TeaBoy_2

me and a couple of mates r planning on a jaunt round europe and asia. got a couple of questions...

1. whats the best way to go about getting a cheap flight from bosnia to moscow?

2. whats the craic with visas for russia? how do i get one, how much, how long they take? (we only visiting for a week or 2)

3. hoping to catch the england game in moscow but not sure if we'll be able to get tickets for the away end, would it be suicidal for a group of young, (drunk but friendly) englishmen to be in with the locals?

4. we'd like to get the transsiberian express to beijing but someone told me its fairly expensive nowadays. is it worth it? or will we be bored stupid for 6 days? can u get cheaper trains all that way?

cheers

p.s. any other tips appreciated.

BernadetteN

I can only help you with no 2.

The best way for a first timer to Russia to get a visa is to use an agency - unless you have a private invitation to Russia, you will have to pay some third party at some part of the process for a visa. I got 5 private visas for Russia processed in a week recently, almost a miracle as I was advised to get them at least a month before travelling because the Russian Embassy in London has such a poor reputation. Whatever you do, don't leave it to the last minute as the prices soar by the hour for last minute visas.

http://www.rusemblon.org/logon_en.htm

See the agencies mentioned on the following website which gives you information on train travel in Russia too:

http://www.seat61.com/Russia.htm

If you want advice about travel to Russia and watching England play Russia, post something on the following website :

http://www.expat.ru/forum/index.php

Voyager2002

Most people enjoy the train ride to Beijing. And yes, you could save a few bob by taking local trains (probably more interesting too). The most scenic part of the line is supposed to be the run into Vladivostock, which you would miss if you headed off into China.

Remember that if you take the most direct train line, crossing Mongolia, you will need visas for Mongolia. And of course you will need visas for China as well.

cundall

transsiberian - i was getting quotes of 250US that about 140 pounds for a seat though i want a bed. I will do this via local trains as i am stopping along the way though i dont think i will pay more than 200 pounds.

TeaBoy_2

cheers for the replies. think i'll get the local trains.

can i get visas for china n mongolia when i get there or do these need sorting firsst?

Sam_Bee

TeaBoy wrote: »

cheers for the replies. think i'll get the local trains.

can i get visas for china n mongolia when i get there or do these need sorting firsst?

Sort China out before you travel! Mongolia... not sure. Sure all is easily googled...

jmarko

Sam_Bee wrote: »

Sort China out before you travel! Mongolia... not sure. Sure all is easily googled...

Definitely sort Mongolia out before you get there otherwise you won't get in. It is a very friendly place but their immigration people are a breed apart!