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International Passports and Visas in Russia: real experience from chats

From real experience

how-toFor Australian visa biometrics in VFS Global (e.g., Yekaterinburg, Russia): Arrive 30 minutes early for forms.
Priority may be given to UK visa applicants if present. Essential documents: printed barcode form, VFS Global appointment confirmation, international passport, and Russian internal passport (mandatory for ID, even if not explicitly listed). Procedure includes photo and fingerprints (pinky fingers often problematic). Payment is accepted via card or cash. Total time: ~20 minutes. Cost: 1936 RUB (by appointment), ~3500 RUB (walk-in). VFS Yekaterinburg operates 09:00-14:00, Moscow VFS 09:00-16:30.
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tipRussian citizens can legally possess two valid 10-year foreign passports simultaneously.
This is highly recommended for frequent travelers, especially when applying for visas (e.g., Schengen), as the primary passport is held by the consulate for the duration of the application process (which can take 1-3 months, with Italy potentially up to 2-3 months). A second passport allows uninterrupted international travel to visa-free countries, business trips, or application for other visas during this waiting period.
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how-toTo schedule an appointment for a VNJ (residence permit) application at a Russian visa center in Moscow: 1. **Initial Contact:** Submit your application and request an appointment (e.g., for the 25th of the month) via Russian language correspondence. 2. **Response Delay:** Expect a delay in response.
If you haven't received a proposed date after some time, consider sending a follow-up inquiry. 3. **Visa Center Role:** The visa center will eventually offer available appointment slots. 4. **Scheduling:** You will be able to select your preferred appointment date from the options provided by the visa center.
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ruleThe process for obtaining documents through the embassy in Moscow involves several steps: application submission, review, notification for scheduling, and finally, an appointment.
The total time frame can extend to approximately 4 business days. Applicants need to submit a request, wait for approval, and then schedule an appointment. It may not be feasible to complete the process within a short visit of 1.5 days. It is advisable to apply in advance and schedule an appointment for a date when the applicant will be available in Moscow.
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how-toBrazilian citizens in Moscow can renew their passports following a specific procedure.
Applications and forms can be completed in advance. However, scheduling an appointment for the new passport is only possible once the current passport reaches its one-year mark. The in-consulate processing time is approximately 40 minutes. It is recommended to prepare documents early but adhere to the scheduling timeline based on the current passport's anniversary.
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ruleSince January 2026, Russian minors under 14 are required to hold their own valid international passport (zagranpasport) to travel abroad, including visa-free countries like Kyrgyzstan.
Travel based solely on a birth certificate is no longer permitted for crossing the Russian border. Airlines and border services enforce this strictly; children must have a passport with their own photograph to be registered for a flight.
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tipVFS Global document copy requirements vary by city: Moscow often accepts one set of copies for joint travelers, while Kazan and Yekaterinburg may require individual sets for each applicant.
Always bring extra copies to avoid high on-site printing fees at the visa center.
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serviceRussian 10-year biometric passports allow usage of e-gates at Bali airports (Ngurah Rai), significantly speeding up the entry process compared to 5-year non-biometric passports, which require manual processing at immigration counters.
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caseIn Moscow, Russia, document processing times can take approximately 9 calendar days based on recent user experience.
This information is relevant for advising users on administrative procedures and expected waiting periods in the city.
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