How quick can you arrange Moscow break for me?
What are my steps to arrange a city break in Moscow?

1. Go to visas form and send us your details for preparing Russian tourist visa papers (voucher and confirmation). We will prepare the papers quickly and email them back to you.
    

2. Browse our site and give us an idea of dates, hotel class, location, places and events you would like to visit, or any other services you require. We will offer you several good options and give you the package cost. The online calculation is not precise. Inquire with us for details via e-mail or on the phone
    

3. Pay online for your trip on our dedicated payment page with Adventure Alternative which is the UK administrative centre of our operations. You will then receive a receipt and confirmation of your trip.
    

4. Book your flight and inform us of your flight details so we can arrange airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel of your choice.
    

5. Once the visa invitation papers have been issued to you take them to your nearest Russian consulate and apply for visa. The tourist agency of ours is Star Travel. Please fill in all relevant sections. You can receive a Russian visa on the same day if necessary.
    

6. If you want to discuss your trip in person call Adventure Alternative in the UK on +44 2890 701476 and speak to Gavin, Chris, or Andrew. Or call Andrey Panin direct on 007 095 209 9256.
   Contact us

What's the difference between a visa and a visa invitation?
The visa and visa invitation are two different things, but both are necessary if you wish to travel to Russia. You need the invitation to apply for the visa itself.
The visa is a document provided by a Russian embassy or consulate, permitting your stay in Russia for a specific period of time, listing entry/exit dates, vital information and passport details. Your Russian visa is an exit permit as well as an entry permit: if you stay longer than permitted by your visa, you will face problems when leaving the country.
However, Russian consulates and embassies require that you must first be 'invited' to visit Russia by a firm or travel agency. This invitation to visit comes as a document issued by a licensed travel agency and will be sent by email to you following receipt of your passport details.
The cost for providing this visa invitation letter is included in the cost of your expedition.

 
Do I need a visa?
Yes, most foreign nationals are required to have entry visas to travel to the Russian Federation.
Do I need a separate invitation and visa for my children?
If your child is travelling with you, is under 16 years old, and is listed on your passport, then your child may enter Russia with you sharing the same visa. There is no need to obtain a separate visa (and hence no need to obtain a separate visa invitation) for your child in this case. Simply inform us of all details if you are planning to bring your child with you who will be able to travel to Russia without the need for an additional visa.

What happens if there is a mistake in my visa invitation?
If we make a mistake in your visa application, we will correct it free of charge. Please inform us immediately if there is a problem. Irish citizens note that the invitation letter should use exactly the lettering in Irish if necessary that is on your passport.

What is a migration card?
This is a form that you will be given at the Russian border (or on the plane if arriving by air). The form should be filled in before passport control, and will be stamped along with your visa by the immigration officer. It is essential that you keep the migration card safe for the duration of your trip, as it must be handed in upon departure.

What if my passport or visa is lost or stolen in Russia?
If you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport (and visa attached inside the passport), you will need a new exit visa. First of all you must contact a local police station and make a request for an official document confirming that your visa was stolen. Then you should contact whoever provided your invitation (or the local representatives). Only your visa sponsor can process an exit visa for you.

Will I need an HIV test to enter Russia? Or vaccinations ?
When planning to stay in Russia for over 90 days make sure to obtain an HIV test certificate. You may be asked to display it to medical officer at a Russian border checkpoint. An HIV test is not necessary when staying for less than 3 months in Russia. No vaccinations are necessary to enter the Russian Federation.

Will I need medical insurance?
It is advisable to have medical insurance coverage valid in Russia. Check your medical plan and request such coverage if you do not have it. Some Russian embassies may demand that you submit proof of valid travel insurance with your visa application.

How much money can I take with me?
There is no limitation on the amount of foreign currency to be taken to Russia. Just mention in your customs declaration all your currency over $500 and other valuables, including objects of art, which you take into the country. Keep your customs declaration to present it upon departure.

Are traveller cheques accepted in Russia?
It is better to take cash and credit cards rather than traveller’s cheques. While cash machines (ATMs) are found throughout major Russian cities, traveller’s cheques can be hard to cash, and are often subject to expensive fees.


Payment Schedules

The application can be sent online but will only be confirmed on receipt of a $100.00 deposit.
This can be a cheque made out to Adventure Alternative Ltd which is the parent company, and sent to the Belfast office:

31 Myrtledene Road, Belfast BT8 6GQ, Northern Ireland.

Please contact us for details

Note: please ensure you put your name in the reference box when you make your transfer in order that we can trace all funds to the correct person.

On receipt of your confirmation for the expedition you can pay instalments on the balance as long as all payments are finished by at least 2 weeks prior to your departure date.

All finances for your expedition will then be handled in-country by your Moscow guides. Check individual expedition briefs for extra money to bring e.g. personal spending money.

All clients will be receipted for any monies accepted and kept secure in a client account held in the UK. Clients should read and understand the booking terms and conditions.

Payment can also be made online through our Paypal system