I've been to Russia many times before but never 3 times in one year. I've never had any problems with customs or passport control. never even any questions asked. Weird, huh? Well, I'm going back to Moscow for one last visit before Sasha gets her visa. On September 27th I'll leave from Richmond. I don't see why it would be bad for the American fiance to visit the Foreign fiancee, but so many times might get close attention. Is this bad? Should I say i'm going to see my fiancee or say I'm visiting my girlfriend again. Surely, they will ask me what I'm doing this time. My passport is filled with Russian visas. They even know me personally at the office for www.russiavisa.com by my first name when I call them. Crazy, huh? I swear I think there's only 3 guys that run that office in D.C. and they're all foreign, but not Russian....go figure! Anyway, thanks for your time.

I don't think you need to worry about it. I was going every 5-6 weeks at one point in time. They won't think anything of it.

Every trip is additional evidence for your interviews for visa and proof that you have a true relationship. If the border guards and immigration officers start saying something like "Its nice to see you again Jason, I hope the weather at home is nice, did your mothers flu get better?" then you have made too many trips, other than that just relax its all good.

I'm not sure how they look at it when you apply from the US for a Russian visa, since I only did that twice with student visas. Since I finished studying in Moscow, I've been going to Russia every three months, usually on tourist visas since it's the fastest and easiest for the short trips I make. I have been applying recently only from Poland. Last week when I applied for my visa to go to Russia Aug 22-27, they were asking me all sorts of questions (in Poland you have to apply in person), and were curious why I kept going so often, using a tourist visa and not a homestay visa from my family or friends. In the end it worked out, but you should keep in mind that they could start to get suspicious. Hopefully you won't have any problems though...Though it's true that the more trips, the better, as far as evidence of your relationship goes.

Milena

should be ok

good luck!

Cool! Thanks all. I figured it was no harm. Just wanted some more input.

I went once a month for over a year to visit Andre. Never had any issues. You have a bonafide reason to be going that often.

As long as you are within the rules for the visa(s), I would say "what's to worry!!"

From a visa standpoint, no, you're not going too much. You can go as often as you like.

From an American household standpoint, I don't know if you realize it or not, but all the money you're using to go to Russia is going to possibly be needed in the near future. I'm sure if you're flying to Russia three times a year you have a little bit of money saved up. But, once you get your "household" established, you may say to yourself "$#!T dude, maybe I should've saved that $3,000 I used for that trip and bought her a car so she could go to work and see her friends and have an independant life."

Just food for thought. If you're wealthy enough..... don't even worry about it.

Tickets from US to Moscow are not all that expensive.

Rika

Honestly, I don't know how you guys do it either. You all must be retired or lottery winners

Seriously though, I'm jealous of you people getting to travel so much. I am not nearly 'rich' enough, nor could I miss that much work. You are very fortunate people, and I wish you all the best!

I've done lots of international travel. Most of it for work. It is not as glamorous as it sounds, since after that Sunday night redeye you need to be at work at 9:00 AM, 2 hours later. When you are logging 100,000+ miles a year, the miles end up covering most of the trips you would ever want to take.

The cost of travel 'for fun' is mostly the lost income from work, not from paying the airfare. Taking a month off for us was a struggle - not from the cost of the trip, but the month of no work.

Travel is a great experience, but only for a while. I tried to find work out of college that would have me on the road all of the time. It was great for the first 6 months. When you *have* to do it, it is a real pain, and begins to interfere with the rest of your life.

Just my 2 cents.



Take a job that involves being on the road. Petroleum engineers, emerging market investment banking, state dept, journalism, aviation, and specialized engineering disciplines are examples of people who are frequently working overseas. If it is something you want to do, it isn't that hard.

Jason,

I had heard or read somewhere about flags being raised if traveling three or more times to Russia in a year; however, I used to go more often than that before Ksenia moved here, and I was never questioned about it. Slim has a point, but I say - go if you can afford to. It is a lot of money, and you want to be smart in that regard, but you also want to develop your relationship as much as possible before she moves to the USA - for your own benefit - not necessarily for the US Embassy interviewer to notice. Best of luck to you.

Traveling to Russia so often is not gonna raise any American flags. But if I were you I'd think what the Russian side might suspect... I know it's not Cold War times any more but the guys watching Russian homeland safety only changed their name, not the matter of their job. I don't know though, maybe three times is not enough... Just an idea...

Thanks everyone for the input. Slim makes a great point. One that I have thought about many times. True, would be wise to set that money aside and keep stashing it away for us later. But we see this as a neccesity. While we're apart, we dont care too much about money. Only each other's company. I'm not a rich man, but I am living comfortably. And Sasha will never need to worry about having a car. She's already got one here. I usually save enough for my trips in a month or so from my earnings. I'm quite fortunate to have a hard working fiancee. She has offered to buy the ticket this time. And since we share everything, I figured...why not?? Besides, she's got a great job translating for Sony Pictures in Moscow. makes what I make here in the States, nearly. I'm a waiter in Williamsburg. Doesn't sound that great, but in fact its one of the best places for tipped workers on the East Coast. Not only can i control my income, but I can easily set aside money, hiding it from myself. You know, its funny. So many college grads in Williamsburg, yet they all still seem to earn more in restaurants and resorts. Sad, really. Anyway, I find it quite affordable to travel to Russia very often. I just wish I would've used the same airline each time. I'm a miles member for three different companies and if I were to combine all those miles I'd have my next two trips for free. Should have thought about this years ago. Oooops.

I think its very important to keep our love fresh and frequent visits are really what keeps us counting the days with smiles on our faces. Was only concerned that someone would stop me and seriously question my motives. Or maybe even make our visa process troublesome. i didn't know. But if it can't hurt, I'm going. In 50 days from now to be exact!

Go by all means. We don't think very logically when we are in love, sometimes. Slim was astute about the costs and savings, but what can you do when you heart says go.

Is it too hard to get multiple visit tourist visas now? I know that it has saved me a bunch of hassle and money traveling to Ukraine. Of course, Ukraine is not Russia.

Have a great time and let her family know how good you will care for Sasha. She will be stuck here for a while after arriving so it could be a while. My wife was very anxious to return to Kyiv and see her mother and friends after being gone for 1 1/2 years.

But, she was very happy to return to her home in America.

Correct me if I'm wrong but US Passport is all that's needed to enter Ukraine now. No Visa required. Or should I say no pre-entry visa required. I guess the stamp in your passport becomes your visa.

It's true to go to Ukraine you don't need a visa, as long as you aren't staying longer than 90 days:

http://www.mfa.gov.ua/usa/en/1609.htm

Obviously you couldn't work or anything But it sure makes it easier to visit, than having to apply for a Russian visa...

A visa is essentially a document that gives you permission to formally request permission to enter the country. For now, as it relates to Ukraine, your US passport alone can act like such a document. Your US passport will allow you to request one authorized 90 day stay every 6 months. If you wish to travel more frequently than this, then a visa will need to be requested.

The stamp in the passport is your indication that you have been granted permission to enter.

By all means, if you have the money..... go!

And seriously, if I were you, I would consider moving there instead of her moving here! Colonial Williamsburg (right Williamsburg?) is cool and all, but Modern Moscow is the $#!T!!!! If you guys could have a nice life there... do it!!!

Those jobs all suck once you're married. They're awesome for a single guy (especially one in Russia.... ah, to be single and in Russia!) but for a "family man" they're horrible.

If you're looking for a good single guy job (or a high-paying married guy job) you can jump on Monster or CareerBuilder or a like site and enter the keyword "IRAQ". There's a whole bunch of opportunity for growth there. (The wife probably won't go for that one though!)

The question was how to travel a lot, not a good job for being married. And that is a trick question, as there is no good job for being married. In that case, you either won't make enough, or be home enough.

slim, you're too funny, man. I would love it if we weren't planning to have children. I'd just rather raise them here, not in Williamsburg. I love Williamsburg. if you're a resident you know all the "other" things to do around here. I spend so much time at the beach. Williamsburg is just a cash cow for me now. Its very easy to earn lots of money in this city. Its just one big resort. We plan to move west after we're married. But not for 3 years! Ughh. And no, I dont think she would go for me taking a job in Iraq. Not going that route. Been there, done that. Long long time ago. Well, not really Iraq. Kuwait, immediately following the Gulf War. I wouldnt return to that region unless I had to for some reason.

Regarding visas for Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has only allowed Americans to enter without a visa for just over two years now. They relaxed the requirement when the country hosted Euro Vision in May 2005. Prior to that time you needed a visa to enter each time.

How funny, your worried about too many trips to Russia to see your SO. I'm worried for only seeing mine once, which will be exactly one year ago from our interview date. We didn't even meet in Russia. We both wanted to go some where romantic and were we had enough things to keep us busy, so we decided on Hungary, Budapest. Turned out to be the best thing I ever did in my life, well ok second best thing, the first is yet to come when we are side by side and getting married.

That's got to be tough. I dont know how you can go a year without seeing her. The longest sasha and I were ever apart was 8 months and we vowed never to go that long again. So now we try to be together every few months at least. We got so spoiled living together for two consecutive summers. I'll keep going even if this process takes longer than expected. I'm already planning my next trip for the holidays. When we filed, we thought there was a chance she could be here by then. But in the last few weeks we've seen a real slow down with the processing. So, we're already planning for New year's in Moscow. well, Times Square will just have to wait until 2008!

I am more fortunate than most, my former job took me on business to Novosibirsk, my wife's city, rather frequently -- in fact that's how I met her. And it looks like my current job will do the same, although perhaps not as often.

So, I'm planning my 15th or so trip to Russia in the last 5 years. I got my next multiple entry visa yesterday, and leave for the first business stops (in the Netherlands) on 31 August. I will spend a week with my wife in Moscow at the time of her interview.

So, three trips in a year seems not excessive to me, as long as the financial drain is tolerable and sustainable.

I liked Novosibirsk. Was there for only one day, but it was a nice city. Cold as hell in January though.

You're right about that, just being married is a hard enough job!



My wife and I went five years without seeing each other, then over a year during the visa process. Now I see her every day.... (I'm not gonna lie though, there are times that I wish I didn't see her for 8 months!)

All I can say with this is enjoy your "singleness" now. You won't have much "me time" when she gets here.



Is your wife worried about you being all alone in Novosibirsk after you're married? "Oh, you met me there.... maybe on your next trip you'll be looking to meet someone else?"

My job includes trips to Moscow, Isreal, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. But when I go it never really feels like a trip or vacation, so I don't count it.

Yo Slim, Why did you spend 5 years without seeing each other? Had you not met in person yet or something? I can't see why anyone would put themselves through that. 5 years?!? Sasha and I cant go 2 months without getting physically ill from being apart. You're very patient. Good for you. When was the last time you went to Russia?

If you have a business visa you should not say that you coming to her you might have problems.Say you come for business.otherwise you own a house here who cares why u coming,u coming to ur own property.
Usa embassy does not care what kind of visas u used to see sasha.

Slim, you are too funny!

(And, btw, I met her on my very first trip to Russia, five years ago.)

Seriously, I think my frequency travelling there and length of time there, with this job, will be fewer and shorter than in the last job. And I imagine that at least a couple times a year, she'll accompany me there and then stay on for a bit after I return, so that she can have more extended visits with her family. Who knows, maybe I'll need her there as a translater

I do not understand either how people can go without seeing each other for so long...Crazy!
Longest we went without seeing was 3 months and i was in panic crying and depressed..I just cant be apart for so long..
Slim must be really annoyed by russian rule to wear "Tapochki"lol

We met while I was in the military (stationed in Korea) and didn't really get a chance to meet again until after I got out.

I went to Russia (for the first and only time) in June 2005.

Well, I just purchased my tickets for this next trip in September. Finally! It always feels alot better when I have a definite date to look forward to. September 27th. It usually takes me several days to actually purchase my transatlantic tickets, because I have this habit of researching every flight and details. For my past few trips I've found Delta to be the most direct, cheapest and shortest for my routes. by far. My frequent flier miles are piling up...

I do, personally, know one man who has been visiting Russia three times a year for the past six or seven years. His last trip was to visit his latest girlfriend for the third time. Other than the basic questions, he has never been questioned coming in or out at passport control. However, his girlfriend WAS questioned weeks later. The ФСБ called her into their office and questioned her as to her relationship with the man. The made it clear they wanted to know why he visits so often. They told her details of conversations she had with him over the telephone and e-mail. She told the ФСБ, he had visited her three times for the purpose of determining whether or not they desired a future marriage. They asked her if she was going to marry him to which she replied, "I consider, no." (This is true, as they were breaking up on this visit.) They informed her he is being "monitored" as a possible "threat." They went on to say, be aware if he contacts you, we are listening.

I was in Kazan' at the time this happened with Alla. His lady was very upset and worried for him, herself and even us, as we all had supper together one night. To date, they have not invited her back to the office for any further discussions. I will be curious to see what happens to the guy when (if) he returns next time.

Wow what a story..Is he a spyer or something?Or you think fsb is tracking everyone who is dealing with foreigners?
I am just shocked and its funny because i feel sorry for guys that listened to our coversations lol ..Must have been hard after all they heard to concentrate on work:))))

I think if I were the ФСБ, I'd consider him potential spy material too! I'd wonder why someone needs to travel to Russia 2-3 times a year for six years just to visit! Especially when he arrives as a tourist and not to conduct business. How many times to need to see Russia? He has been to many cities and visited many ladies over this time period. From what I know about him, he is overly picky. No lady he ever meets is quite, "good enough." He's almost 50 and never been married.

I don't think they monitor everyone that deals with a foreigner over there. I'm sure it is only connected to the fact that he visits so often. They just want to know what this guy is really up to!

This is a classic case of "reciprocal monitoring."

The U.S. has become quite interested in monitoring phone calls, e-mails, and international travel of all foreigners in the last couple years and doing whatever they want with it. Russians have always "monitored" foreigners, but now, the FSB has a carte blanche to do whatever they want, becuase after all, the Yanks are doing it.

As long as American citizens aren't extraordinarily "rendered" while in Russia, there will probably be no issues (officially) with this "reciprocal monitoring."

I dont have problems to be listened since I am not doing anything criminal:)Actually I am sincerely happy that our governments taking care of Us that much:)At the end its great they take time to check both sides before issuing K visas..Its very fair..at least we know we not dealing with criminals..Otherwise how Russian girls should know if they been just bulshitted?Moreover I think this guy should not be able do such a castings here..I bet he broke bunch of hearts so enaugh,let him stay in the USA and support American manufacturer:)there women know what he is all about:)Because at the end it looks like he is not in love he is just Looking for the best candidate to serve him,what the hell?
But if the person honestly going to see his girl that he loves he should be able to go through easier process.the problem is Russian guest visa takes very long to arrange-about 2 months and then it costs bunch of money and efforts such as quing up for hours...

As I told my buddy, who was all for "giving up my rights as long as I'm protected"....

It's great for now. For now that they're checking on Islamic Extremist Terrorists. But what about when the "target of monitoring" becomes fat, white, bald-headed Irish guys, and you no longer have the right to say "NO!" because you gave up that right when you "allowed" them to monitor "Islamic Extremist Terrorists?"

When you "allow" the government to do something in violation of the Constitution, you set them up to "legally" violate your Constitutinal rights whenever they feel like it. And if they can do that, why have a Constitution in the first place?

Don't give up your rights willingly. Too many people died to protect them. Just because it's PC right now or because the media is telling you one thing doesn't make it right in the long run. Think that over before you "allow" yourself to be monitored.

Slim,

I agree with the part about Constitutional rights and of course I want to have my privacy in normal life.
But right at the moment when we apply for such visas i think they should make sure you are not a scam.. and not dengerous for american society and same refers to all countries..They should know what people they let in,but then again when i think of mexicans i get angry..Not that i am racist or nacist..
they dont even feel like they have to apply for visa they just walk in..Its not fair!

Not fair because how close they are? If you wait for the "deep freeze" in winter, you can walk from Kamchatka to Alaska. (Then you've got a helluva walk to the lower 48, but it's possible. Doesn't matter though, because as AKDiver reminds us all the time, Alaska is part of the U.S!!!)

Hahaha I"d rather stay warm at home eating Borsh lol

This is not true. I have never waited more than 2 weeks for my visitor visas to Russia. And never paid more than 160 dollars. I order mine online and simply send the passport to DC. I get it back ready to go within 2 weeks.

I do the same and have the same results. If I wanted to pay a little extra I could get 24 hour service (plus shipping time) I use www.russia-visa.com but another good one is GoToRussia. Russia-visa is great on communicaton, has online tracking and when FedEx goofed up a visa for a friend at the last minute they busted their tail to make sure he had it in time.

I am the only the one on here apparently who has has a lot of success with the private visa. My fiancee would pay about 400 rubles, fill out some papers, stand in line, wait about 2 months and then send me the invitation. I filled out the basic application form, took my passport, and her invitation, plus $100 to the Russian consulate and got the visa. Since all my trips were planned at least 6 months in advance this was not an issue. But the biggest benefit for me was that the visa was easy to register (no need to pay a company or a hotel), was good for 90 days, and I didn't pay any company anything extra.

Russia-visa is by far the best, in my opinion. They are located only blocks from the Russian Embassy in DC. Takes them only about 5 or 6 business days to complete. Plus, they will provide you with an invitation for only a few extra bucks. You just cant beat it. I've used them many times. And now my orders are complete with just a click of the mouse. Their system allows you to save your personal information, email your application and payment. Simply drop your passport in the mail and in a couple weeks ready to fly.

This is definitely the cheapest way to do it, but there's also a lot of "leg work" involved here. Remember, you're talking to a society of people who build special windows on the side of buildings to enable high school flunkies to pass greasy burgers and fries to rich people too lazy to exit their vehicles because they don't want the "inconvenience" of getting out, walking in, standing in line, then walking back out to their cars every time they order fast food.

Plus, your fiancee had to pay money (roughly $16) then go somewhere and wait in line. She had to send it to you, again go somewhere, maybe wait in line, pay money (only an international stamp... maybe $1). Then, after patiently waiting on post office mail, you had to go somewhere (not all of us live close enough for a "personal visit" to a Russian consulate.... or speak fluent Russian for that matter) wait in line, and then paid $100 for the visa. So, all in all, both of you had to leave home, wait in lines, pay $117, and you end up with a visa that you again have to wait in line to register, albeit, for free.

So, in reality, with the home-stay visa, you're saving yourself $50-100 but you're waiting in line and doing all the "leg work" yourself. I know very few Americans willing to do "leg work" over the course of a few months to simply save themselves $50. Hell, they won't even do "leg work" to get a greasy cheeseburger with a side of fries.

I side with you on this one, Satellite, but you're not going to get too many takers. Just the nature of the game. I will be contacting you prior to my next trip to Russia for more detailed instructions. Now that my fiancee is here and has become my wife, I've been doing a whole lot more "leg work"!!!! (Not being mischievious, she's just encouraged me to quit being so lazy all the time.)