Trying to get all my $hit together for a trip to Russia. The Russian Embassy website says I need a cover letter to go with the visa application. Does anyone know where to download one or can I write it myself?
Thanks,
Cam

I don't ever recall needing a cover letter. Humm.. There was 2 forms however. One you needed to fill out if you were a male of a certain age.

I made a quick one. My name, date, purpose of visit, and documents enclosed. But nobody looked at and I think it was even given back to me. But yes, the website does mention the cover letter. I wouldn't stress about it. However, Russian citizens are always asked to write a cover letter asking the general consulate by name what service they would like to have performed. Some kind of old fashion perjury prevention request system. Most Russians write them out by hand on a blank piece of paper.

Cool one less thing to worry about. Thanks

Oh the Embassy website says to mail everything to Washingon DC I live in Calif should I mail it to San Fransisco or DC.

You should certainly mail your application to San Francisco. That is the consulate for the region you live in.
Go to http://www.consulrussia.org/ for the details.

Thanks

One of my duties at my previous job was to make Russian visas for German citizens. They never asked for cover letters at Russian consulate in Berlin. What they really wanted was an invitation from Russia, and passport that would be valid for at least another 6 months. And you've better apply in advance, since it's more expensive when they stamp your visa in a hurry (same day processing or even "three-five business days" vs. ordinary 10 business days).

I don't think there is much difference between Russian consulate in Germany and in US.