Recent LPR with an Unusual Question Concerning Travel

[bkromka 0]

If this is the wrong forum/subforum to post this question in, I apologize in advance.

Here is my story.

I came to the US when I was 5. I'm 26 now and only recently became a LPR. I have a question regarding the risk in traveling to my country of birth considering I am still bound by the legal age of conscription in my country (Russia).

I am a College graduate, a somewhat successful entrepreneur and a backgammon champion It would be a shame to lose all that since it's all so dependent on my being here.

I haven't seen my relatives in close to 20 years... it would be nice if I didn't have to wait any longer and I could simply fly down and see them. I have only one grandparent left, and outside of my parents, no family here.

So that's my question. Am I free to go there? Or would they stop me as soon as I cross the border and force me into the army?

And to make things even more complicated, I plan on traveling on a RP (reentry permit). I don't have a NP (national passport) - I don't think I ever did. I'm also somewhat reluctant to make one. Is Russia one of the territories that would accept that in lieu of a passport? I think I read somewhere, yes.

And finally, do I need a Visa to travel to Russia? Considering that my RP will say 'Russia' as my country of birth/citizenship?

[ceadsearc 515]

How long are you planning to go? You only need a reentry permit if you will be gone a year or more.

Your questions about the Russian army are probably better suited for the regional forum - you'll likely get more answers there.

I'm not sure if Russia will allow you in without a passport but the airline in America probably won't let you on the plane and you'll need a passport AND your green card to return. If you're Russian you won't need a visa, though.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

If this is the wrong forum/subforum to post this question in, I apologize in advance.

Here is my story.

I came to the US when I was 5. I'm 26 now and only recently became a LPR. I have a question regarding the risk in traveling to my country of birth considering I am still bound by the legal age of conscription in my country (Russia).

I am a College graduate, a somewhat successful entrepreneur and a backgammon champion It would be a shame to lose all that since it's all so dependent on my being here.

I haven't seen my relatives in close to 20 years... it would be nice if I didn't have to wait any longer and I could simply fly down and see them. I have only one grandparent left, and outside of my parents, no family here.

So that's my question. Am I free to go there? Or would they stop me as soon as I cross the border and force me into the army?

And to make things even more complicated, I plan on traveling on a RP (reentry permit). I don't have a NP (national passport) - I don't think I ever did. I'm also somewhat reluctant to make one. Is Russia one of the territories that would accept that in lieu of a passport? I think I read somewhere, yes.

And finally, do I need a Visa to travel to Russia? Considering that my RP will say 'Russia' as my country of birth/citizenship?

You are an LPR, not a citizen, correct? You are a Russian citizen and need a Russian passport to travel so NO you will not need a visa to enter Russia. You can go through one of the Russian consulates in the USA to get a passport. You will need a Russian International Passport to travel from the USA to Russia and back. The National Passport (internal passport) can be used for travel within Russia and for travel to most FSU countries. You can probably also get that at the Russian consulate

I thought the age of conscription ended at age 25 in Russia? Perhaps I am wrong. As a US LPR you are required to register for the draft here in the USA if between ages 18-26 For our Ukrainian sons they received a conditional permanent deferrment from the Ukrainian draft board (or equivilent thereof). As long as they remain US residents and registered for the draft, Ukraine considers their obligation met. That is UKRAINE,I do not know if Russia is the same. The consulate could advise you

Google "Russian Federation Consulate in the United States" find the one that serves where you live and go from there

Edited April 4, 2012 by Gary and Alla