This is certainly going to make life easier for all of us! The following announcement has just been made by the CIBT about this long-awaited update to Russian Visa applications:
The Russian Embassy has confirmed that there will be a new online visa application form from the 1st July 2011. The new form will completely replace the current online form and its aim is to make the process of completing the application form online as simple as possible for the applicant (please note there is no new “manual” application form).
Although the form can be found on the VFS website, please be aware that it will not be valid until July 1st. Applicants using this form before July 1st will find their application rejected by the embassy. The form is online on the VFS website only for test purposes currently.
Also:
You may have heard rumours about the Russian Embassy introducing biometric requirements in order to issue visas soon; although this is currently in discussion, there are is no implementation date set as yet and no further details.
We hope to hear more about this later in the year; we’ll keep you updated.
Don’t forget though, if you are cruising to Russia you don’t need to apply for a visa yourself at all. As long as you join an organised shore excursion from the ship you can enter the country on the ships visa – so much less hassle!