Closer to Moscow

I guess I’ll have to deal with that visa for Russia soon. Since the news about Bono’s back surgery, I think most fans have been a bit careful with booking flights and hotels. The same goes for me. I’m the kind of person who wants to have everything set and ready to go as soon as possible. Gives me peace of mind. Still there are obvious disadvantages in booking things too soon and unable to cancel.

There are Russian consulates in Stockholm, Gothenburg and also in Copenhagen. First problem is that I cannot apply for a visa sending the forms, certificates and my passport to the consulate. The documents have to be presented to the consulate by me personally. Travelling from Malmö to Stockholm or Gothenburg is quite an expensive mission. Copenhagen will cost me about Eur 10 one way from Malmö. I’ll have to leave the documents there, go home, wait for about 10 days and then go back to pick it up. I think the consulate fee for the tourist visa is about Eur 50. So, it should all add up to about Eur 100.

I spoke to a travel agency here in Malmö. They charge Eur 140 for a visa and I think that is the best option for me. A bit more expensive but still ok. Also, I believe that it’s more likely to be granted a visa if the documents are handled by the agent. The news on Bono recovering makes me more confident, so I’m off to get a passport photo for the application form.