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1,000 Rubles Is Better Than Being Detained Within 3 Hours
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Today I have more time to continue the story of the Russian cops (see my previous news), which happened to me and my repeat client from Germany on Red Square on 8th of February. But first I would like to supply you with some useful information about new registration laws in Moscow which came into force from January 15th, 2007.
All foreign citizens arriving in Russia must register their visa within three working days. If you are staying in a hotel, the administration of the hotel should register your visa for the period of your stay. Be sure to specifically request this service. Visa registration at the Moscow AFMS (Administration of Federal Migration Service) usually takes 1 working day or more. A hotel can make it the next day after your arrival as a confirmation of registration you get the lower part of the notification form stamped by the Authorities. Be aware, that because of changing the procedure and using new forms now it takes now more time to make registration. Prior to 2007 hotels or any inviting company could do it in 1 hour).
We had just passed the Resurrection Gates and entered Red Square from the North when we were stopped by two young policemen who asked for our papers. Living in Moscow, where from Soviet times there was always a strict policy towards visitors, I am used to this procedure, but honestly still don't like the process because you don't know how it could all end. . Unfortunately, a lot of Russian cops try not only to "Protect And Serve" but to find any petty irregularity and then give you a "hint" how this "situation" can be solved fast. Because nobody wants to be detained and then escorted to a police department where for the next 3 hours you have to make report and pay fines, the cops know that you will "pay" once they give you the "hint" how much and how to hand over...
Click here to read the full story. |
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Moscow, Russia 
Contact: Arthur Lookyanov