Former Soviet Union: Traveller's Guide
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.How tricky is it to visit the former Soviet Union? The short answer is "very". In the olden days of the USSR, getting a visa wasn't a bundle of fun, but at least when you finally got one it covered you for your entire itinerary around the Soviet Union.
Every visitor to Russia needs a visa. The Russian Consulate is at 5 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QP (tel 0171-229 8027; fax 0171- 229 3215). It opens only 10am-12.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You need to have travel arrangements booked to get a visa, and to supply evidence of this from a tour operator based in Russia. To avoid the hassle, you can get your visa organised by a specialist tour operator.
Getting there: Flights to Moscow or St Petersburg cost about pounds 300 return through discount agents such as Regent Holidays (0117-921 1711) and IMS Travel (0171-224 4678). If you want to fly direct to Samarkand, the best contact is Uzbekistan Airways, 72 Wigmore Street, London W1H 9DL (0171- 935 4775), or a specialist tour operator.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments