Thanks for a fantastic time out here, fingers crossed I can get back out soon!

(Africamper)

home SiteMap Contact

Adventure Alternatives

The Expedition, Trek, Safari and Gap company. Professional, ethical adventure holidays around the world

Call us Today on 02870831258

Mount Elbrus – Visa, insurance and Flight Info

Visa Process for climbing Mt Elbrus for UK & European Citizens

You can book online here and send us your passport details online.

Once you have received your voucher and confirmation from us by email you will need to apply for a visa with a form. Some questions need to be answered on the form which we can help you with:

• You are applying for a normal tourist holiday visa
• Name of department - Kabardino Balykrie
• Places to visit - Terskol
• Name of tourist company is generally Star Travel (index no 1383) but check on your confirmation letter that it says this
• Answer 'yes' to having official insurance policy
• Make sure the dates for entry into the country on your visa form conform exactly to the dates that you can see on your voucher and confirmation slip.
• Make sure you fill in all details about work, position, work address etc fully

Flights

We try to make sure that everyone arrives on the same flight into Mineralnye Vody. Generally the most convenient timing is:
Day 1 of trip – Aeroflot 2230 London to Moscow
Day 2 of trip – Aeroflot 0910 Moscow to Mineralyne Vody
Day 12 of trip – Aeroflot 1250 Mineralnye Vody to Moscow
Day 12 of trip – Aeroflot 2045 Moscow to London
or 1845 to Dublin via Prague

You can book flights through Aeroflot by ringing Margaret on Dublin 01 8446166, from the UK it's 00353 1 8446166 or Fax: +353 1 8446353 and the email is: dublin@aeroflot.ie

On the plane you will be given a migration card to fill out, with normal personal details to be filled in for your arrival. You will fly into Sheremetevo Airport and it is a simple matter to hand over your passport and migration card there for stamping. You will need to go to transit and take a bus to a different terminal for the internal flight.

Insurance

The best organisation to go to which will sell you insurance for Mount Elbrus is the Austrian Alpine Club. You only need a standard policy.

Addresses of Russian Consulates

Russian Consulate in Ireland
186, Orwell Road,
Rathgar,
Dublin 14, Ireland
Phone: +353 492-3492, Fax: +353 1 492-6938

Russian Consulate in England
The Embassy of The Russian Federation,
Consular Section,
5 Kensington Palace Gardens,
London W8 4QS
Tel: 0207 229 8027, Fax: 0207 229 3215

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Edinburgh
58 Melville Street,
Edinburgh EH3 7HL
Telephone: 0131 225 7098, Fax: 0131 225 9587
If you are abroad and wish to find your nearest Consulate or would like more information on all Consulates please visit: www.russianembassy.net

Visa Services

You may wish to use a visa services company to take the time out of queuing. Simply give them the papers and a fee to do it for you! You can find these companies in the Yellow Pages or on the internet.

FAQ's on travel to Russia

1. What's the difference between a visa and a visa invitation?
   Both are necessary if you wish to travel to Russia. You need the invitation to apply for the visa itself. The visa is a document provided by a Russian Consulate, permitting your stay in Russia for a specific period of time, listing entry/exit dates and passport details. It is an exit permit as well as an entry permit: You cannot stay longer than permitted by your visa.
2. What happens if there is a mistake in my visa invitation?
   If we make a mistake in your visa application, we will correct it free of charge. Irish citizens note that the letter should use exactly the lettering in Irish if necessary that is on your passport.
3. What is a migration card?
   This is a form that you will be given at the Russian border. The form should be filled in before passport control, and will be stamped along with your visa by the immigration officer.
4. Will I need an HIV test to enter Russia? Or vaccinations?
   An HIV test is not necessary when staying for less than 3 months in Russia. No vaccinations are necessary to enter the Russian Federation.
5. Will I need medical insurance?
   It is advisable to have medical insurance coverage valid in Russia. Check your medical plan and request such coverage if you do not have it. Some Russian embassies may demand that you submit proof of valid travel insurance with your visa application.
6. How much money can I take with me? And what currency?
   You can order roubles at home and take them with you which is the best plan. We recommend about £50 for general drinks and souvenirs. Don't bother with traveller cheques since there are no banks in Terskol. There is one ATM that takes major cards and there is no foreign exchange bureau. Note that the snow machine driver does take euro or dollars for the drive up to Pastukhov Rocks on summit morning.