[mehro]

Someone in the newbies posted this.

For anyone going to Moscow, I have just received this from one of the travel companies laying on planes. Hope it helps anyone who is planning on going -
Russian Embassy in London has authorised Russian National Tourist Office to be its exclusive visa processing partner for supporters travelling to the UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow.

Therefore Russian Embassy will NOT accept applications from general public and agents for this event. All visa applications must be processed through Russian National Tourist Office only.

Due to the expected high volume of Russian visa applications, the Russian National Tourist Office can only accept POSTAL APPLICATIONS. We highly advise to use special delivery service for the post. We will only accept payment by credit/debit card or Postal Orders (payable to Russian National Tourist Office).

Special arrangements are in place for people obtaining match tickets through the club.

If you have match ticket or electronic confirmation that you have it.

The following documents are required:

Current passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months after visa's expiration date and has at least 2 blank pages
One recent passport size photo glued to the indicated space on the application form
Copy of a match ticket or a confirmation from the club the club that you have it allocated
Completed Consulate Questionnaire (must be completed online). Click here to do it now
Procurement fee is £65.00 including consulate fee + £5.00 postage fee for return special delivery service.
Processing time is 5 working days. Due to high volume of applications Russian Embassy can not accept express applications.

Please check our and Embassy’s websites regularly for the updates.

If you are travelling independantly or do not have match ticket.

Current passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months after visa's expiration date and has at least 2 blank pages
One recent passport size photo glued to the indicated space on the application form
Completed Consulate Questionnaire (must be completed online). Click here to do it now
Procurement fee is £95.00 including consulate fee + £5.00 postage fee for return special delivery service.
Processing time is 5 working days. Due to high volume of applications Russian Embassy can not accept express applications.

Please check our and Embassy’s websites regularly for the updates.

Visa Information hotline: 0208 242 4104

[AhmedDimwitson]

Originally Posted by wolfshead

I'm flying to HELSINKI AND hitching it to moscow
I may not be able to sit down but I'll enjoy the game anyhow

take the train to Moscow from Helsinki. A mere 15 hours and 100 euros one way.

[A1Dan]

Originally Posted by mehro

Someone in the newbies posted this.

That's just what has been on the visitrussia site all day. Basically means you can pay £100 and get it giong now, or wait and see if there's a way you can persuade them you have a ticket and get the £65 one.

[dicko]

Sorted.

Leave Sydney on Saturday for Helsinki, 20 hours flying and a four hour stopover in Hong Kong. A night in Helsinki then a one hour flight to St Petersburg. Fly to Moscow on Wednesday and out on Thursday morning. Return from St Petersburg to Sydney on Friday, flights and stopovers about 26 hours. Cost 6500 Australian each. Match tickets 1500 pounds each from a tout I know (hope he gets the tickets).

I'm taking the missus because I cant justify spending that on myself. We got married last year and its her birthday next week. I've told her its a romantic trip to St Petersburg as a belated birthday present. She doesn't believe that!

I cant afford it but I regret missing 1999. For reality there's cash, for evereything else there's Mastercard.

[A1Dan]

Originally Posted by ralphie88

According to the BBC there'll be a deal struck tomorrow regarding Visas along the lines of the Ticket with your name on = Visa. The only doubt is whether it will apply to those, like myself, travelling independently. It appears that the Russians want us bussed straight from the airport to the ground. I think they're going to have a shock.

Fingers' crossed. The fact that I am relying on (a) UEFA, (b) United and (c) Russian beaurocracy does not fill me with much hope.

I think this may be the cause of the problem - the Russians had anticipated everybody being on official trips, and now don't know what to do abouth the thousands who have booked their own transport...

[gaffs]

Originally Posted by mehro

Someone in the newbies posted this.

For anyone going to Moscow, I have just received this from one of the travel companies laying on planes. Hope it helps anyone who is planning on going -
Russian Embassy in London has authorised Russian National Tourist Office to be its exclusive visa processing partner for supporters travelling to the UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow.

Therefore Russian Embassy will NOT accept applications from general public and agents for this event. All visa applications must be processed through Russian National Tourist Office only.

Due to the expected high volume of Russian visa applications, the Russian National Tourist Office can only accept POSTAL APPLICATIONS. We highly advise to use special delivery service for the post. We will only accept payment by credit/debit card or Postal Orders (payable to Russian National Tourist Office).

Special arrangements are in place for people obtaining match tickets through the club.

If you have match ticket or electronic confirmation that you have it.

The following documents are required:

Current passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months after visa's expiration date and has at least 2 blank pages
One recent passport size photo glued to the indicated space on the application form
Copy of a match ticket or a confirmation from the club the club that you have it allocated
Completed Consulate Questionnaire (must be completed online). Click here to do it now
Procurement fee is £65.00 including consulate fee + £5.00 postage fee for return special delivery service.
Processing time is 5 working days. Due to high volume of applications Russian Embassy can not accept express applications.

Please check our and Embassy’s websites regularly for the updates.

If you are travelling independantly or do not have match ticket.

Current passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months after visa's expiration date and has at least 2 blank pages
One recent passport size photo glued to the indicated space on the application form
Completed Consulate Questionnaire (must be completed online). Click here to do it now
Procurement fee is £95.00 including consulate fee + £5.00 postage fee for return special delivery service.
Processing time is 5 working days. Due to high volume of applications Russian Embassy can not accept express applications.

Please check our and Embassy’s websites regularly for the updates.

Visa Information hotline: 0208 242 4104

A1Dan posted the same info today or yesterday.

I think we should wait until an official announcement is made, hopefully tmrw.

[A1Dan]

Originally Posted by dicko

Sorted.

Leave Sydney on Saturday for Helsinki, 20 hours flying and a four hour stopover in Hong Kong. A night in Helsinki then a one hour flight to St Petersburg. Fly to Moscow on Wednesday and out on Thursday morning. Return from St Petersburg to Sydney on Friday, flights and stopovers about 26 hours. Cost 6500 Australian each. Match tickets 1500 pounds each from a tout I know (hope he gets the tickets).

I'm taking the missus because I cant justify spending that on myself. We got married last year and its her birthday next week. I've told her its a romantic trip to St Petersburg as a belated birthday present. She doesn't believe that!

I cant afford it but I regret missing 1999. For reality there's cash, for evereything else there's Mastercard.

Well done pal - good on yer!

What's the visa situation from oz then?

[mehro]

Originally Posted by dicko

Sorted.

Leave Sydney on Saturday for Helsinki, 20 hours flying and a four hour stopover in Hong Kong. A night in Helsinki then a one hour flight to St Petersburg. Fly to Moscow on Wednesday and out on Thursday morning. Return from St Petersburg to Sydney on Friday, flights and stopovers about 26 hours. Cost 6500 Australian each. Match tickets 1500 pounds each from a tout I know (hope he gets the tickets).

I'm taking the missus because I cant justify spending that on myself. We got married last year and its her birthday next week. I've told her its a romantic trip to St Petersburg as a belated birthday present. She doesn't believe that!

I cant afford it but I regret missing 1999. For reality there's cash, for evereything else there's Mastercard.

Sounds like some expensive fun.

[gaffs]

Originally Posted by dicko

Sorted.

Leave Sydney on Saturday for Helsinki, 20 hours flying and a four hour stopover in Hong Kong. A night in Helsinki then a one hour flight to St Petersburg. Fly to Moscow on Wednesday and out on Thursday morning. Return from St Petersburg to Sydney on Friday, flights and stopovers about 26 hours. Cost 6500 Australian each. Match tickets 1500 pounds each from a tout I know (hope he gets the tickets).

I'm taking the missus because I cant justify spending that on myself. We got married last year and its her birthday next week. I've told her its a romantic trip to St Petersburg as a belated birthday present. She doesn't believe that!

I cant afford it but I regret missing 1999. For reality there's cash, for evereything else there's Mastercard.

Fair play mate - that's one hell of a route to get to Moscow - Sydney > Hong Kong > Helsinki > St Petersburg > Moscow. Hope you get a ticket.

Are you English?

[dicko]

Originally Posted by A1Dan

Well done pal - good on yer!

What's the visa situation from oz then?

I went to The Flight Centre Wednesday lunchtime and said I wanted to be in Moscow on the 21st. The bloke laughed and said Russia was just about the hardest place to get a visa for. His mate told me to try the Russian Travel Centre (ph (02) 9262 1144). I went there and they got everything sorted.

I only went to make enquiries because IF Liverpool got there I MIGHT go. The emotion of the occasion got the better of me.

[dicko]

Originally Posted by gaffs

Fair play mate - that's one hell of a route to get to Moscow - Sydney > Hong Kong > Helsinki > St Petersburg > Moscow. Hope you get a ticket.

Are you English?

I hope I get the tickets as well. there is limited time between the tickets being issued and me leaving Sydney. I will probably have to pick them up at my hotel in St Petersburg.

Yes I am English. I was born in Bahrain where my parents worked for the oil company then had 10 years in Birkenhead and four in Chesterfield been in Oz since 1982. Miss the football like hell but nothing else.

[BahamaRed]

Just got this in from Coles travel. Too much for me I'm afraid. With the $ exchange it would cost me $7,000 to make the trip. No way I could persuade the wife on that one. Unless........

[Wibble]

I'm in a similar bind. I can only afford to go if I get a ticket at face value which is unlikley at this stage. My usual source (you know who you are ) is pulling all the stops out but it isn't looking good.

[manux399]

Seems like it's going to be a logistical nightmare. There's three of us going from Dubai on the 19th-22nd. Flights are good price workout about 300quid via Emirates. I've got a Russian travel agent booking the hotel and Visa (hotel will provide the visa for us). We've got two tickets and like most others trying to get more..! Keep you posted if we get more tickets and any spare.

[didsbury1982]

I'm going to have to admit defeat on this one I think. I just dont earn enough to be able to get hold of that amount of money so quickly. Plus i'm hoping to get a season ticket next season so definately can't afford both. Have fun lad's i'm sure it'll be fucking brilliant!

[Marching]

Don't know how helpful this is but it might give some people some ideas...from Manchester airports site...

Travelling to Moscow for the European Final?

There is plenty of choice on connecting flights when flying out of Manchester Airport;

Brussels Airlines via Brussels
http://www.brusselsairlines.com/

Swiss Airlines via Zurich
http://www.swiss.com/

Lufthansa via Frankfurt
http://www.lufthansa.com/

Air France via Paris
http://www.airfrance.com/

KLM via Amsterdam
http://www.klm.com/

Finnair via Helsinki
http://www.finnair.com/

SAS via Copenhagen
http://www.flysas.com/

Useful Information
Please note you will need a visa to enter Moscow. http://www.visitrussia.com/

Search our flight-booking engine for the latest fares - Book Now
http://www.telme.com/tc.dll?ac=retur...7-1MA5P1R5U6-A

Search Hotels in Moscow - Book Now
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/m...otelsWorldwide

[A1Dan]

Originally Posted by dicko

I only went to make enquiries because IF Liverpool got there I MIGHT go.

YSB!

[gaffs]

If you want to go and have not got your flight yet, then get them sorted now.

The flights i got from Vienna to Moscow have more than doubled in price since Wednesday.

[Quinny1999]

Depending on what people are prepared to pay then you can get flights direct with Independent Travel, £799. This is what I have booked, direct from Manchester (or Luton) with tranfers to the city centre where bars have been ear marked for taking over and then transfers back to the airport after the game for the flight back.

Dear do but beats fackin about.

[dicko]

I only went to make enquiries because IF Liverpool got there I MIGHT go.

Originally Posted by A1Dan

YSB!

I'll rephrase that.

I made enquiries AFTER we had won because I thought I MIGHT go if we were playing Liverpool. I had NO intention of going if we were playing Chelsea.
The excitement of the occasion got too much and I booked anyway.

[VII]

I'm just wondering about this today. Roman Abramovich basically has the police under his direct orders in the whole of Russia.

Would it be unreasonable to think the police are not going to treat United fans and Chelsea fans with the same kind of courtesy?

I know I'll definitely be ordering the police to make sure no United fan come into any kind of trouble if I were him.

You guys going to Moscow better be on your very best behavior I think.

[A1Dan]

I think we're all aware of that potential, though I'm sure it's a slight exageration to say that "Roman Abramovich basically has the police under his direct orders in the whole of Russia". I'm sure he has strong elements of support amongst the security forces, but apart from anything else, the government hate him, and I'm sure they must still hold some sway.

[A1Dan]

The visa thing is really starting to piss me off. The total lack of consideration for the fans astounding.
Where the feck is this "announcement"?
And (given that VisitRussia say to get applications posted today) in the absence of a proper annonucement, can UEFA and the clubs not issue some kind of interim statement to give fans some guidance? If they're confident that there's no rush and we should wait for their famous announcement, can't they at least put that on their websites?
Twats, the lot of 'em.

[Quinny1999]

Originally Posted by A1Dan

The visa thing is really starting to piss me off. The total lack of consideration for the fans astounding.
Where the feck is this "announcement"?
And (given that VisitRussia say to get applications posted today) in the absence of a proper annonucement, can UEFA and the clubs not issue some kind of interim statement to give fans some guidance? If they're confident that there's no rush and we should wait for their famous announcement, can't they at least put that on their websites?
Twats, the lot of 'em.

Agree totally, the announcement was due yesterday, now they are saying today or tomorrow. Fackin joke, especially for those who are not in a position to send there passport off. If 40,000 send their passport off, there are bound to be a few hundred that don't get them back in time or that go missing in the post.

Pain in the ass and I can see why people will cancel there tickets due to this and the flight prices.

Well n truly facked off with the whole situation

[Marching]

It's staggering that this visa issue hasn't been sorted!

The final was always likely to have included at least one English team so why wasn't something sorted before now.

[VII]

Are you sure? From what I know he's a close ally/supporter/henchman of Putin.

If they really hate him he will be thrown into jail like Mikhail Khodorkovsky or in asylum like Boris Berezovsky, Mikhail Gutseriyev & Vladimir Gusinsky instead of being the governor of Chukotka. Anyway I doubt the police wanna get on his bad side if all it take is for him to get his aide's aide's secretary to make a phone call to seriously fuck up their career or even thrown into prison.

Not saying I'm an expert but I'm very worried for our fans as obviously we seem to be on a disadvantage here, in fact everything is against us.

Anyway really hope each and everyone of you guys come back safely with a big grin on your faces.

Some links I found.

http://www.moscow-life.com/moscow/russian-visa

http://www.moscow-life.com/

[A1Dan]

Champion Sport just sent this out. Looks like people on charters are sorted (apart from those who’ve already applied as per yesterday’s instructions!).

Still doesn’t seem they’ve got a clue what they’re doing with the rest of us…

Visa Announcement

We can confirm that customers travelling on charter flights with officially recognised tour operators will have their Visa requirements waived.

Officially recognised means by the Police

As our company is an agent for ATOL protected operator we come into this category

We can confirm that these negotiations or on going and will update you as and when information is available.

We ask people not to send any visa details anywhere until we can confirm today or tomorrow that this applies to:

Day Stop
2 night Stay
3 Night Stay

We believe it will cover all three options but we need it confirming. Please be patient don’t panic and wait for us to confirm

[Quinny1999]

Originally Posted by A1Dan

Officially recognised means by the Police

We can confirm that these negoti