[topcatcole]

Champions League tickets applications are on sale now at the address above. For general information go here: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl...etter&att=html

Tickets are pretty expensive. 200 euro + 40 euro service fee this year for sideline.

You have until March 19th to apply.

[antifan]

Is it that time of year again? I better sign up, just in case.

[The Wisdom Cube]

I've been thinking going to the CL final, but I was concerned about the hassle apparently associated with getting a visa while not knowing whether I would actually get tickets (probably wouldn't knowing my luck in these ticket lotteries).

Originally Posted by US State Dept

U.S. citizens must always possess a valid U.S. passport and appropriate visas for travel to or transit through Russia, whether by train, car, ship, or airplane. It is impossible to obtain a Russian entry visa upon arrival. Travelers must obtain visas well in advance of travel from a Russian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or in a third country. Travelers who arrive without an entry visa are not permitted to enter Russia and face immediate expulsion by route of entry, at the traveler’s expense. Foreigners must apply for Russian visas in their country of citizenship, unless they have permission to stay for more than 90 days in the country where they are making the visa application.

*****

Sponsorship: Under Russian law, every foreign traveler must have a Russian-based sponsor (a hotel, tour company, relative, employer, etc). The official sponsor is listed on the visa. Generally speaking, visas sponsored by Russian individuals are “guest” visas, and visas sponsored by tour agencies or hotels are “tourist” visas...

Even if a visa was obtained through a travel agency in the United States, there is always a Russian legal entity whose name is indicated on the visa and who is considered to be the legal sponsor. It is important for travelers to know who their legal sponsor is and how to contact that sponsor. Russian law requires that the sponsor must apply on the traveler’s behalf for replacement, extension, or changes to a Russian visa.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1006.html

Anyone have experience with getting a Russian entry visa?

[antifan]

Originally Posted by The Wisdom Cube

I've been thinking going to the CL final, but I was concerned about the hassle apparently associated with getting a visa while not knowing whether I would actually get tickets (probably wouldn't knowing my luck in these ticket lotteries).



http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1006.html

Anyone have experience with getting a Russian entry visa?

I don't have any experience myself. But i don't think it's too tough to get. And there should be plenty of time to get one after you've found out if you were successful in the ticket lottery.

[Schu419]

man, I am SO close to Russia (At least relative to the States), but there's no way I can go since my teaching holiday begins the 23rd and not the 21st! SOO frustrating

Unless....did anyone here go to Moscow for our game last season? Is it reasonable for me to fly out of England on Tuesday afternoon and get back Thursday evening?

[topcatcole]

Originally Posted by The Wisdom Cube

I've been thinking going to the CL final, but I was concerned about the hassle apparently associated with getting a visa while not knowing whether I would actually get tickets (probably wouldn't knowing my luck in these ticket lotteries).



http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1006.html

Anyone have experience with getting a Russian entry visa?

You will have about 45 days after you get the e-mail saying you have tickets to get the visa. I have friends who recently went and it took them about two weeks by mail. If you are in the DC, NY or SF (and there may be other cities with Russian consulates) metro areas I am told you can appear at the embassy or consulate and get it within two days.
As for the sponsor, as soon as you have hotel reservations, they will take care of this for you. I think the Russians just want to know you have a place to stay and that they won't be picking you up off the street. It is also possible that there are special arrangements being made for the CL Final.

[Red Agave]

Originally Posted by Schu419

man, I am SO close to Russia (At least relative to the States), but there's no way I can go since my teaching holiday begins the 23rd and not the 21st! SOO frustrating

Unless....did anyone here go to Moscow for our game last season? Is it reasonable for me to fly out of England on Tuesday afternoon and get back Thursday evening?

I went and it could be possible to do the trip out Tues, back Thurs - likely to be expensive though. If you check some of the internet sites for flights, as well as direct flights from the UK, look for flights from Germany which are often a lot cheaper. Loads of flights from UK to Germany and train system is good there if you need to switch airports.

There are travel agents in London who will get you a visa/hotel sorted in about 3 days for a handling fee of about £60 - well worth it.

[Detlef]

Originally Posted by Red Agave

I went and it could be possible to do the trip out Tues, back Thurs - likely to be expensive though. If you check some of the internet sites for flights, as well as direct flights from the UK, look for flights from Germany which are often a lot cheaper. Loads of flights from UK to Germany and train system is good there if you need to switch airports.

There are travel agents in London who will get you a visa/hotel sorted in about 3 days for a handling fee of about £60 - well worth it.

Judy, what airlines are you targeting for flying from Germany?

[Red Agave]

Originally Posted by Detlef

Judy, what airlines are you targeting for flying from Germany?

Hey Doug,

German Wings and Air Berlin are the main ones. They fly from quite a few other European countries too. There are some different budget airlines that fly from Italy too.

[topcatcole]

As a reminder to everyone, applications are due on Wednesday.