Sep 01, 2009: Fingerscan Re-use/Appearance Waiver for AmCham Members

Any person renewing a B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa issued in Russia on or after 06 November 2007 with an expiration date within the last 12 months, may qualify for a waiver of personal appearance at the Consulate.

If the employee qualifies for the procedure, he or she should submit the original passport containing said visa with the visa application forms and the consular fee through the company’s courier to the consulate any working day, except Wednesday at 12:00.

Please note:

·         The standard issuance is a multiple entry visa valid for 12 months. If the applicant would like to request a multiple entry visa valid for 24 months, the courier should be ready to pay the additional $100 reciprocity fee at the time of the application. The reciprocity fee is refundable and will be returned through the Consulate cashier if the visa for two years is not approved.

·         Photos must be taken within the last six (6) months. If the applicant submits a photo used in a visa issued more than six (6) months ago, the application will not be accepted.

·         If the Consulate determines that for any reason the applicant is not eligible for a personal appearance waiver, he/she will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

·          If the applicant qualifies for the appearance waiver program, the visa processing will take approximately 3 working days.

This option is currently available only for B1/B2 visa applicants; candidates for other visa types are not included into this program yet.