Is it less expensive to obtain visas for the different
republics in the US or in the republics themselves? Does
each republic require letters of invitation? Can these be
obtained from aquaintances rather than travel agencies?
[There are 4 posts - the latest was added on Thu 20 May, 18:22]
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Hi, Me again.
I would say that if you have definite travel plans(i.e. have
a set of firm dates/places) you should get them at home.
This would mean that you have to deal with an overseas
embassy and they are more likely to do things "by the book".
In Central Asia(or in some of the CAR's embassies in the
third world) they are a little bit more random, which can be
good or bad, but you will not know until you get there and
it might be annoying to find out what they have in store for
you. Also, remember that the Central Asian countries issue
visas with specific entry/exit dates(not the whole one month
entering within the next 3 months biz).
Consider that Kyrgyzstan will probably the easiest(there are
rumblings in Bishkek to be concerned about, keep posted).
Uzbekistan is tough, but it is probably easier there than
here(really). Turkmenistan is a real toss up-- never very
easy, but there is no good way to improve your luck, so just
take your chances.
As far as invite is concerned, you will certainly need one
if you get them at home. If you get them in CA, you might
not, but expect it to take longer(Kyrgyzstan might not care)
and they might just drag it out...
hayr,
Yawn
Yawn, what do you mean by "rumblings?" I thought there were
political problems (if that's what you mean) in UZ, not
Kyrgyzstan.
First of all, please do realise that all parts of the former
Soviet Union are unstable. Much more so than places like
Iran. The question is how immediate and acute are the
dangers that that instability causes. As you can guess,
that is a very fluid equation. So always have an exit
strategy...
The issues in Kyrgyzstan are multiple, including the trials
of Uzbek and Uighur opposition movements from neighborhing
countries. Also, there has been a power struggle among some
top politicians and a steep currency devaluation. Add this
to previous problems and there is the RISK(no, it won't
always happen) of a real blow-up. There is a very recent
State Department Advisory(admittedly, there advisories are
always made on the sort of "worst case scenario basis")
about Kyrgyzstan.
My recommedation is keep abreast of news from either the BBC
website, or better yet, check out usenet for
clari.world.asia.central for the latest wire service stories
from that corner of the world. It just makes sense to
anticapte danger, so you can be prepared.
good luck, be smart, not scared,
Yawn
For China, the cheapest way is to get the visa in HK, which you will get within 24h (or the same day but then...it is more expensive..)
Good luck
France