Russian visa application - criminal record

[rosco]

Quick question for anyone who can offer advice.

An acquaintance of mine called tonight asking a question regarding the RF visa application process. He’s going with a group of friends for the Scotland Russia game later in the year.

He’s unsure about whether to declare his criminal record on the application. It was a petty record from back in 96 when he was boy but he wouldn't like to be turned around at immigration.

I reckon he’s best not declaring it considering the time and the offence was minor. Declaring it might end up seeing him visiting London and going through interviews etc. I’d doubt its on any database either. He got into the US ok.

Thoughts?

[andrewfi]

I am sure that the visa issuing folks can do a CRC. So, if it would show up on there then lying about it will not be good. If the offence is spent and no longer shows on a CRC then it'd seem sensible to not refer to on any document, including a visa application.

The other thing to remember is that Russia makes a distinction between little stuff and big stuff. So, if this was little stuff and still on a CRC, mention it and hope that it is considered 'little' by whoever grades the application.

Lying about matters that are in the public record would seem pointless and not likely to be gotten away with.

[Markje]

Its also about:

- How often does this person travel to Russia? If often, i'd not risk hiding that fact.

- Whats the worst that can happen if he is arrested and this floats up and he lied about it?

Mark.

[Manny]

There will be lots of people travelling for the football and they will be issuing lots of visas.

If he declares it, he may have to travel down to London or somewhere for an interview.

If its spent, I’d not mention it.

[BillyB]

It was a petty record from back in 96 when he was boy but he wouldn't like to be turned around at immigration.

I wouldn't sweat a petty record. Lots of people have a petty record. Many nations will seal the records of minors after they become adults. Check your nation's rules and if the records are sealed, nobody will find out what bad he did as a kid.

[Guile]

I wouldn't declare it..odds are they won't check his record from that far back.

[Steveboy]

For absolute sure Do not mention it.. they have no right to check that information and never do..

Actually they do not check any info.. for example they ask your national insurance number.. they never check that and have no right to Check it .. They ask for your employer .. they also never check that and have no right to even call your employer to check your status.. they ask for your employers phone number.. they have no right to call your employer and your employer sure is not going to give confidential information over the phone.. I know several people who put all sorts of stuff down.. even made up employers .. they just check entry dates match visa application dates mostly..

If you do own up to having a criminal record I doubt if it will make any difference for you to get called up to the Russian consulate office you need to of done some thing pretty bad..

I had a criminal record or a few actually from my younger days all spent .. nothing much just fun stuff after a few drinks.. I never put any of that info on years back.. I also over stayed a visa and got fined for it.. I put that info in years back and never made any difference ..

Same goes for Tourist vouchers attached to your visa application if your staying with a friend or NOT at the hotel specified on the tourist voucher , that is also never checked..

Not sure if you should declare the truth if you have ever been a terrorist though ..

[rosco]

Thanks guys.

For a single trip, in and out over a few days, I’d be pretty surprised if they’d check up on stuff like this. I’ll pass on the info and give him Steveboys number in case of any problems at the gate!

 

[Gipsy]

Thanks guys.

For a single trip, in and out over a few days, I’d be pretty surprised if they’d check up on stuff like this. I’ll pass on the info and give him Steveboys number in case of any problems at the gate!

 

Is there not now a new system for those attending a footy match whereby a visa is no longer needed, just the ticket etc..
I can check if you wish, but need a few days for this..

[andrewfi]

Steve, it very much looks like criminal records can be checked by Russia. There's an automated system to enable it.

Many countries now share passport and visa information for 'security' purposes. I found info on a gov.uk site for this from the British side. If British businesses and individuals can do it on Russian citizens then sure as shit it'll be a reciprocal agreement.

As a general rule, I take the view that forms of this type do not ask questions where the responses cannot be confirmed. If it were otherwise, why bother to ask them?

[rosco]

Thanks guys.

For a single trip, in and out over a few days, I’d be pretty surprised if they’d check up on stuff like this. I’ll pass on the info and give him Steveboys number in case of any problems at the gate!

 

Is there not now a new system for those attending a footy match whereby a visa is no longer needed, just the ticket etc..
I can check if you wish, but need a few days for this..

Long time no see 

Possibly but I’m not going so haven’t really checked it out. I remember they did that for the World Cup but thought it was a one off?

[andrewfi]

Fan ID is available for UEFA Euro2020 in St Petersburg. No visa needed.