DESTINATIONS:

Visas

A visa is required for entry into Russia. You need to obtain a visa application form from the Russian Embassy.

This must be completed and submitted together with:
•Your itinerary.
•An invitation.
•Three photographs - signed and dated on the back.
•A copy of your air ticket.
•Your passport.
•Details of your insurance cover.

The appropriate fee (the more quickly you want it processed the more it costs).

The letter of invitation to Russia is provided as the part of our Elbrus package.

Permits

We'll take care of all the necessary paperwork for your Elbrus trip, but here is some information for your reference:

Three are required:

1. The Elbrus Region is a border zone between Russia and Georgia and foreigners require a permit to be in any area south of the Baksan. This is obtained at the military head office of the border rangers in Nalchik. You should also be registered at their local posts: in the Baksan valley at the Alpine Base Baksan; in the Adyrsu valley near the Alpine Camp Ullutau.

Pogranotryad in Nalchik issues permits at Kabardinskaya street 192. Passes are issued between 9.00 and 13.00. if you want to have a go make sure you have the following documents:

- a stamped letter of application from an MFA approved company;
- passports of all participants;
- a route sheet.

This sounds easy but Russian bureaucracy will probably force you to stay in Nalchik for a few days if you try it as a foreigner. It is best to do it through an agency.

2. Prielbrusie National Park permit. No strict system exists for obtaining this permit. Prices are negotiable. Park offices are located in Elbrus village.

3. Foreigners have to be registered in OVIR (Visa and Registration department) in Tyrnyauz. Generally hotels arrange registration. Last year the "official" fee was $2 per person. If OVIR officials catch an unregistered climber the fine can be very high - but negotiable.