Russian Visa Problems

[Emauss]

There seems to be some confusion (admittedly mostly on my part) as
to exactly what is needed for Russian touring.

We are planning a 2-day excussion with a private company (DEN-RUS or
RO) but want to do a little on own own (thus the unscheduled 3rd
day).
We applied for our Visas through ITSEASY while another of our
group applied through Oceania's recommended Visa bureau.

Red Oktober just informed me that Oceania's recommended bureau
registers people through a specific tour group, and you are then
obliged to use them and only them (thus eliminating RO or DEN-RUS or
any other 'visa providing' tour company).

If you obtain a visa on your own, RO will supply support papers,
then you can use them (but no other company).


I have been told by the company I am using that I will be registered
through a hotel, and can use any tour group I wish.

(yes, according to what I am finding out, you must be registered
through *some* offical organization)

I am now not a little, but a lot confused....or else I really do
understand it!!!

--> of course, you do not need a visa if you only tour with a "visa
supplying" tour group, but then you cannot go out on your own<--

Any comments??


(e)