The prior rating (andrew s.) was very helpful. I arrived at around 10 am and waited in the cold 1 hour on the visa line to the left of the front door. Dress warm. Once inside, there was no guidance. You go through a metal detector that no one's manning. You go through a waiting room, but don't sit down. Go past some closed windows to a window that's marked visa. They give you a small blue receipt that you'll need to pick up your passport when you come back. Then you pay your fee at another window, but that person had no idea what I was supposed to do next. That person gave me a receipt in Russian with the date I should come back. We'll see if I ever get my passport back. Some hints: there are two versions of the visa application floating around the internet. The two page version seems more current. Also, they didn't take my passport photos. Maybe they'll need them later. read more

The worst experience ever!!! They don't let you in if you don't have a prior reservation, but their website clearly says that you could try quote: Consulate does not guarantee admission to these issues on the same day in order "first come first served." but the bouncer at the door just kicked me out with no questions asked. Does anybody know know how to contact the ambassador? http://www.ruscon.org/qa.htm read more

I need to put apoitment for new pasport ,but its very hard If you call them-telephone bussy or nobody ensfer.If send application-its will appoitment after 5 month.Very strench and rudy! read more

If you are having too good of a day - go to this place, they will change that for you in an instant. Guard at the door feels that he is very important and has power over you so he abuses it. I've been to this place 5 times in the last 15 years and EVERY single time it was a nightmare. Rude, worst service, completely illogical rules that they make up on a spot. I followed all directions on a website. Guard came up with a new rule that wasn't on the website, when i showed him the website he said i should use my common sense next time. Had to do an extra trip a different day. Is there a way i can give them a quarter of a star? read more

September 18, 2013 trying to call the consulate and have been on hold for 2 hours 08 minutes. even took a screenshot but don't see how to post it.... read more

I need a visa to visit Russia to attend a meeting. So I think I need a business visa. By the way, I am a U.S. citizen. I called the consulate general and they never answer the phone. On their website, they tell people to go the agency that they use. I called the Russian visa agency (ILS USA) and they never answer the phone. After trying hard to get some information on what I need, I got an email from ILS. It says, "Ask the company that you will visit and they will tell you what I need". Hmm.. I don't think that helps. I got visas for Brasil, Turkey and other countries. But, this time is more difficult. Can anyone tell me whether I need to go to consulate or ILS agency office, please? I appreciate your help ! read more

I visited the consulate in order to obtain a tourist visa, and the experience was positive, although a bit bewildering in some respects (and I am usually pretty good with bureaucracy). (1) I made an appointment on-line directly with the consulate. My appointment date was about six weeks after the date that I made the appointment. By going directly to the consulate, I saved $33 vs. using ILS (the consulate's recommended visa-service provider), although I do not know whether I would have gotten a quicker appointment if I had applied through ILS. (2) When you get to the consulate (I got there 10 min before my time), there will probably be people waiting outside. Not all of these people have appointment times, so don't just assume that you have to stand behind them. Instead, wait at the gate at the bottom of the stairs to no. 9 (near the dark-green awning), or to the left (near the sign that says BXOD/Entry) of those stairs, regardless of where those other people are standing/sitting. (3) The security guard emerges from inside the consulate every so often to admit people for their appointments. In my case, he appeared right at the scheduled time of my appointment. Make yourself politely visible to him. He assesses whether someone is a Russian speaker or not, so you don't have to be embarrassed if you do not speak Russian. He was brusque-sounding to the Russians but greeted me nicely in English (and I am a middle-aged guy). In fact, I thought the security guard was the nicest person I encountered. Once I was inside, he showed me exactly where to wait for my number to be called and he was friendly to me when I left. (He escorts people out of the building.) (4) Once your number is called, it all goes smoothly (under 15 min) IF you have your documents ready. Here's what I needed for the interaction with the application clerk: * Passport with at least six months of validity remaining. If you are a dual citizen, do not bring your non-US passport with you. My clerk saw mine and thought I was trying to apply using my UK passport. (I had brought it with me simply because sometimes the US immigration agent asks to inspect it when I enter the US.) * Four-page application form printed out, stapled and signed/dated. Doesn't matter if it's single- or double-sided. The date goes in the same box as your signature -- write it slightly above your signature. * 35mm x 45mm passport photograph glued to the first page of the form. Do the gluing ahead of time. I didn't (I brought glue with me) and the clerk was justifiably a bit impatient about that. * Invitation documents from your host travel company (in my case, my hotel provided me with these two items). * $160 money order made payable to the Russian Consulate in New York City. I used a money order purchased at the post office for a $1.20 fee. (5) After your time with the application clerk, you go to the cashier and hand over your money order, getting your receipt. This was my favorite moment of the experience because, on the wall next to the cashier (on her side of the security glass), there was a simple sign in English: "If you can't say something positive, then at least be quiet." My cashier took those words to heart, staying SILENT throughout our transaction. (When I mumbled thanks in Russian, she almost seemed surprised.) Poor thing. (6) Nine business days later your passport will be ready for pick-up at ILS's offices (@ 80 Maiden Lane, downtown, 3rd floor). The wrinkle here is that visa pick-ups take place between 2pm and 4pm ONLY, even though ILS's offices are open until 4:30pm. I took a chance by applying for a 3-yr multiple-entry visa (everyone says it's the same price as a single-entry one) even though my hotel insisted that I apply for a single-entry visa. I was granted a 3-yr multiple-entry visa. I don't plan to go to Russia more than this one time but you never know. All in all, a much less daunting experience than I had been expecting. I hope that this detail has been helpful to you! read more

Russian tourist visa. Do not use "expediters." Complete the online application and write down and bring your password. Go directly to the consulate at 9 am mon-fri. They do not take appointments. Most of the people on line were Russians and are queuing for a different purpose and so are not really ahead of you. I got there at 9:15 and it took me over an hour to get in but then only 15 min for the visa and another 15 to pay. Be prepared and it will got smoothly. Your online app must be for the consulate NOT ILS downtown. It must be complete. Two people left to fix theirs. The fee is $140 for one visit and $160 for three years so the latter seems the obvious choice if there is any likelihood of return. (Bank check only.) These fees apply only if you come ten or more business days before departure. I could not fit my list of countries traveled online and made a separate typed list which she looked at but it didn't seem to matter. You definitely need your hotel invite and the accompanying voucher ... which seems to include the nebulous federation number mentioned on the website. My hotel offered it for free by email (with a $35 fee if reservation canceled.) I also included, my flight reservations, a bank statement and proof of health insurance. My word that I have been at my present work for 20 years sufficed. If you have been at your present work for a short time they may ask about prior work (require letter?). I provided an HIV test which I was told was only necessary for a work visa. She thanked me for showing her the documents, copied nothing and only kept the hotel voucher. She said "wow you have everything" initially and wished me a nice trip at the end. In short if you are thorough it will go smoothly. Of note, despite going directly to the consulate, pickup is at 80 Maiden Lane. read more

Came here to process my tourist visa for a trip to Russia, had to wait in a small line, but I had an appointment so it wasnt so bad. The people in front of me were an american older couple and they didnt have one, and the guy running the door let them in (with the help someone on line translating). Once inside I had to wait about 15 minutes to get a window open, it for sure had an old soviet feel to the buildling with 2 rooms with around 10 windows or so. It moved pretty smoothly and I went to the window with all my paper-work in tow. The lady spoke english well and asked me why I wanted to go to Russia, I replied "i heard it was nice", she said "how do you know if you havent been?" Not sure if that was russian humor or a KGB like inquisition, nevertheless everything was fine and she gave me a receipt to pay the front with (cashiers check is mandatory BTW) and then i had to go to a different location in downtown to pick up the actual visa, quite a bit of work and money ($190 when all is said and done, plus $25 fee to get an invitation for the visa). Leaving was interesting, as the exit is locked until the security guy comes by and that took a few minutes. I just cant picture an american keeping you locked in like that, but it is what it is. Overall my parlay into the russian world in New York wasnt too bad and took about an hour or so. read more

Horrible service , in the winter people have to wait outside the building in long lines that are all out of order. If you try to reach them by phone it will take weeks because they NEVER answer. Every time I need something from Russian consulate I drag it out until it's absolutely necessary to go there. Not a pleasant experience AT ALL !!!! read more

Awful place that reminds self-respecting Russian immigrants why they originally left Russia. The staff is rude and disrespectful to its own citizens, shamelessly lying to everyone, making up arbitrary rules and bordering on physical violence. I was thinking about traveling to Russia after many years away but, after a visit to this consulate, want to continue keeping my distance from that country. The incompetent bureaucrats did get my passport renewed but in a wrong name and ignored all my attempts to have my name corrected. I wish I could travel to Russia (to satisfy my curiosity) using my US passport, the way I travel to other countries. read more

If i could have given this place zero stars, i would have. or better yet, negative stars. forget about the line outside and feeling like a caged animal fighting to be fed.. that was not even a problem for me. the problem started when my mother and i sat down at one of the windows for help. the woman was UNBELIEVABLY rude to us. i was in shock. if this is at all representative of what Russia will be like then EW NO i have absolutely no desire to go there... never mind that i am russian! she clearly does not like to do her job because we were not asking any more of her than to do it! i am absolutely disgusted that this woman potentially "represents" Russia in one way or another. i tend to be a sensitive person, especially when someone attacks me for no reason and that is exactly what happened. i could not rid myself of the sour taste in my mouth until the following morning.. it was THAT bad! she asked me for the exact address of the university i go to and when i could not come up with the building number quick enough (matter of a few seconds) she waved her hands in the air, said no no i am going to make something up. what the HELL is that about? turns out she was rushing out to LUNCH!!!!!!!! the second she finished "helping" us she abruptly pulled the screen down to close the window in our faces. i can go on forever about how absolutely stunned i am after this experience but i am sure that by now you get my point. stay away if you can! read more

Great experience! It took few minutes! Everything is organized, great and quick service! Pleasantly surprised!

Very poor service!!!!! Took money for make passport. Took 1.5 YEARS to confirmed citizenship. Answer : not able to do it, but can't return money because ''they tried''. Horrible!.Feel like rubes me in official organization. read more

Can I give a negative star?? I went to the NYC consulate for a visa, after being on line for 2.40 minutes (on the street and under the rain) a person came out and said no more visas for that day. I tried to call the consulate for at least 1 week and nobody picked up the phone. read more

I recently got my Russian visa by coming to the NY Consulate directly. I was there shortly before 9am and had all my documents submitted by 9:30, with pick-up date a mere 6 business days later. Everything was a lot easier than I expected. I brought all the "recommended" documents but they only took the basic stuff like the invitation, application, photo, money order, etc. Even though the place can be intimidating, the people who work there were generally courteous and professional. read more

Come on, people! It is not that bad! I was absolutely horrified with all these crazy reviews I have read on the internet, but my experience was actually pretty good. Rule #1: Do whatever they say. If the tell you to make an appointment - do it (it takes them about 2-3 months to schedule it, so be aware and renew your passport/visa way before it expires). Bring everything they list on the web-site, EVERYTHING: a money order, an envelope, photos of the correct size. Just do it and it will make your life so much more easier. I personally had to renew my passport and brought everything they told me on the web site and I barely had any problems. Rule #2: Come an hour before your appointment, because there are about 5-8 people who have appointments per each time slot (9:30, 10:00, 10:30, etc), so be aware of it. Also, there are bunch of people who don't have appointments and who just try to sneak in in front of you. A lot of people just need to "ask 1 question" and they stay there for 20 minutes. Just be an hour before your time and make sure to bring something to read and check a weather report, so you are not too cold/hot/wet. Rule #3: Be very well-prepared and think of all the questions you want to ask a consul (unless you want to come back twice!). As I said, I had a good experience when I renewed my passport. To my surprise, a security guard/ manager was a really nice guy (I expected to see a Hulk per all the reviews I read). I came an hour before my appointment (8:30 am) and left at 10 am, so it took me about 1h 30 min which I think is pretty quick. The only problem was that the line was really disorganized. All people tried to be first and it was quite frustrating. Oh yes! The consul was such a pleasant woman! I had a window # 4 and the lady was so sweet, friendly, and nice! She worked very quick and well, I can tell that she was really skilled. Just read all the information from their web site and follow the rules and you will be fine! read more

The people working at this consulate are crooks. My passport was expiring and I had to get a renewal. They first asked me the exact expiration date and then scheduled an appointment 2 days after that date! Even though I called a couple of months in advance. As a result I had to submit extra papers for verification, pay extra fee and wait extra few weeks for the renewed passport. I told this story to my friends and turned out this the the rule - they had to go through the same. One does not have to go to mother Russia to experience the customer service. A visit to this consulate is all one needs. Then just tear up your Russian passport and forget that country. read more

I was at this place twice. Every time I spent 4-5 hours outside before I was able to get inside and wait for 30-40 minutes inside again (and I had my small 3-years old boy with me). Please do everything to avoid it! If you need a tourist visa just go to travel agency and let them deal with this place where people are treated like inhuman things. read more

This was the first time I had ever needed to deal with the consulate, since this was my first time renewing my Russian passport. So, some helpful tips: 1) Call early and often to schedule an appointment. They basically don't pick up the phone at all, so be prepared to call and call and call some more. You can try to email them, but they don't respond with much explanation, so I would suggest if you can get them on the phone, talk to them (personally it took me about 2 weeks of non stop calling to finally get them on the phone) 2) Get to the consulate early, but not too early. Essentially, from 1 to 2, they take a lunch break where the entire consulate shuts down. So, I, taking into account what many had told me, got there very early for my 2:00 appt. Well, I essentially had to stand outside in the cold (outside the consulate in the jail cell like enclosure) for an hour. Then at 2, when they all came back, everyone with a 2 appt (about 15 of us) were called inside, so getting there early made no difference. 3) Be prepared for lots of Russians...pushing, talking loudly, complaining, generally being Russian--for those that visit the consulate and are not Russian/do not speak Russian..just be prepared. I am Russian, so I was expecting it, but it is definitely an experience. 4) Make sure you have all of your documents prepared. They really just want to get you in and out as quick as possible, so make sure you read their website and bring everything they need from you. 5) Don't start a fuss once you actually talk to the people inside. It seems as though even the people that work at the consulate don't like the policies that they have to go through. So, the nicer you are to them, the nicer they will be back. While I was there I witnessed several people freaking out and yelling, and it really got them no where. So, just be as calm as possible. 6) And finally, expect it to be a long and annoying process, and be pleasantly surprised if it turns out better than that. Good luck!! read more

Arrived at the address at 10 a.m., unaware that one needed an appointment. (That info was not readily available on the website). They don't use the perfectly good front door, but a side door in cramped area behind two gates, which opens outward, causing you to step back. Burly guy who spoke no English asked me for my "noma" and consulted a list. I tried to explain that I had no appointment. He kept saying Nyet, nyet (which I know means no) ,then went away, closing the door, and returned with a slip of paper with the name, address and phone number of a Russian visa service (on Nassau St!). I stepped back and a gate that should have been locked swung open and I fell down two steps to the sidewalk! Everyone on line was very solicitous, (all Russians) helping me up, dusting me off, handing me my stuff. I staggered off down the street to the nearest Duane Reade, sat down in the pharmacy and called the Visa service, which I had determined to avoid because you have to pay them $33 and I had already done all the work. Guy there said you needed an appointment! Will go there next week. Russians won this one. They sure don't make it easy! read more