Warning. Apparent Slow Visa Processing from BE Moscow.

[strake]

My Russian relatives have made five or six two week visits over the past three years. Never any problem with visitors visa which are normally turned round in twenty-four hours or so.

Visa applications submitted on 20th August are, we are told, still "in the system". Very disappointing as this has caused relatives to miss a family birthday.

The agent in Moscow is quoted as follows: "It is very difficult. These problems have been raised since Lugovoy incident." On being advised of the alleged British position that Visitors visas should not be affected..
" Of course, this is without doubt the official position. Perhaps someone should tell visa section because every visa application I have made in last 2 months has taken longer than previously."