Warning. Apparent Slow Visa Processing from BE Moscow.

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."