Riding the Trans-Siberian: May the Visa Gods Permit

So I began looking at the Trans-Siberian Railway, because that’s part of the list, and frankly I’m getting to the point here in the Bay where I’m so comfy I don’t want to leave, but I’m not quite ready to settle. Turns out, riding the Trans-Siberian is a visa debacle of venus fly trap proportions and I am like a little insignificant fly in the process. The big problem is, to ride the Trans-Siberian, you actually have to plan.

The funny thing is, it’s not Russia that’s the pain. They’ve had complicated visa processes long enough that a whole industry has sprung up around it: to apply for a visa to Russia, you need a letter of invitation from some entity. Most travel agencies and hostels will provide that to you for a fee. They’ll give you a letter that covers your entire stay in the country, even if you only plan to stay at their place for a night or two.

China has just implemented a similar requirement for US citizens, apparently a common thing when they get cranky with the US. To get a visa right now, you need to either provide a letter of invite with your application from either a tour company or individual person. If from an individual, this invitation and application must include a photocopy of their Chinese ID card (scary? maybe). You can also apply if you can show a round-trip plane ticket and proof of hotel accommodations.

Well.

Maybe you’re one step ahead of me. Maybe you see the problem with this if you think you’re going to travel by train into and out of China. And that’s just the functional problem anyone would face. There’s also the distinctly me problem of planning. Essentially, it’s the last thing I want to do. It feels a lot like a job and it’s no fun.