Russian travel agencies are important to use if you have business to conduct in the former Soviet Union. An authorized Russian travel agency can ensure you have the information you need for a safe and uncomplicated trip to and within Russia.

Travel agents specializing in Russia can create an itinerary based on your unique needs and can make travel arrangements that fit your budget and time constraints. Regardless of your trip purpose, you need to choose the best Russian travel agents to meet your needs. When you consider travel agents in Russia, you should:

1. Choose an authorized Russian travel agency to ensure your trip is planned legally and follows Russian regulations.

2. Partner with licensed travel agencies in Russia that have extensive experience working with international travelers.

3. Use a travel agency in Russia that offers services specifically for international business travelers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find Russian travel agents who are licensed and authorized

You depend on your travel agent in Russian to work with you to fulfill your visa requirements, to coordinate your air travel and arrange your accommodations. Partner with travel agents in Russia who are licensed to ensure your travel plans are made legally.

I recommend: Partner with Spektr, a fully licensed Russian travel agency. An experienced Russian travel agent with Spektr can arrange your travel and set up business seminars and meetings. Use Russian Holiday, a licensed St. Petersburg-based Russian travel agency, to coordinate your travel. They can create a specialized business itinerary for your unique needs.

Work with travel agencies in Russia that have experience with visa paperwork

Choose Russia travel agents who have extensive experience fulfilling the needs of international travelers. Russian travel agents should be able to assist you with your visa needs. Agents who have a solid command of the English language is a must to avoid a communication barrier.

I recommend: Maria Travel Agency can assist you with your visa needs and can personalize services to fit your needs and budget. Use Red Star Travel, one of the premier travel agencies in Russia, for your business travel needs. The Russian travel agents at Red Star Travel are bilingual (in English and Russian) and can assist you as you secure your Russian business visa.

Work with business travel agencies in Russia to make your business travel arrangements

Business travel agencies in Russia understand the needs of travelers who have business-oriented plans. The Russian travel agents can also assist you with the documents necessary to apply for a business visa to Russia.

I recommend: Use the Russian travel agency IBC to coordinate your unique corporate travel needs. From VIP travel accommodations to Russian visa support, use IBC to ensure success when working with travel agents in Russia. Partner with Ukraine-Rus to secure your business travel arrangements.

Russia is a large country with specialized travel requirements. If you travel to and from Russia frequently on business, use an authorized Russian travel agency that focuses on corporate and business travel. The best agents are experienced in securing travel documentation, obtaining travel accommodations and the process of bridging the gap between your business needs and the customs of the country.

Pick a travel agency that creates an individual profile using the latest software to track your information including seating options and frequent flier number. Far too many websites make the process of international business travel seem deceptively easy. Select a travel agency offering aid in custom regulations, vaccinations, fine dining and guided tours of Russia. A resourceful travel agent can plan a complex itinerary, meet budget restrictions, reschedule flights and find alternatives when travel plans fall through.

As you search for business travel agencies in Russia keep these points in mind:

1. Seek out Russian travel agencies that can customize your corporate travel itinerary.

2. Use experienced Russian travel agents that can provide international business travel preparation and accommodations.

3. Find Russian travel agents who are bilingual and offer a simple process for getting a business visa to Russia.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider Russian travel agencies that offer customized services

Travel agents that cater to business professionals can assist you with getting needed services such as hotel rooms with Internet access, better rates for currency exchange and group travel discount rates. Many have convenient offices in the states.

I recommend: Colwick Travel specializes in providing corporate business travel services. Red Star Travel, based in Seattle, offers a bilingual staff who can supply full-service Russian business travel arrangements customized to your needs.

Search for Russian travel agencies that offer business-based services

A experienced Russian travel agent has an in-depth knowledge of the country and can work to get you big discounts on international air travel, hotel bookings and transportation in the country.

I recommend: AllRussiaTours.com lists travel agencies specializing in Russian tours with offices in the states, many catering to business professionals. Complete the TravelSense form to gain access to travel agents knowledgeable in Russia travel for corporate clients.

Select an authorized Russian travel agency to obtain a business visa

Traveling for business to Russia requires a business visa. Many travel agents in Russia are familiar with the concerning rules and regulations for business professionals. An expert Russian travel agency can provide guidance on steps needed to complete your business visa application, secure a passport and pay associated fees in time for your trip.

I recommend: Find Russian consulates and embassies in the states at RussianConsulate.info, or choose business visa services from Parallel 60.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pick a Russian travel agency that creates an individual profile using the latest software to track your information including seating options and frequent flier number.
• •  The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the world's largest trade organization with member travel agents located worldwide. Look to the ASTA to find professional travel agents in Russia.