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When is the next trip?
Trips are frequent. Call Sandra at the office
651-227-0208 or write her at
usoffice@vladmission.org to inquire. You may travel alone. We have
a guest master in Vladivostok to see to your needs.
What paperwork is involved?
You will need a valid passport good for 6 months past departure date
plus a Russian visa. You do not need any information from us to obtain
your passport, but we will need to work together to obtain your visa.
An invitation must be extended from the parish in Vladivostok before
you can submit your visa application.
Do I need to get any special shots or immunizations before I go?
No.
What if I need medical care during the trip?
You should not consider this trip if you are not in good health or if
you have special health care needs. Walking on uneven terrain up and
down hills is common. In difficult cases you may hire a cab at an
extra expense for yourself. They are readily available and even might
financially help a parishioner. If you need medical assistance during
the trip, please know that Russian medicine is underdeveloped.
Travel insurance is available to take care of any unexpected serious medical
problems. We are familiar with the medical system in Russia, having worked closely with physicians and hospitals on some of our projects. Every effort will be made to obtain the best care possible. We do ask that you completely answer the medical questions on the
information sheet.
Will I get to do some touring on my own?
The last day of each trip is reserved for personal
sightseeing and shopping in Russia. You will be accompanied by a guide
and will travel with your group during the day. Evenings out are
forbidden and you are on your own if you chose to do so.
Will I have internet access?
You will be able to use our computers in Russia to send and
receive
emails between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm daily. During business hours, the
computers are in use by our staff members.
What kind of weather should I expect?
Spring is very cool, with rapid changes of weather from rain to clear skies. Summer can be warm to hot, but you will need something warm in the mornings and evenings. Rain is common in the summer. Fall is usually sunny. The
mildest time of year is May and
mid-September through October.
Will I be safe on this trip?
As in any big city, it is not wise to be alone on the streets at
night.
Our staff does not go out at night except on a
rare visit for dinner at a parishioners home. Vladivostok and the
other Russian Far East cities are safer than cities of comparable size
in the U.S. Since our travelers started going to Vladivostok in 1991,
there has never been a case of any of our guests being accosted in any
way.
Are there any special items I should bring for myself?
You will need to keep small packets of tissues to
use as toilet paper. Toilet paper is often not available in public
places. Also, some travelers like to bring a plastic water bottle with
them to refill with filtered water (filtered water is available at the
mission office) and keep on hand. Bottled water is advised rather than
tap water.
Are there any special items I should bring for the mission?
We maintain a current list of items that are
especially needed in Russia. As the time for your trip nears, we will
keep in touch and let you know what items you should consider bringing
to the mission. For example, some people have been asked to bring
spices, padlocks, laptop computers, socket wrenches, and paper. Some
visitors wear clothing they intend to leave for our used clothing
store. As of 2007 your total luggage can not be over 50 pounds if you
are traveling on a Russia aircraft. Korean allows 50 pounds in each of
2 checked bags.
How much will this trip cost?
Costs will vary depending on your airline, travel
class, advance notice, and point of departure from the U.S. Currently,
round trip airfare costs approximately $2000. In addition to airline
costs, if you are on a tourist-oriented trip, you will pay $1100 to
our office to cover the costs of hotel room (double occupancy), two
meals a day, a host of services in Russia (including translators and
transportation that might include bus, trolley, train, boat, or
private van). More information is included in the packet. If you are
on a mission team (rather than a tourist-oriented trip), the cost in
Russia will be $15. a day for lodging, because there will be no side
trips and you will stay in the parish apartment. Food outlets will be
available for you to purchase what you need (about $15. a day)
How long does it take to get to Vladivostok?
It is a two-hour flight from Inchon, Korea, to Vladivostok. The flight from the U.S. to
Inchon will vary according to your point of departure.
Can I stop in South Korea for a few days?
Yes. You are responsible for making your travel arrangements between the U.S. and Inchon,
so if you arrange your flights accordingly, you can have a layover in
South Korea without added ticket expense. As an American citizen, you can layover in
Inchon and Seoul (Seoul is 40 miles outside of Inchon) without a visa for Korea.
Will I be able to bring some gifts back with me?
Yes. Both the American and Russian governments allow some gifts without duty.
Where can I get more information?
The internet has some excellent sites where you can learn more. Check
out the following pages:
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