Visa center — when to buy tickets: before or after getting the visa?

I recently applied for a visa through the visa center. They said they’re currently processing them in four weeks. I’m not sure — should I buy the tickets now or wait for the visa first?

Wait for the visa — definitely. It’s better to buy the tickets afterward.

3 Likes

Four weeks if you’re lucky. They count plus or minus the day of departure — for a D-visa they allow 45 days; that’s normal. With non-refundable tickets — well, it’s iffy; the risk is obvious.

3 Likes

Four weeks is an optimistic scenario — a D-visa, according to the regulations, is processed up until the day of departure; it’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Buying non-refundable fares now makes no sense; opt for a flexible fare that allows you to change the date.

3 Likes

Yeah, and the refundable fare is worth it right now.

3 Likes