Please could you give me some advice about applying for a Russian visa? I have booked British Airways flights to Moscow in October, but as yet I haven't booked a hotel. Do I need to do this before applying for the visa, and can you recommend a company that can help me out? Nicola Edgar, Lancashire

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds:

Opt for DIY, and getting a Russian visa is a complete pain. First you have to get an official invitation from a hotel or tour company in Russia, and then you have to complete the visa application form precisely (or else it will be snagged). And don¹t even think about visiting the embassy in person, which involves long queues.

The hassle free option is to use a UK tour operator. Scott's Tours (020 7383 5353) for example, charges £58.75 for the invite and then £86 for the visa (it¹s a seven working day service, or £154 for a same day service). If you book a hotel through them, and they have central three star options from about £150 per night, the invite fee is waived.

The visa also acts as an exit visa, which means that losing your passport is a serious problem. Always keep your passport safe, and carry photocopies of it with you as well.

Two other operators who can help with booking hotels and arranging a visa, are Regent Holidays (0845 277 3317), and Intourist (0870 112 1232).

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