Russian visas

[mrsmootoo]

We're planning an independent trip to Russia and I'm wading through the Visa application form. One part asks for details of two previous passports. Does anyone know if this is really needed? VSF advice seems to say so, but how can they check old numbers - and although it's likely adults had previous passports, they can't know for sure if you leave it blank. Any advice welcome! Thanks

My DD dlidnt need this for her visa three years ago.

We applied for and received ours back in February. We had to list details of all foreign travel for the past 10 years. I put in all the holidays that we had passport stamps for plus a few others. We travel a fair amount both together and separately. I was doing it for all four of us so I may have skipped quite a few trips.

Sorry, just reread the OP. I don't remember a bit about old passport numbers. I definitely wouldn't have been able to find our old passports so if that section was there, I must have left it blank. I might have a copy of our print out, will look later,

Thanks Noofly. Yes I was going to put various trips to Europe even though they're not stamped in our passports. I just can find the old ones. I phoned a help line and they said I could do a covering letter to say I didn't have them anymore. Interestingly I phoned UK passport office to see if they had the info and they said that it would take 40 days and even at the end they may not release the details. Don't understand that. (Also don't see how visa people could doublecheck old info if UK passport office can't unearth it).

Interesting, why need details about two previous passports? I've never had any info on any of my previous passports... (they're taken in exchange for the new one). Fortunate I've never ever needed to go to Russia then! I'll have to settle watching it through YouTube videos. Speaking of that, I saw some YouTube videos about crazy driving in Russia, made me associate to bumper cars at a fair, I understand it was a compilation of worst moments but still, it was scary.

They do send back the old passports with the corner chopped off, but then they get put in the loft or somewhere! I guess it's a security issue that they want details of old ones. No - I'm not planning on driving while there!