Due to the cloud of volcanic ash over Europe there are currently limited flights from Russia to European destinations. The Irish Embassy offers citizens the following advice:

• Travellers should check with their airlines or travel agent  before they travel.  Those who have been delayed because of the ongoing crisis should remain in contact with their tour operator or airline.  
• Individuals with visas which are due to expire shortly should visit their nearest Federal Migration Service office to arrange to have their visa extended. Extensions are also being facilitaed through the  Russian Foreign Migration Officers at the airports - your airline should be able to assist with this.
• People who find themselves in a medical or family emergency should contact irishembassymoscow@dfa.ie or +7 (495) 937 5911 for assistance.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs has opened its crisis centre to provide assistance, contact: +353 1 408 2999
• More information can be found on  the Department of Foreign Affairs website at  http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83469

Business Diary

Enterprise Ireland is organising a business visit to Azerbaijan in June. Companies interested in exploring these options can find contact details here.

The Enterprise Ireland office in Moscow recently organised events for Irish companies WordPerfect and Sysnet at the Embassy. Companies interested in similar events should contact Enterprise Ireland at the site above.

The Irish Business Club is going strong and organising a range of events from the St Patrick's Day Parade to the regular pub quizzes, with proceeds to charity, at Katie O'Shea's pub on Grokholski Pereulok. We recommend the Club to Irish businesspeople in Moscow - details can be found here.

Visa News

Russian visa applications for Irish citizens have gone on-line since September 2008. The Russian Embassy to Ireland recommends that all applicants should fill in their visa application forms through the online service, which is available at www.e-consulate.ru. Further information is available at www.ireland.mid.ru. All other procedures are as before.