Dear Colleagues, The RIPE NCC would like to clarify a few things about the upcoming RIPE Meeting in Estonia. Why is a RIPE Meeting being held in Estonia? ------------------------------------------------------------ Each year, two meetings are held. One meeting is usually held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and the other takes place in another country in the RIPE NCC service region. Why are there so many visa requirements for Russians? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We have to abide by any local protocols and customs in whichever country the RIPE Meeting takes place. For citizens of most countries, a visa is not necessary to enter Estonia. Unfortunately, for holders of certain passports, listed in the URLs below, the visa application process for entry into Estonia is quite complex. All details of the visa application process that we have documented are requirements from the Estonian Department of Immigration. Unfortunately, the RIPE NCC has no control over these requirements. Do I need to provide copies of my work permit? ------------------------------------------------------------ You will only need to provide a copy of your work permit and a residence permit if you hold a Russian passport but are living and working in a country that is not Russia. The following links will help you further and will explain why certain documents, such as work permits and scans of passports, are necessary for the process: How to obtain short-term Estonian visa and documents required to apply: http://www.estemb.ru/konsulskaja_informatsija/viza/aid-220 Information regarding Visa Invitation for Estonia: http://www.mig.ee/vene/viisakutse/viisak/ Why isn't an invitation letter from the RIPE NCC enough for my visa? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Estonian Immigration Authority will not accept an invitation letter from the RIPE NCC. The *host* of the meeting (Norby Telecom) must apply for your visa on your behalf as they will act as your guarantors during your stay in Estonia. What do I need to do now? ----------------------------------- When you have registered for the meeting, you still need to request an invitation letter so that the host knows who needs a visa. Details on how to do this are in your confirmation e-mail. You will need to send all the required documentation (as specified in the link above) to meeting@ripe.net. A visa will then be applied for you on your behalf. If the visa application is successful, you will be able to pick up your visa at an Estonian Embassy or Consulate. It can take *up to* 30 days to issue a visa. If you have any more questions about this, please e-mail: meeting@ripe.net Regards, Sandra Gijzen RIPE NCC