Russia

So here’s some straight dope on Russia from a telecommuting perspective- unless you are dead set on going to Russia for some reason, pick somewhere else. The main reason I say this is because after coming to Ukraine with no visa required, and in planning a trip to visit friends in Russia I have discovered the unnecessary difficulties they have in place, seemingly in an attempt to turn away American tourists. In order to get a simple tourist visa for a scanty 3 weeks, you must pay several hundred dollars, present a letter of invitation from the party that you intend to stay with(and register every change of address/city during your trip) such as an overpriced hotel or if you luck out- from friends. Additionally, the process will take you 2-3 months.

The reason for all of this monkey business? Big bad Russia is mad that when Americans go abroad, they get to travel freely almost anywhere they want with no visa, while Russians have to jump through hoops to go anywhere, especially America. Of course, the difference is- americans have a habit of going home when their visa is up.