[ren99]

Hello!

Just wondering what if anything your agencies have told you about how the war will affect Russian adoptions. I have contacted my agency, but have not received a response.

Thanks,

Ren

[Tracy K.]

After 9/11, things didn't change at all as far as travel and/or processing adoption stuff in Russia; so I would think that there wouldn't be any disruption this time around. I think the delay in Russia is usually due to overloaded courts/bureaucrats. Good luck.

[ren99]

Thanks for the replies. I just spoke with our agency and was told that they do not recommend travel at this time due to the uncertainty of the war and the possibility of hostility towards americans. They said we will just have to wait and see what happens. But for now it is on hold.

This is different from 9-11 because Russia is not in agreement of the war and the USA at this time.

Thanks and good luck to you all.


Ren

[Claudia Murphy]

Rene;
Is the "on hold" policy for your Russian travel a decision your agency is taking? We have been in constant contact with our agency since the war as we await an invitation from Russia and have been told that nothing has changed an all is going according to plan. I am interested in knowing what others are hearing. We are due to travel for the first time in July.
Claudia

[Zekey]

Hello-
We too were told the war will have no affect on our plans to travel to Russia sometime in late April.
Zeke

[markmac]

We made our first visit to Tomsk early last month, right before the start of the war, and it wasn't an issue. Our agency isn't expecting any delays for the second trip.

[FamilyBound]

Our agency told us that they weren't expecting delays either. We flew 3 months after 9/11 and after the terrorist attacks, adoptions were still processing as normal the day after it happened.

However, it was OUR decision, to change to a domestic adoption at this time since we have our little boy at home.

However, if we change our mind, we have everything done except for the I171H (since we had our social worker change to a domestic homestudy).

Good luck to all of you and stay safe!

[car421]

My Wife and I returned home on Saturday with our son. We were in Moscow for 10 days and had no problems at all. We met many other couples who wer also adopting from other agencies. i don't understand why you would be on hold.

[sfunderburk]

My wife and I just returned from Russia last night. We were in Chelyabinsk and Moscow. Before we left, we were a little concerned about traveling there. However, we did not have any problems at all.

It was almost like the Russian people did not even know that a war was going on. The flights to and from Moscow were not very full though, which was good for us. We were able to travel on buddy passes without any troubles making the flights!!!

Personally, I would not worry about it.

Scott

[CJDIXON]

SCOTT,
WHAT IS A BUDDY PASS??

[sfunderburk]

They are free travel passes for airline employees. They can be used by employees, family or friends. You have to pay the taxes and other fees, but the tickets are free. The only catch is that you must travel stand-by. Which can be risky if you have to be there at a certain time.

[javagirl]

ooooo, I like this "buddy pass" concept! I have lots of friends/relatives who work for airlines, maybe I will put the word out that I am going to Russia! I plan to bid on priceline. com!