Russia
Russia requires that both parents travel to Russia for both trips to complete the adoption. It is possible on the second trip for one parent to return home and the remaining parent to complete the process. The child will enter the U.S. on an IR-3 visa.
Traveling to the country of your child’s birth will help you gain a greater understanding of the birthcountry and culture. This will enable you to assist your child to understand and value his/her origins. You will be able to see where your child lived and meet the caregivers that your child has had for the past several months or years. Having this experience and knowledge serves the children better for attachment and bonding purposes.
Families usually travel individually to Russia, but occasionally another family will have the same itinerary and you can arrange to travel together. You will be met both in Moscow and the region by a staff person who will be your support and guides through the entire process. Lodging will either be arranged for you or you will be assisted with making your own arrangements.
It is necessary to have both a passport and visa in order to travel to Russia. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you travel. The travel agent will assist you with your visa application.
Adoption travel is not a vacation. Travel to Russia may not be easy or relaxing. It may be extremely exhausting with many official appointments and the exciting and emotional experience of meeting you new child(ren) for the first time.
For more information, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at
bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our
contact form.