St. Petersburg: from October 1, electronic visas will be introduced

From 1 October 2019, in St. Petersburg The Leningrad region began to operate the electronic visa regime.

The decree on the introduction of electronic visas V. Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, signed this summer. Electronic visas are introduced for the development of tourism at the suggestion of Alexander Beglov, Governor of the Northern capital.

According to forecasts of A. Beglov, this measure will raise the tourist flow to 12 million people a year, that is, a third of the current figure of 8 million. Experts fear that St. Petersburg may recognize the problem of overtourism.

Electronic visas are issued free of charge for 30 days, they can stay up to 8 days from the date of entry into St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

A tourist is required to apply in electronic form on a special website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia not later than four calendar days before the expected date of entry. Tourists also upload their digital photo.

The e-visa can be used by citizens of 53 countries, including almost all European countries; the Middle East - Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, in addition, China, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan. E-visas are available for citizens of Scandinavian and Baltic countries.

Electronic visas allow entry through Pulkovo airport, the seaport of St. Petersburg and road checkpoints. Rail transport “entry for technical reasons” is not allowed.

Source: tourprom