Kaliningrad eVisa
An exclave of the Russian Federation, Kaliningrad sits on the Baltic Sea coastline between Lithuania and Poland. On the 1st of July, 2019, the Russian government announced the introduction of an eVisa system to facilitate the visa procedure for this part of the territory.
At present, the majority of foreign travelers who wish to holiday in Russia must obtain a travel invitation online and submit a Tourist visa application alongside all necessary documents in person at a Russian consulate or embassy.
The Far East Regions eVisa and the Kaliningrad Oblast eVisa grant tourists an online travel authorization in minutes, allowing them to visit these areas of the Russian territory. Soon an eVisa for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region will also be available.
eVisa Kaliningrad – What is it?
Kaliningrad online visas are electronic travel authorizations that grant eligible foreign nationals short-term visits to the Kaliningrad region. Travelers will be able to stay in Kaliningrad for up to 8 days in a period of 30 days from the date the eVisa was issued. Those in possession of a Kaliningrad eVisa may visit the territory for:
- Holiday and family visits
- Sports events, cultural activities, humanitarian missions, and scientific research
- Business trips
Instead of applying in person at an embassy or consulate of Russia, eligible travelers can submit their eVisa application fully online without an official invitation for tourism.
Visa Requirements for Kaliningrad
Before submitting a Kaliningrad eVisa application, applicants must be sure to meet the following requirements concerning the eVisa Russia:
- Bear a valid passport from an eVisa eligible nation with an expiry date of no less than 6 months from the application date and 2 blank pages
- Provide a digitized, passport-size photo
- Be in possession of a Credit or Debit card to pay for the eVisa Kaliningrad application fee
- Have an up-to-date email address to stay informed about the eVisa application process
Foreign nationals visiting Kaliningrad with an eVisa should bear a printed copy of the valid electronic visa to present to carrier staff members and immigration officials at the Kaliningrad border.
Travelers on a Russia eVisa will have to enter Kaliningrad via one of the official checkpoints (see below) when visiting the country:
- Air Port of Entry – Kaliningrad (Khrabrovo)
- Maritime Port of Entry – Kaliningrad, Baltiysk, Svetly
- Railway Port of Entry – Mamonovo, Sovetsk
- Road Port of Entry – Bagrationovsk, Gusev
Kaliningrad eVisa – Eligible Nationalities
Passport holders of 53 nations are eligible for a Kaliningrad eVisa, including several Asian countries and all EU Member States. Below is a comprehensive list of countries eligible to apply for an eVisa Kaliningrad:
Kaliningrad eVisa holders must travel in and out of the Kaliningrad region via one of the exclave’s official border crossing checkpoints. Travelers with an eVisa Kaliningrad are allowed free transit within Kaliningrad Oblast but are required to apply for a different Russian visa if to visit another part of the country.
Online Application for Kaliningrad Visa
Travelers from eligible nations are now able to submit the application for a Kaliningrad eVisa online, receiving the electronic visa by email.
It should take roughly 10 minutes to complete the online form with personal information such as name and date of birth, as well as passport details.
Those traveling with minors should submit each child’s eVisa application individually. All eligible foreign travelers, regardless of age, must have an eVisa referenced to their name and travel document when visiting Kaliningrad.
The eVisa Kaliningrad has an average processing time of 4 days, depending on the case. Applications for the Kaliningrad eVisa can be submitted from 20 up until 4 days prior to the intended arrival date in the country.