Saint Petersburg and Leningrad eVisa
The Russian Government has chosen to implement a new electronic visa system directed at foreign travelers who wish to visit particular regions in the country. Currently, those online visas include the eVisa Kaliningrad and the Far East eVisa. From October 1, citizens of eligible countries will also be able to apply online for an eVisa for Saint Petersburg.
Below you can find more information regarding which countries are eligible to the new Russia eVisa, eVisa requirements as well as guidelines for completing the eVisa application.
eVisa St. Petersburg – What is it?
The Russian eVisa is an electronic visa which may be requested by submitting an online application. Foreign travelers intending to visit Saint Petersburg or the Leningrad region can apply for a St Petersburg eVisa up to 4 days before departing for Russia.
If granted, the eVisa Saint Petersburg will be valid for 8 days and must be used within a period of 30 days, for travel in the Leningrad region and Saint Petersburg. Once expired, the eVisa will no longer allow travelers to enter Russia, in which case it will be required to apply for a new St. Petersburg eVisa.
Countries eligible for a Saint Petersburg eVisa
The official list of nationalities who will be eligible to apply for an eVisa St Petersburg is yet to be announced. The Russian electronic visa supposed to be available as of the 1st of October.
Other versions of Russian online visas are also available. Around 53 countries are eligible for the Russia Kaliningrad eVisa, whereas the Russia Far East Regions eVisa can be requested by travelers from 18 different nations.
Currently, it is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of eligible nationalities for the eVisa Saint Petersburg. But once the Government of Russia discloses the official information, it will be instantly updated to this page.
Below is the list of nationalities which may apply for a single or double-entry Russian Tourist Visa, which allows for up to 30 days of travel within Russian territory:
St. Petersburg eVisa Requirements
Foreign travelers applying for a Saint Petersburg eVisa will need to meet a series of requirements before being granted an electronic travel authorization. Upon application, travelers will be requested:
- A valid email address: In order to be processed correctly, all eVisa online application forms must have an electronic contact detail attached to it. Applicants are required to provide a valid email address where to keep updated on their application process and to receive their eVisa.
- A valid passport from an eligible country: Only travelers from eligible nations may apply for a Saint Petersburg eVisa. Nonetheless, their passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months counting from the intended date of arrival in Russian territory.
- A valid Debit or Credit Card: In order to submit the eVisa application, applicants must process the payment via a valid Debit or Credit card. If no payment is confirmed, the Russian eVisa can’t be processed.
Saint Petersburg eVisa Online Application
The online application procedure will require travelers to provide personal information, passport details, as well as travel plans during the stay in Saint Petersburg.
St Petersburg eVisa applications will be easy to complete. Foreign travelers intending to apply for a Russia Saint Petersburg eVisa should be able to provide the aforementioned details. With documents and information in hand, applicants can move on to filling out the Saint Petersburg online visa application form.
After completing and submitting the application, applicants will be notified by email of their application status. Should the eVisa be granted, it is advisable to print a copy of the confirmation to present at the Russian port of entry.
Online visa application systems have been implemented by many countries over the past few years. These electronic authorization systems not only make it easier for travelers to apply for a visa but also speeds up border control procedures.