
Do I need a Russian visa to cruise to St Petersburg?
Therefore, if you book a cruise and St. Petersburg is one of the calls, you DO NOT NEED to get a Russian visa before you depart. However, travelling without a Russian visa does impose strict limitations on your time in St. Petersburg, so it's certainly worth considering the option of getting a Russian Travel Visa before you start your cruise.
Do I need a Russian visa to visit Russia?
You can find a list of the countries with visa-free travel regimes here, and details of the limited opportunities to visit St. Petersburg by cruise shipor ferrywithout a visa. In all other cases, no matter what the purpose of your visit, you will need a Russian visa to enter the Russian Federation.
Can I travel to Russia with an expired passport?
You must have a current U.S. passport with the appropriate visa. Russian visas in an expired or canceled passport are not valid. You must obtain a valid visa for your specific purpose of travel before arriving in Russia, unless you are arriving as a cruise ship passenger (see below information for passengers of cruise ships and ferries).
Can I go on a shore tour without a Russian visa?
There are a number of independent companies in St. Petersburg with the necessary licensing to offer shore tours for cruise ship passengers without Russian visas.

Can you go to St Petersburg without a visa?
You can visit St Petersburg visa-free if you arrive in the city by ferry or by a cruise ship. This gives you 72 hours to stay in town. The 72-hour period begins from the moment of crossing border control.
How long can I stay in St Petersburg without a visa?
72 hoursPetersburg for up to 72 hours without a Russian visa. The 72-hour visa-free regime is also extended to ferry passengers traveling from Helsinki or Tallinn on services run by St. Peter Line. Depending on the sailing schedule, you can then stay in St.
How do I get a tourist visa for St Petersburg?
It's very easy to apply for a visa online for Saint Petersburg. You will need: A Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Saint Petersburg. A Digital Photo - You will need to submit a passport-sized photo with your application.
How much is a visa for St Petersburg Russia?
An online Saint Petersburg visa, also known as Saint Petersburg e-Visa, permits the holder to travel to the St. Petersburg and Leningrad regions of Russia. To obtain an E-visa for Russia, you must pay 40 USD. Start your application with iVisa.com to get more details about the Russia Saint Petersburg e-Visa cost.
Who can enter Russia without visa?
Visa-free travel to RussiaGroup 1. Countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine. ... Group 2. Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, South Africa. ... Group 3. ... Group 4.
Can US citizens go to Russia without a visa?
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
How much is a Russian tourist visa?
$160.00How much does the Russia Tourist Visa Cost? The Russian tourist visa costs $160.00 which does not include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee.
Can US citizen travel to Russia right now?
Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the ...
How much does Russian E visa cost?
The nationalities and entry points eligible for this visa are listed below. The average processing time for the e-Visa is approximately 4 days. No invitation or voucher is required for this process....The Russian eVisa in brief.FormatElectronics onlyLength of stay0 to 16 daysValidity60 daysConsular fees$332 more rows
How long does it take to get a Russian tourist visa?
Submit the invitation, the form, your passport, a passport photograph, and the processing fee (money order or cashier's check only) to the Russian Embassy. Applications are accepted anywhere from 30 to 60 days before departure (figure on two to four weeks for processing from the time your application is received).
Can I apply for Russian visa online?
eVisas allow visitors to apply for their Russian visa entirely online in minutes, from anywhere in the world. Passport copies, online application form, and other documents required for the visa can be submitted online.
Can you tour St Petersburg on your own?
Royal Caribbean has issued an advisory to guests who wish to tour the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, on their own. Guests will now be required to have an E-visa for the port, and must apply via the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Do UK citizens need a visa for St Petersburg?
Yes, British citizens are required to apply for a visa before visiting Russia as they currently don't enjoy visa-free status. Of course, some special exceptions apply (for example, holders of diplomatic passports). UK nationals are currently required to apply for a visa at the Russian embassy in person.
Can you tour St Petersburg on your own?
Royal Caribbean has issued an advisory to guests who wish to tour the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, on their own. Guests will now be required to have an E-visa for the port, and must apply via the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Do Canadians need a visa to visit St Petersburg?
Do Canadians need Visa to Russia? Yes, they do. A Russian visa for the citizens of Canada can be obtained either at the embassy or a consulate, wherein it is necessary to present an invitation to do this. One must also fill in an application form and pay a consular fee.
Can US citizen travel to Russia right now?
Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the ...
Electronic Visa to Russia (E-Visa)
If you want to visit St Petersburg (the Far Eastern Federal District, or Kaliningrad Oblast) for less than 8 days, you can skip the paper application and apply for an electronic visa to Russia.
How to Visit Russia Without a Visa?
"In accordance with the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation, cruise and ferry passengers may stay in the territory of the Russian Federation for 72 hours without visa if they arrive in Saint-Petersburg on board a vessel as part of a tour group."
How to Get a Visa for St Petersburg Russia
Do you want to obtain a visa for St Petersburg? If your answer is yes, in this article, we will share valuable information for you to plan and quickly complete your process with iVisa.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
As the COVID-19 restrictions are frequently changing, we recommend you check our Product page to get up-to-date information about traveling to St Petersburg.
iVisa.com Recommends
If you'd like to see more than just the architecture of the city, you should visit the Winter Palace. This former royal residence is full of artworks from different eras. The Malachite Room is an ideal place to spend some time. You can also find a gilded Peacock Clock in the Pavilion Hall.
St Petersburg Visa Requirements
Are you planning to travel to St Petersburg? If so, in this article, we will share valuable information for you to plan and do your process with iVisa.com quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the COVID-19 restrictions are frequently changing, we recommend you check our Product page to get up-to-date information about traveling to St Petersburg.
iVisa.com Recommends
St Petersburg is a Russian city that mesmerizes with its magic every traveler, who is in search of history and architecture. Its imposing architecture and the river that crosses the city make this city one of the most desired in Russia. Here at iVisa.com we give you some recommendations for you to visit on your trip.
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival in Russia, you'll be given an immigration form produced electronically at passport control. Make sure to hold on to this as you'll need it both to register your stay and to leave the country.
How long do you have to register a visa for Russia?
Register your visa: every visitor to Russia must register their visa within seven business days of arrival. If you're in Saint Petersburg for less than seven business days, you are exempt, and if you leave Saint Petersburg, you must register again in any city where you stay seven days or longer.
What is a visa support letter?
Visa invitation letter ( known as a "visa support") provided by your hotel or hostel (sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee), or if you're not staying in one of these , they can be bought from travel or visa agencies (prices vary).
Where to go to get a Russian visa?
With all of your necessary documentation, you'll then need to go to your Russian embassy or dedicated visa agency: when you first visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website linked above, the Contacts link under your selected country will show the official offices for visa applications. You may also be asked to bring bank statements, birth certificates of children travelling with you and proof of travel insurance, so make sure to double check what you need in advance.
How long can a Russian citizen stay in Russia?
Citizens of the countries of the CIS (the Commonwealth of Independent States) are permitted to stay in the Russian Federation for up to 90 days without a visa. Group 2. Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, South Africa.
Can Turkey citizens travel to Russia?
Please note that citizens of Turkey no longer qualify for visa-free travel to Russia (starting January 1 2016).
How long is a Russian visa valid?
There are various different types of Russian visa depending on the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit, but for most visitors the standard Russian Travel Visa, single-entry or double-entry and valid for up to 30 days, will suffice. You can find out more about the different types of Russian visa here.
How long does a Russian passport last?
In most cases, you will need to have a passport valid for at least six months after your planned trip to Russia, and with at least two blank pages.
How long can you stay in Russia without a visa?
Passengers of Cruise Ships and Ferries at St. Petersburg and Vladivostok are permitted to stay in Russia for 72 hours without a visa when accompanied by a tour operator licensed by Russian authorities. Ferry schedules may not permit visitors to stay more than two nights without exceeding the 72-hour limit. If you plan to sightsee on your own, you must have a tourist visa. A visa is also required if you plan to depart Russia by another mode of transportation.
Why is travel to the region prohibited?
U.S. government travel to the region is prohibited, due to ongoing security concerns.
What are administrative violations in Russia?
Traffic Laws: Russian authorities have been known to consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date.
How long can you be detained in Russia?
You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported and banned for 5 years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
What are the penalties for violating Russian laws?
If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia.
What are the terrorist groups in Russia?
Terrorism: Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas
Where are the terrorist attacks in the North Caucasus?
Terrorist attacks and risk of civil unrest continue throughout the North Caucasus region, including in Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol , Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local gangs have kidnapped U.S. citizens and other foreigners for ransom.
