A step in the right direction
Starting October 1, 2019, tourists can visit Russia’s cultural capital and the surrounding region by e-visa, with no consular fees.
St Petersburg is a fascinating capital of former Russian Empire and definitely the most beautiful city in Russia. You will be impressed with its palaces, parks, museums, and 18th century architecture!
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Tourists and businesspeople will be able to visit St. Petersburg on a simplified electronic visa starting this fall under President Vladimir Putin’s new orders. Applicants need to fill out a form on the website of the consular department of the Russian Foreign Ministry and upload a photograph; there is no consular fee. The application can be made no later than four and no earlier than 20 days before the expected date of entry. The visa is valid for stays in St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region for up to eight days. The purpose of travel can be tourism, business, or humanitarian reasons. The list of countries whose citizens can apply for a St Petersburg e-visa will be published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by October 1. In early July, e-visas for travel to Kaliningrad and Kaliningrad Region were introduced for citizens of 53 countries. A similar scheme is in operation for Vladivostok and airports across the whole of Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District.
List of countries whose citizens will be eligible for free e-visas to St Petersburg, Russia:
Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Vatican, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Cyprus, China (including Taiwan), Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Philippines, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia, Japan
Accommodation:
While in St Petersburg you might wanna consider staying at Egoeast Hotel. This centrally located hotel provides air-conditioned rooms decorated in warm, autumn colours.
H/T: rbth.com
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