Travelers looking to explore Russia might soon enjoy the convenience of a single-entry electronic visa that officials in Moscow are considering to boost tourism. President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to implement this e-visa service by January 1, 2021.
This initiative builds on the successful experiences from the Far East and Zabaykalsky Region, near China. Since 2017, citizens from 18 countries in Asia and the Middle East have been able to apply for an e-visa for stays up to eight days via Russia’s Foreign Ministry’s dedicated portal.
By January 1, 2021, this system is set to be expanded to cover the entire country, according to Zarina Doguzova, head of the Federal Agency for Tourism, who spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Initially, passport holders from China, South Korea, Japan, EU countries, and non-EU Schengen members like Norway and Iceland will be eligible to apply. The e-visa will first be available to those entering Russia through major cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, and a few others. The number of entry points will increase as more border checkpoints receive the necessary equipment.
The Kaliningrad region will see the introduction of the e-visa regime as early as July 1 this year. The electronic visa will allow stays of up to 16 days and will cost $50. Unlike the current process for obtaining a tourist single-entry visa, you will not need an invitation to apply for the new electronic visa.