Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that starting from October 1, 2019, citizens from 53 countries will be able to visit Saint Petersburg with a free electronic visa. This list of countries was shared on Friday morning.
According to Thursday’s report by RIA Novosti, the same 53 countries had been included in a similar scheme launched on July 1, 2019, for Russia’s Far East and Kaliningrad regions. The electronic visa can be applied for on a specified website, and there’s a complete list of eligible countries available online. All European Union countries are included, except the United Kingdom.
In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing travelers to use electronic visas for trips to Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region starting October 1. However, the decree didn’t specify the countries involved at the time.
To get an electronic visa, you need to submit your application on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at least four days before your trip. The visa is valid for up to 30 calendar days, but you’re only allowed to stay in Russia for up to eight days with it. There’s no fee for obtaining this e-visa.
The countries whose citizens can benefit from this new e-visa system include:
1. Austria
2. Andorra
3. Bahrain
4. Belgium
5. Bulgaria
6. Vatican
7. Hungary
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Denmark
11. India
12. Indonesia
13. Iran
14. Ireland
15. Iceland
16. Spain
17. Italy
18. Qatar
19. Cyprus
20. China (including Taiwan)
21. North Korea
22. Kuwait
23. Latvia
24. Lithuania
25. Liechtenstein
26. Luxembourg
27. Malaysia
28. Malta
29. Mexico
30. Monaco
31. Netherlands
32. Norway
33. Oman
34. Poland
35. Portugal
36. Romania
37. San Marino
38. Saudi Arabia
39. North Macedonia
40. Serbia
41. Singapore
42. Slovakia
43. Slovenia
44. Turkey
45. Philippines
46. Finland
47. France
48. Croatia
49. Czech Republic
50. Switzerland
51. Sweden
52. Estonia
53. Japan