The Ultimate Guide to the St Petersburg e Visa - All you need to know!
Russia offers new e-visas to Visitors of St. Petersburg
Starting from October 1st, 2019, foreign tourists and business travelers of 53 countries (see list below) can visit the city of St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region by applying for a simplified e-visa. We have collected the facts for you and let you know how to best get around the cultural capital of Russia!
Where can I get the St. Petersburg e-visa?
If you are planning to visit St. Petersburg by using an e-Visa, you must apply for the e-Visa the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs not earlier than 20 days before your trip and at least 4 days before your departure to Russia! We recommend to do so at least one week beforehand, to make sure you receive your e-Visa right before your flight to St. Petersburg.
How long can I stay with the St Petersburg e Visa ?
The e visa is optimal for a short trip to St. Petersburg, be it to enjoy its incredibly rich cultural program, for business, shopping or to simply enjoy one of its many other attractions. The visa is valid for 30 days from the day of issuance. Visitors can stay up to 8 days starting from the day of entry.
Which countries can apply for e-visa to St. Petersburg?
Nationals of the following 53 St Petersburg e visa countries (last update: October 10, 2019) can apply for the Saint Petersburg e visa in advance:
Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (including Taiwan), Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican
Do I need an invitation or hotel booking for the e-Visa?
No. All you need is a valid passport (minimum 6 months valid) and a medial insurance valid in Russia for the period of your stay.
Can I enter Leningrad Region by land with my St. Petersburg e-Visa?
Only at the following checkpoints you are allowed to enter and leave with an e-Visa:
- air checkpoint «Pulkovo»;
- naval checkpoints «Vysotsk», «Big port Saint Petersburg (Marine Station)», «Passenger port Saint Petersburg»;
- automobile checkpoints «Ivangorod», «Torfjanovka», «Brusnitchnoe», «Svetogorsk»;
- pedestrian checkpoint «Ivangorod».
Important: Entry and exit on an e-visa by means of rail transport is currently unavailable.
How much does the St Petersburg e visa cost?
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an e-visa is free.
