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Russia To Offer Simplified E-Visas to St. Petersburg Visitors Coming From 53 Countries

One’s experience of applying for a visa can be long, grueling, and nerve-wracking, which is probably why most people opt to go on a holiday in countries where they can enter visa-free. But what if a top destination like St. Petersburg relaxes its visa application process, would you go?

Joining the world’s roster of countries offering e-visas, Russia will soon accept online electronic visa applications from 53 countries—including the Philippines and Singapore! 

 

via Shutterstock

 

This new rule is under President Vladimir Putin’s new orders in an effort to collect more revenue in annual tourism by the end of his presidential term in 2024.

The 30-day e-visa program will cover St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningard region, and visitors will be able to stay in Russia for eight days within their visa’s 30-day validity period.

 

via Shutterstock

 

To apply, potential tourists must apply for electronic visas on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s special website no later than four days prior to their arrival. 

The best part? Applicants will not be charged a consular fee. Yep, you read it right—applying for an electronic visa is absolutely free!

 

via Shutterstock

 

Before you pack your bags and book your ticket to St. Petersburg, though, make sure you are a passport-holder of one of the following countries:

Austria

Andorra

Bahrain

Belgium

Bulgaria

Vatican

Hungary

Germany

Greece

Denmark

India

Indonesia

Iran

Ireland

Iceland

Spain

Italy

Qatar

Cyprus

China

Taiwan

North Korea

Kuwait

Latvia

Lithuania

Lichtenstein

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Malta

Mexico

Monaco

The Netherlands

Norway

Oman

Poland

Portugal

Romania

San-Marino

Saudi Arabia

North Macedonia

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Turkey

The Philippines

Finland

France

Croatia

Czech Republic

Switzerland

Sweden

Estonia

Japan

 

Happy travels!

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