Russia: Possible introduction of a 72-hour visa-free period

Russia plans to introduce a 72-hour visa-free period for cruise passengers and international air travelers. This initiative aims to boost tourism by enabling visitors to discover Russia without the constraints of traditional visa formalities.

This visa-free period would enable cruise passengers and travelers arriving by air to stay in certain Russian cities without having to obtain a visa first. This measure, still under discussionThe new system will be implemented in cities such as St Petersburg, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad and other key ports and airports.

Aspect	Details
Duration of visa-free period	72 hours
Eligibility	Cruise passengers and international air travellers
Cities concerned	St Petersburg, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, etc.

This initiative is motivated by the desire to increase the number of tourists visiting Russia, and to boost the local economy in major port and airport cities. The visa-free period is seen as a way of making Russia more accessible and attractive to international visitors, particularly those from Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Current e-Visa regulations in Russia

Russia currently offers e-Visas to simplify the entry process for visitors from certain countries. This system allows travelers to obtain their visa online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate. e-Visas are available for stays of up to 16 days, and are valid for single entries via most points of entry into the country.

List of countries eligible for e-Visas in Russia

Citizens of the following countries can apply for an e-Visa to enter Russia: Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Vatican City.

Recent developments

Over the past three months, several important initiatives and changes have been announced in Russia concerning tourism and travel formalities:

1. Visa reforms for sporting events : In May 2024, special visa regulations were introduced to facilitate the entry of spectators and participants to major international sporting events held in Russia.
2. Upgrading tourism infrastructure : In June 2024, the Russian government announced major investments in tourism infrastructure, including the modernization of ports and airports to accommodate greater numbers of tourists.

Fill in a file from e-Visa Russia

• Russia

« Thailand: Air tax finally abandoned China also exempts Australians and New Zealanders from visa requirements »