In an attempt to increase entry points for visitors in the country, Russia has decided to let foreigners, including Indians, enter on a free e-Visa for up to 8 days from October 1.
President Vladimir Putin confirmed this news via a signed decree which said, “Foreign citizens can enter and leave Russia through checkpoints in St Petersburg and Leningrad region on the basis of single-entry business, tourist and humanitarian visas (on) electronic documents ”.
Book Flights!e-Visas will be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia at the request of the traveller. The request needs to be filled out at least four days before the date of travel. The e-application needs to be accompanied by a photograph only, no other documents will be required.
Once granted, the e-Visa will be valid for 30 days and can be used to stay there for up to 8 days.
Over the past few years, Russia has been promoting the use of e-Visas. A Russian e-Visa is issued within 4 calendar days, irrespective of weekends and bank holidays and there is no need for any invitations or confirmations. All you have to do is fill in the form on the website, it’s free and works 24/7.
The head of the Russian Information Centre in India predicts that e-Visas will likely be available at all major Russian cities, including Moscow, by January 1, 2021.
