Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Schengen Visa for Russia
Required for citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries. Allows travel to Schengen Area member states including Saint Petersburg for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the Russian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Visa Type: There are several types of Schengen visas, each with specific purposes such as tourism, business, study, etc.
- Processing Time: Typical processing time can vary but is usually within 15 calendar days, though it may take up to 60 days during peak times.
2. E-Visa for Saint Petersburg
For citizens of eligible countries. Allows a single entry for tourism or business purposes for up to 8 days.
- Application Process: The e-Visa can be applied for and obtained online.
- Validity Period: Once issued, the e-Visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue, but can only be used within 30 days.
- Visa Fee: The cost of the e-Visa is typically less expensive than a full Schengen Visa.
3. Business Visa for Russia
Required for activities related to business, employment or residence in Russia. May be issued for up to one year.
- Invitation Letter: A letter of invitation from a Russian organization is usually required.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one month to one year, depending on the purpose and nature of your business activities.
- Extension: Business visas can often be extended for the same duration within Russia, if needed.
4. Transit Visa for Saint Petersburg
Required if you're transiting through a Russian airport but not entering the country. Valid for up to 3 days.
- Airport of Transit: The transit visa is only valid for transits through Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg.
- Flight Connections: Connections must be made within the validity period of the transit visa.
- Application Process: The transit visa can be obtained online or at the airport, depending on your nationality.
5. Work Visa for Russia
Required if you're planning to work in Russia. May be issued for up to 3 years.
- Work Permit: A work permit is necessary before applying for a work visa.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one year to three years, depending on the nature of your employment.
- Renewal: Work visas can often be renewed within Russia, if needed.
6. Study Visa for Saint Petersburg
Required for enrolling in an educational program in Russia. May be issued for the duration of your studies.
- Acceptance Letter: An acceptance letter from the Russian educational institution is required.
- Validity Period: The validity period corresponds to the duration of your study program.
- Extension: Study visas can often be extended, if needed, for the same duration.
7. Private Visit Visa for Russia
Required for visiting friends or family in Russia. May be issued for up to 90 days.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from a Russian resident is required.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one month to three months, depending on the purpose of your visit.
- Extension: Private visit visas can often be extended for the same duration within Russia, if needed.
8. Journalist Visa for Russia
Required for journalists working in Russia. May be issued for up to one year.
- Accreditation: Accreditation from a media organization is usually required.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one month to one year, depending on the nature of your journalistic activities.
- Renewal: Journalist visas can often be renewed within Russia, if needed.
9. Crew Visa for Russia
Required for crew members on international flights or ships. May be issued for the duration of your assignment.
- Work Contract: A work contract related to your employment on an international flight or ship is required.
- Validity Period: The validity period corresponds to the duration of your assignment.
- Extension: Crew visas can often be extended, if needed, within Russia.
10. Diplomatic Visa for Russia
Required for diplomats and government officials. May be issued for up to four years.
- Accreditation: Accreditation from a diplomatic or consular mission is required.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one year to four years, depending on the nature of your diplomatic activities.
- Renewal: Diplomatic visas can often be renewed within Russia, if needed.
11. Consular Visa for Russia
Required for foreign diplomats or consuls visiting Russia on official business. May be issued for up to one year.
- Accreditation: Accreditation from a diplomatic or consular mission is required.
- Validity Period: The validity period can range from one month to one year, depending on the nature of your official activities.
- Renewal: Consular visas can often be renewed within Russia, if needed.
12. Refugee Visa for Russia
For individuals seeking asylum in Russia. The validity period is usually open-ended.
- Application Process: The application process involves providing evidence of persecution or fear of persecution.
- Temporary Protection: Temporary protection is granted while the asylum application is processed, which can take several months.
- Refugee Status: If approved, you'll receive refugee status and may apply for a permanent residence permit.
13. Transit Without Visa Program
Allows citizens of eligible countries to transit through Russia without obtaining a transit visa. Valid for up to 3 days.
- Eligibility: Eligible countries must have diplomatic or consular relations with Russia.
- Airport of Transit: The transit without visa program is only valid for transits through Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow and Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg.
- Flight Connections: Connections must be made within the validity period of the transit without visa program.
14. Travel Insurance for Russia
Required to cover medical expenses during your stay in Russia. Some visas may have minimum coverage requirements.
- Coverage Requirements: Check the visa requirements for the specific type of visa you're applying for.
- Insurance Providers: Many travel insurance providers offer policies specifically for Russian visas.
- Policy Validity: The policy should cover the entire duration of your stay in Russia, including any travel within the country.
15. Registration upon Arrival
Foreign citizens staying in Russia for more than 7 days are required to register their address with the local authorities.
- Address Registration: The registration process involves providing your passport and visa details.
- Responsible Party: If staying with a host, the host is responsible for registering your address.
- Penalties: Failure to register may result in fines or deportation.