Important Updates
Important Updates
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
July 24, 2025 | China, AzerbaijanAzerbaijan/Mainland China: Reciprocal Visa Exemption in Effect
July 24, 2025 | United StatesThe PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends
July 24, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
July 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms Nationwide Scope of Birthright Citizenship Injunction
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
July 24, 2025 | China, AzerbaijanAzerbaijan/Mainland China: Reciprocal Visa Exemption in Effect
July 24, 2025 | United StatesThe PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends
July 24, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
July 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms Nationwide Scope of Birthright Citizenship Injunction
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Electronic Visa Process for St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region Implemented

October 2, 2019

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Effective immediately, eligible foreign nationals from 53 countries can apply for an e-visa to enter Russia through specific immigration posts located in the St. Petersburg and Leningrad regions for business, tourism or humanitarian purposes.
  • Further details have now been released confirming the application procedure, processing time, documentation and restrictions for the e-visa. Applications will be free, submitted online and should be processed within a maximum of four calendar days.
  • Applicants can enter Russia through specific ports of entry and remain for up to eight days within the visa validity. They can move freely within the region in which they entered but must exit Russia within the same port from which they entered.

The situation

As an update, further details have been released confirming the e-visa process for nationals of the 53 countries who can apply for a free single-entry e-visa to enter Russia for business, tourist or other visits such as sports, cultural, scientific or technical events through the St. Petersburg and Leningrad region.

A closer look

  • Application procedure. Applications are filed on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular department website. Once it has been filed, each applicant will receive an individual number which will enable them to track their application. Decisions will be published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and applicants will not receive physical documentation.
  • Processing time. The processing time is expected to be four calendar days from the date the application is filed. Denials are expected to be published on the website within two calendar days. Applications must be filed at least four days before the intended entry date and no earlier than 20 days before the intended entry date.
  • Allowable period of stay. Applicants can remain for up to eight days within the validity of the visa. This cannot be extended.
  • Immigration posts. E-visas are valid for entry and exit from Russia through the select entry points in St. Petersburg and Leningrad region only, and foreign nationals should exit using the same port through which they entered.  When in Russia, they have the right to move freely within the region into which they entered.
  • Documents. Documents required for the e-visa application and entry to Russia include a passport valid for at least six months from the future visa expiration date, confirmation that the e-visa has been issued, a medical insurance certificate covering the period of stay in Russia and travel tickets.    
     

Impact

Foreign nationals using the e-visa can save costs normally associated with applying for non-e-visas. Processing times are also typically faster, with some e-visas issued in four calendar days, compared to 12-21 days for regular visas.

However, foreign nationals may experience application delays as the electronic system is implemented.

Background

  • Russian trends. The changes are part of a wider relaxation of visa requirements in Russia. For example, Russia has also relaxed rules for scientists, implemented electronic visa-free business or tourist travel for nationals of many countries and waived some visa requirements for specific artists, scientists and cultural events.
  • E-visa regimes in Russia. Russia already has an e-visa regime for visits to the Vladivostok and Far East region for specific nationals, as well as the Kaliningrad region for specific nationals. The expansion to the St. Petersburg and Leningrad region is the latest e-visa regime to be implemented.
  • Regional trends. Russia is the latest among many countries in the region to expand e-visas for short-term travel and streamline immigration processes using technology. For example, Ukraine has introduced similar e-visa policies and Kazakhstan introduced a single-entry e-visa for business trips for 43 nationalities in April 2019. The changes come as Russia, along with other countries in the region including Kazakhstan, prepare to build the ‘New Silk Road’ and attract foreign investment and business with simplified travel.
     

Looking ahead

By January 1, 2021, the Russian government is expected to introduce a unified e-visa system for all foreign nationals entering Russia for up to 16 days for guest stays, touristic, business, and humanitarian purposes.

In recent years, while the number of short-term migrants to Russia has been relatively stable, the number long-term residents who seek citizenship has dropped. If Russia continues to rely on an increase of migrants to the country to offset declining population numbers and to attract investment to the country, Fragomen expects further digital and streamlined initiatives to be implemented and visa requirements for skilled migrants to be relaxed.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.