Russia to go e-Visa - selected countries?

[RooFlyer]

This from OMaaT:

Russia To Introduce Electronic Visas By 2021

Russia is expected to introduce electronic visas by 2021, thanks to a new presidential order. Here's what we know so far about the plans for this.

onemileatatime.com

If true, a good move, eh, @JohnM ? But there could be a catch - it is likely to be country specific and not include Australia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a presidential order for Russia to offer electronic visas to foreign visitors by January 1, 2021. This e-visa would be single entry, and would be valid for visits of up to 16 days. They’re expected to cost about $50.

What hasn’t yet been decided on is what countries would benefit from this. China, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and European countries are allegedly among those under consideration.

Russia to introduce e-visa without invitation from 2021

Single-entry visas for a stay of up to 16 days will come in the start. Later, the goal is to issue multiple entry e-visas.

thebarentsobserver.com

By January 1, 2021 the system will be extended to entire Russia, head of the Federal Agency for Tourism Zarina Doguzova said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Kommersant reports.

E-visa will then be possible to apply for all passport holders from China, South Korea, Japan, EU countries and non-EU countries that are Schengen members, like Norway and Iceland.

Citizens from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States are not to be included in the new e-visa system.

 

[JohnM]

I’ll believe it when I see it, but that timeline will not help me for the one I need to get next year - but at least I now know the pitfalls of their new system .

 

[kpc]

An e Visa would definitely encourage me to visit Russia again. I went to StP and Moscow a few years ago and really loved the country but the Visa was an absolute PITA to obtain!

 

[drron]

If you are on a cruise ship to StP then SpB tours were fantastic.We didn't have to do anything and it all went without a hitch.Plus even though a private tour for 2 was cheaper than the Ship's tours.Also nice to walk past the ship tour in line at the Winter Palace and go straight in.TKWWW.

 

[RooFlyer]

An e Visa would definitely encourage me to visit Russia again. I went to StP and Moscow a few years ago and really loved the country but the Visa was an absolute PITA to obtain!

Once you'e done it once, its easier the second and third time ... until they change the system, as JohnM found out!

My 4th trip in planning.

 

[mrsterryn]

Ahhh this does not bode well for my trying to get a visa for next April
Has anyone used the place in the city which states they will also provide the letter of invitation required ?

 

[RooFlyer]

the place in the city

Which city?

 

[mrsterryn]

Oh geez.... somedays. The City is
Sydney
The Russian visa centre in Harris St @RooFlyer
(Thanks for asking I do appreciate that )

 

[RooFlyer]

I haven't; I have always used the hotel I will be staying at in Russia to issue the letter of invitation; it seems to be a normal part of business for hotels thereto do this.. Last time, one at Lake Baikal issued the invitation for the entire trip, even though i was only staying there art of the time.

For the 'service' places, you'll pay a fee; hotels don't (in my experience).

 

[mrsterryn]

I haven't; I have always used the hotel I will be staying at in Russia to issue the letter of invitation; it seems to be a normal part of business for hotels thereto do this.. Last time, one at Lake Baikal issued the invitation for the entire trip, even though i was only staying there art of the time.

For the 'service' places, you'll pay a fee; hotels don't (in my experience).

Thank you . We will hopefully be staying a couple of nights in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Doing the train from Frankfurt to Moscow and Moscow to Paris on the return

 

[AIRwin]

New Russian e visas.

Unfortunately not for Aussies.But hopefully in the future. https://loyaltylobby.com/2019/10/04/free-russian-e-visa-for-st-petersburg-kaliningrad-limited-vladivostok/?omhide=true

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au