Russia to allow 3 day visa free visits

[ML]

http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130913/183413657/Russias-3-Day-No-Visa-Policy-Expected-to-Boost-Tourism-Up-to-45.html

This should increase traffic on connecting flights that change airports in Moscow.  i.e. No transit visa required.

[Hammer2722]

This is outstanding news!!!! My girl and I are planning to go Minsk next Spring to visit her family and we were planning a side trip to St, Pete to see her aunt and the sites for a few days. this will make our planning much easier if I don't have to worry about getting a visa!!!! 

[ML]

It seems to only apply to those who are in-transit at a Russian airport.

Wouldn't work for just planning a 3 day side trip to Russia from Belarus.

But, if you could transit through the airport in St Petersburg, then it would seem to be the way to go.

[Faux Pas]

It seems to only apply to those who are in-transit at a Russian airport.

Wouldn't work for just planning a 3 day side trip to Russia from Belarus.

But, if you could transit through the airport in St Petersburg, then it would seem to be the way to go.

There's not enough information there but, it seems like it would apply to Hammer's situation. It basically means you can pass through passport control without a visa for up to 72 hours.  I always have a visa when I go to Russia but often, I have layovers in St Pete and Moscow that are 12-24 hours. For those without a visa, they could take in the cities and leave a few bucks

[Hammer2722]

We were thinking of taking the train from Minsk to St Pete. I'll have to research it further.

[mendeleyev]

I'm hoping to get clarification on this soon.

In regards to the new ruling the city of Saint Petersburg says...

If a cruise ship passenger stays within the Russian Federation territory for longer than one day the passenger must present to the Border Guard Service a hotel voucher, a confirmation of payment for the booking. Passing the registration formalities at the hotel is obligatory. In accordance to the legislation of Russian Federation (RF Government Resolution №397), foreign tourists and persons without citizenship travelling on ferries may arrive to the port of St. Petersburg without Russian visa and stay in Russia not more than 72 h. VISA-Free journey can last up to 3 days.

[LAman]

Makes you wonder what 'transit' means in this case.
If I was to plan trip to side trip Moscow for a few days then then back to my vacation location, is it really transiting? Why use the word transit? Why not just have visa free for 3 days?

[steveboy]

We were thinking of taking the train from Minsk to St Pete. I'll have to research it further.

If you drive there is no visa requirement into Russia ( well unofficially), as there is no border control between Belarus and Russia just an empty road. St Pets is just up the road from the border. A bit doggy if you plan to hang around in Russia for two long, but ok for a short visit. You can always say you didn't realise you was in Russia if you get stopped

[Faux Pas]

If you drive there is no visa requirement into Russia ( well unofficially), as there is no border control between Belarus and Russia just an empty road. St Pets is just up the road from the border. A bit doggy if you plan to hang around in Russia for two long, but ok for a short visit. You can always say you didn't realise you was in Russia if you get stopped

He can also say "Scotty, beam me outta here" but, that doesn't mean it's going to work 

[ML]

Several interpretations/wishes noted above.

But the proposed law is fairly unambiguous:

"The Russian government has this month approved draft legislation to allow foreign nationals in transit at Russian airports to remain in the country for 72 hours without visas."

This would mean the person landed at a Russian airport, and had a ticket on to a third country.

So nothing about traveling into Russia by car, bus, or train; and nothing about flying into Russia from Germany with a return flight to Germany.

Note:  Russia has already modified the law for sea entry.

" . . . Russia’s own experience in introducing 72-hour visa-free transit for passengers on cruise liners and ferries had accounted for 'explosive growth' in the number of tourists."

[viking]

For Pete's sake. getting a Russian is very simple. Spend a few dollars, get the visa, enjoy your stay without worrying about "how many days", especially if you are having a good time. Stay a bit longer. St. Pete has a lot to offer and I could spend another week there with no problem at all.

[GQBlues]

For Pete's sake. getting a Russian is very simple. Spend a few dollars, get the visa, enjoy your stay without worrying about "how many days", especially if you are having a good time. Stay a bit longer. St. Pete has a lot to offer and I could spend another week there with no problem at all.

OK.

But apparently you no longer need a visa if you believe you can do it in less than 3 days. But is that really enough time to get to know the woman?

 

[tfcrew]

 

...if you believe you can do it in less than 3 days. But is that really enough time to get to know the woman?

 

Enough to meet for the first time. Not everyone can take unlimited time off.
If it looks promising, then put in for more time and a visa.
A passport/visa service is the best way to go.

Karl

[mendeleyev]

I am under the impression that it is related to travel and transit. I've asked for clarification and nobody seems to know.

[ML]

I am under the impression that it is related to travel and transit. I've asked for clarification and nobody seems to know.

"The Russian government has this month approved draft legislation to allow foreign nationals in transit at Russian airports to remain in the country for 72 hours without visas."

If you travel only to Russia, you are not 'in transit' at a Russian airport.

But, as you hint, who knows how the law may be interpreted . . . at any given airport, on any given day.

[GQBlues]

Enough to meet for the first time. Not everyone can take unlimited time off.
If it looks promising, then put in for more time and a visa.
A passport/visa service is the best way to go.

Karl

 

Karl, I was being facetious. I was simply humoring Viking's post when he said 'getting a Russian is very simple'.