
Introduction of unified e-visa to Russia is not yet possible
MFA: pilot launch of e-visa for foreign tourists is not yet possible.
Yuri Gorbatyuk, the deputy chief of department of entrance of foreigners of Consular department said that there is no information on approximate launch of e-visa. Selective introduction of unified e-visa for tourists from countries with which flights have been resumed is not possible due to technical complexities and legislation.
At the St. Petersburg International Tourism Forum Travel Hub, Yuri Gorbatyuk said that the legislation does not provide for separation of this visa for tourists and for other categories of foreign citizens. E-visa is universal.
Gorbatyuk also noted that “quite serious technical complexities” are an obstacle to selective introduction of single e-visa.
It is technically impossible to ensure entry of only foreign tourists from countries indicated in Appendix No. 1 and only through air checkpoints.
It was assumed that from January 1, 2021, citizens of 53 countries will be able to technically remotely issue a Russian visa.