Introduction timing of electronic visa in all regions

During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, head of the Federal Agency for Tourism Zarina Doguzova said that, introduction of e-visa regime which is planned at the beginning of 2021, should work simultaneously in all regions of the Russian Federation. “We include that e-visa regime will immediately begin to be applied to throughout Russia's territory. We expect this to happen in 2021, that is, in 18 months”, she said.

On behalf of the President of Russia, introduction of e-visas takes place within inter-ministerial working group. “There is very low degree of awareness in the world that e-visa regime is already applied in some regions of the Russian Federation. It’s hard to explain to people why one region of country can be visited under simplified visa regime and one cannot visit any other region,” said Doguzova.

“As soon as e-visa regime will work throughout the Russian Federation, Russia will become country with the most liberal visa regime among developed countries. We will advance this idea”, head noted.

It should be noted that in addition to e-visa, the Ministry intends to continue work on the liberalization of visa regime in other specific directions.

It is assumed that e-visa will work in 2021 throughout Russia and will have validity at least 14 days.