Russian authorities have announced the decision to restart the electronic visa system. The government will confirm a date for its reintroduction by June 1, 2023. The Russian E-Visa program was activated in 2020. The online system allowed citizens of eligible countries to obtain a visa for their trip to Russia completely online. The new visa
25 July 2019
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For up-to-date information about the Russia-wide online visa launched by the Russian government in 2021, please see our main Russia E-visa page.
As of July 1, 2019, the Russian Government has chosen to introduce a new eVisa scheme for the Kaliningrad region, similar to that of the Far East Russian eVisa that exists at present. Citizens of 53 countries will be eligible for the Kaliningrad online visa.
Kaliningrad is a region of Russia located between Poland and Lithuania with a small coastline along the Baltic Sea. The Russian eVisa for Kaliningrad is expected to boost tourism and facilitate the visa process for eligible citizens. Those eligible will not be required to visit an embassy or consulate and instead will simply be required to apply for a visa online.
Kaliningrad eVisa Information
The Russian Government has specified that the eVisa will be issued for single-entry use only and will permit eVisa holders a stay of up to 8 days. Once received, the eVisa should be used within 30 days from the date of issue. Hence, travelers are recommended to apply approximately 20 days before the trip. The visa takes approximately 4 working days to process.
The visa will be available to visitors traveling for tourism purposes, as well as business, sporting, scientific, technological, and cultural purposes.
Kaliningrad eVisa Application Process
The procedure for applying for a Kaliningrad eVisa involves filling out the online application form and submitting the necessary documentation and information. Those applying should first check that they are eligible for the visa (see list below) and also double-check the visa requirements in order to prepare for the visa application.
Usually, applying for a visa at a Russian embassy in advance requires applicants to provide several documents, as well as an invitation letter. However, those who wish to visit the Kaliningrad region of Russia only will now be able to apply for a visa without going through this lengthier process. Visa applicants will be able to apply online and will receive their visa within approximately 4 working days.
Furthermore, applicants will be able to use the visa to enter via both Kaliningrad’s airport and land borders, as well.
While the Far East Russia Visa is only available to 18 countries, the Kaliningrad eVisa has been made available to up to 53 different nationalities. The introduction of the Kaliningrad eVisa comes as changes begin to be implemented with regards to Russia’s visa system and modernizing the process for foreigners who wish to visit the country.
List of Eligible Countries for the Kaliningrad eVisa
Before applying for a Kaliningrad eVisa, it will be necessary to verify that you are able to apply. Specific nationalities have been granted access to the online visa application system and applicants must come from 1 of 53 listed eligible countries in order to apply for the eVIsa.
The following 53 countries listed below are those eligible for the Kaliningrad eVisa:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- China (including Macau, Hong-Kong and Taiwan)
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Northern Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Turkey
- Vatican
Visit Kaliningrad with an Online Visa
Kaliningrad is an intriguing part of Russia with its own history consisting of Teutonic knights, the Soviet Union, and the Third Reich. There are various tours that intrigue tourists on their holidays and enable visitors to grasp a deeper understanding of its past and present. It is also a common visiting spot for those doing an Eastern European tour in nearby Poland or Lithuania.
The implementation of the Kaliningrad eVisa will enable tourists to explore Kaliningrad’s remarkable sights for up to 8 days and without applying at an embassy. However, please note that it will only allow visa holders to visit Kaliningrad and does not provide entry to other parts of Russia.
For more global visa information, visit our website for up-to-date news on the Russia eVisa, as well as other visa news worldwide.
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