Saint Petersburg Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Saint Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, welcomes international visitors through Pulkovo International Airport (LED) and other entry points including seaports and land borders. Entry requirements for Saint Petersburg follow Russian Federation immigration policies, which vary significantly based on nationality. Most travelers will need to obtain a visa before arrival, though Russia has expanded its electronic visa program in recent years to facilitate tourism. The immigration process in Saint Petersburg is generally straightforward but requires careful preparation. All foreign nationals must complete migration registration within seven business days of arrival, and visitors should ensure their documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays or complications at the border. Russian immigration authorities are thorough in their checks, so having all required documents readily accessible is essential. Before traveling to Saint Petersburg, visitors should verify current entry requirements with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or their nearest Russian embassy or consulate, as policies can change. It's also crucial to understand that Russia maintains specific regulations regarding permitted activities on tourist visas, registration requirements, and areas that may be restricted to foreign visitors.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Russia has a comprehensive visa policy with very limited visa-free access. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Saint Petersburg, though electronic visa options have expanded to simplify the process for short-term tourism and business visits.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by agreement, typically 30-90 days

Very limited visa-free access for most nationalities. Some CIS countries and specific bilateral agreements

Includes

Citizens of most CIS countries can enter visa-free. Some cruise ship passengers arriving by sea may qualify for 72-hour visa-free stays under specific organized tour conditions. Always verify current status as diplomatic situations affect visa policies.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Up to 16 days (must enter and exit through Saint Petersburg jurisdiction)

Single-entry electronic visa available for citizens of eligible countries for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes

Includes

All EU countries United Kingdom China India Turkey Singapore Japan South Korea Indonesia Malaysia Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Mexico Philippines Serbia North Macedonia and others

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal (evisa.kdmid.ru) at least 4 days before travel. Processing typically takes 4 calendar days. Free of charge.
Cost: Free (no consular fee)

eVisa holders must enter and exit through Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast. Cannot be extended. Requires valid travel insurance. Check current list of eligible countries as it continues to expand. Note: eVisa availability may be suspended or modified due to diplomatic relations.

Traditional Visa Required

Tourist visas typically allow stays up to 30 days; business and other visa types vary

Most nationalities require a traditional visa obtained through Russian embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at Russian embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Requires invitation letter (tourist voucher for tourists, business invitation for business travelers), completed application form, passport photo, valid passport, and consular fee. Processing takes 4-20 business days depending on service type.

US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most countries not eligible for eVisa require traditional visa. Tourist visas require hotel confirmation or tourist voucher from registered Russian tour operator. Multiple-entry visas available for business and other purposes. Visa support/invitation letters can be arranged through hotels, tour operators, or visa agencies.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Saint Petersburg, all foreign nationals must pass through immigration control and customs. The process is systematic and typically efficient, though language barriers may occur as not all officers speak English fluently. Allow sufficient time for immigration procedures, especially during peak travel periods.

Document Check Before Border

Before approaching immigration, ensure you have your passport, visa (if applicable), completed migration card, and any supporting documents (hotel confirmations, invitation letters) readily accessible.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and visa to the immigration officer. You'll receive a migration card (or complete one if not provided on the plane). The officer will stamp your passport and return one part of the migration card - keep this carefully as you'll need it throughout your stay and upon departure.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Check that all your bags have arrived before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Choose the appropriate customs channel - Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). If carrying currency over USD 10,000 equivalent, valuable items, or restricted goods, use the Red channel and complete a customs declaration form.

Exit and Registration

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals area. Remember that you must complete migration registration within 7 business days - most hotels do this automatically, but verify with your accommodation.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia, with at least two blank pages for stamps.

Valid Visa or eVisa

Printed copy of your visa (for eVisa holders, print the confirmation). Keep this accessible throughout your stay.

Migration Card

Distributed on the plane or at the border. Fill out completely and accurately. Keep your portion throughout your stay - required for hotel registration and departure.

Travel Insurance

Required for eVisa holders; strongly recommended for all travelers. Should cover medical expenses and repatriation.

Hotel Confirmation or Invitation Letter

Proof of accommodation or official invitation. Immigration may request to see this.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Russia. May be requested by immigration officers.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep your migration card safe - losing it can cause serious complications when departing. Take a photo of it as backup.

Ensure your hotel or accommodation provider completes your migration registration. Request a registration confirmation slip.

Carry copies of all important documents separately from originals. Store digital copies in cloud storage.

Have your accommodation address written in Russian - immigration officers may not speak English.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Answer questions directly and honestly.

If staying in private accommodation (not a hotel), you're responsible for registering at the local post office or migration service within 7 business days.

Currency declaration forms must be kept if you declared cash upon entry - you'll need them when departing with currency.

Customs & Duty-Free

Russian customs regulations are strictly enforced. All travelers must comply with duty-free allowances and declaration requirements. Items exceeding allowances are subject to duty, and prohibited items will be confiscated. When in doubt, declare items - penalties for non-declaration are severe.

Alcohol

Up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages per person

Must be 18 years or older. Intended for personal use only.

Tobacco

Up to 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. For personal consumption only.

Currency

Up to USD 10,000 equivalent (or foreign currency equivalent) without declaration

Amounts exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared on arrival using customs declaration form. Keep the stamped declaration form for departure. No limit on declared amounts.

Gifts/Goods

Goods for personal use up to €1,500 in value and weighing up to 50kg

Goods exceeding these limits are subject to customs duty. Commercial quantities are prohibited on tourist visas.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and psychotropic substances - severe criminal penalties apply
Weapons and ammunition without proper permits - including pepper spray and stun guns
Pornographic materials in any form
Materials containing extremist content or Nazi symbols
Endangered species and products derived from them (CITES regulations)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Certain types of encryption devices and radio equipment
Unprocessed precious stones and metals without documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only necessary amounts with prescription in English and Russian if possible. Certain medications legal elsewhere may be controlled substances in Russia
Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old require special export permits and cultural value assessment
Caviar - limited to 250g per person for export; requires special documentation for larger quantities
Professional photography/video equipment - may require declaration and temporary import documentation
Drones and radio-controlled devices - may require permits; use restrictions apply
Pets - require veterinary certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and microchip identification

Health Requirements

Russia does not currently mandate specific vaccinations for most international travelers, though health requirements can change. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consider additional precautions based on season and planned activities.

Required Vaccinations

No vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers entering from standard origin countries. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries within 6 days of potential exposure.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations: MMR, DTP, Influenza, COVID-19
Hepatitis A and B (especially for longer stays)
Tick-borne encephalitis (if traveling during spring/summer or visiting forests)
Rabies (for extended stays or if working with animals)
Typhoid (for adventurous eaters or rural travel)

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is mandatory for eVisa holders and must cover the entire duration of stay. For traditional visa holders, insurance is strongly recommended as medical care for foreigners can be expensive and payment is typically required upfront. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation. Some Russian embassies require proof of insurance when issuing visas.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health-related entry requirements before travel, as these can change rapidly. Visit the official Russian government websites or contact the Russian embassy in your country for the latest health protocols, testing requirements, and quarantine rules. Consider seasonal health risks such as tick-borne encephalitis in spring and summer months.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Saint Petersburg or Moscow before and during your trip

Register with your embassy's travel registration program. US: Consulate General in St. Petersburg (temporarily suspended - contact Moscow Embassy). UK: British Consulate General in Saint Petersburg. Check your government's travel advisory website for current warnings and contact information.

Immigration Authority

Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia

Official website: мвд.рф (mvd.ru). For visa applications: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mid.ru). Electronic visa portal: evisa.kdmid.ru

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 112 (universal emergency number from mobile phones)

Police: 102, Ambulance: 103, Fire: 101. English-speaking operators may not always be available. Tourist helpline in Saint Petersburg: +7 (812) 242-42-42

Airport Information

Pulkovo International Airport (LED): +7 (812) 337-38-22

Official website: pulkovoairport.ru (available in English). Airport operates 24/7 with information desks in terminals.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with neither parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) is required, translated into Russian. This letter should include travel dates, destinations, and accompanying adult information. Russian authorities strictly enforce these requirements. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documentation.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an international veterinary certificate (Form 5a or equivalent) issued within 5 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), microchip identification, and health certificate confirming the animal is free from infectious diseases. Some breeds of dogs are restricted. Contact Russian customs (customs.gov.ru) for current requirements. Airlines have separate pet policies - confirm in advance.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, natural disaster). For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate visa type before arriving: business visa (up to 1 year, multiple entry), work visa (requires employment contract and work permit), student visa (requires educational institution invitation), or private visa (requires invitation from Russian citizen or resident). Overstaying your visa results in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Plan your visa duration carefully.

Business Travelers

Business visa requires official invitation from registered Russian company or organization. Business visas allow multiple entries and longer stays (up to 1 year) but restrict you to business activities only. Carry invitation letter, business documents, and contact information for your Russian partners. Some business activities may require additional work permits.

Transit Passengers

Transit without visa is possible if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours. For leaving the airport or longer layovers, most nationalities require a transit visa or regular visa. Some nationalities may use eVisa for short stopovers if entering Saint Petersburg jurisdiction. Confirm requirements based on your nationality and layover duration.

Dual Citizens

Russian dual citizens must enter and exit Russia using their Russian passport. Other dual citizens should check which passport to use - generally use the passport matching your visa. Never attempt to enter on one passport and exit on another.