From Russia, with love, but visa is required

When my customers book a cruise in the Baltic Area, they ask me all the time about Russian tourist visa information for cruise ship passengers. I have collected a lot of information about these Visa requirements, which most of the type apply to the port of call St. Petersburg. So, also some information about this port is included in this posting. If you still have questions, call me or email me and I can help you sorting out your questions.

Cruise ship passengers can currently visit Russia on visa-waiver scheme provided the stop in the port of call doesn’t exceed 72 hours and tourists stay overnight on board the cruise ship. This rule doesn’t apply to passengers of Finish and some other cruise companies. This rule doesn’t apply either if there is only one port of call during a voyage.

Cruise passengers may disembark from the ship without a tourist visa if they participate on tours organized by cruise companies. Passengers not participating on tours and wishing to disembark will need to obtain a Russia tourist visa. Passengers won’t be permitted ashore if they don’t present a valid passport, a Russian visa and a voucher issued by a Russian travel company or another authorized organization.

Cruise passengers can not obtain a visa in Russia. Visas are issued in the country of residence before departure.

I recommend that you check information on organized cruise tours and visas with your cruise company in advance.

Russian tourist visa waiver for liners tour participants
Russian Tourist Visas are not required for liners tour passengers participating on their liners organised tour. All passengers who elect to participate on a their liners’ tour in St. Petersburg, including Private Vehicle tours and the tour to Moscow, may disembark the ship for their tour without a Russian Tourist Visa provided they present the following to Russian Immigration:

• A valid passport.
• A liner’s tour ticket.

Should you wish to obtain an individual Russian Tourist Visa, you will need to be sponsored by a licensed Russian tour company. This company will provide you with the necessary Visa Support Letter and documentation to obtain your individual Russian Tourist Visa. After obtaining this information, it is necessary for you to contact the visa service of your choice or the Russian Embassy for the procedures to obtain the visa.

I anticipate independent passengers with individual Russian Tourist Visas being able to disembark at approximately 9:30AM and therefore recommend that any independent services be arranged no earlier than this time. Passengers who have not purchased one of the available tours and do not possess an individual Russia Tourist Visa, or whose visa is not properly supported by the proper documentation, will not be permitted ashore in St. Petersburg.

Purchasing tours
I highly recommend that you pre-reserve you tours in advance due to limited space availability and documentation requirements. Participation on a liner’s organised tour eliminates the need to obtain a individual Russian Tourist Visa and maximises your time in St. Petersburg.

Shopping and customs regulations
Please be advised that, at the time this information was prepared, I have been informed that Russian Customs and currency regulations may be subject to revision at any time. This could affect the type of currency necessary, the restrictions on items of purchase, the customs fees and enforcement, and other situations. Once on board the ship, you will be advised of the current regulations as we receive them from Russian officials. Often these regulations can also be at the discretion of the individual officials on duty, and their diligence may vary at any time.

St Petersburg by private car or van
Vehicles with an English-speaking guide are offered on a half-day (four hours; morning or afternoon) or full-day (eight hours) basis. No deviations to duration, departure or return time can be made. This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. Usually liners do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are of extremely limited availability; reserve early. These are special tours designed to offer the privacy and flexibility of touring with family or friends and the convenience of sightseeing at your own pace. I also recommend private tours for non-ambulatory passengers.

The rules for private tours on the liner
One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person’s shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. A tour ticket will be issued onboard the ship and delivered to the cabin of the person booking this tour on embarkation day. Once onboard the ship, you will receive a form requesting the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. Please provide this information promptly to avoid being denied to participate.

Entrance, photography & video fees are included for the venues incorporated on your itinerary. Meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included. It is customary to invite the guide to dine with you, covering his/her meal expenses. Not only will the guide be able to assist you in ordering, but this will also provide you with a valuable opportunity to further discuss topics that might interest you. Your driver will provide his/her own meal and will remain with the vehicle.

St. Petersburg is a large city with the same traffic problems found in other major metropolises. Take locations and travel time into account when planning your visit. We have compiled suggested itineraries to help you maximize your tour. Since these venues are likely to be visited by other tour groups, you may experience crowds at some locations.

Private vehicle bookings are non-refundable after confirmation of the individuals making up your party.

Actual vehicle type varies depending availability and number of passengers in your party.

Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide. (Foreign language guides are also available and may incur additional cost.)

Increasing the duration or adding sites to your itinerary will result in additional fees.