Russia. The largest country on Earth. Spanning more than ⅛ of the world's inhabited landmass, from Europe's Baltic Sea across Asia to the Pacific Ocean, it is home to 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic cities like Moscow and St Petersburg. It is no wonder that Russia is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
The great news for international travelers is that visiting the world's largest country is about to become a lot easier thanks to the upcoming unified eVisa for Russia.
What Is an eVisa and What Does It Mean for Traveling to Russia?
Electronic visas, or eVisas, have been revolutionizing international travel in recent years. Many countries now have online systems that allow foreign visitors to get their visa or travel authorization through the internet, without the hassle of going to an embassy. Russia is one of these countries.
The idea is that you simply fill in an online visa application form, pay the processing fee remotely with a credit or debit card, and receive the visa by email.
This streamlined process makes international travel easier than ever before. However, eVisas aren't necessarily available to everyone. Countries that offer online visas or travel authorizations usually have a list of eligible nationalities who can use the service.
If you aren't a citizen of one of the lucky countries, you will most likely have to get your visa the old-fashioned way: by applying in-person at an embassy or consulate.
Russia's Different eVisas
Russia has already introduced 3 separate eVisas for specific regions: St Petersburg/Leningrad Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, and the Far East. If you come from an eligible country and want to visit one of these regions, all you need to do is fill out the relevant form online and you're all set.
However, these 3 eVisas have one drawback: you can only visit the region of Russia corresponding to your visa and cannot explore other parts of the country. For example, the St Petersburg/Leningrad eVisa grants entry to the city of St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Oblast, but if you try to cross the regional border into another oblast, you will be stopped.
In 2021, this is all set to change with the arrival of the new unified Russian eVisa.
The Unified eVisa for Russia
With the introduction of a new unified eVisa for Russia, the entire country will be at your fingertips. Whether you're planning a trip to Kaliningrad or Siberia, you'll be able to get permission to enter the country through a simple online process.
The launch of this all-access pass to the world's largest nation is scheduled for 2021, but the government has not given a definite date, stating that it will depend on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Where to Visit in Russia with an eVisa
Russia is a vast and beautiful country with many fascinating and exciting possible destinations.
Although the current eVisas only permit holders to visit St Petersburg/Leningrad Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, and the Russian Far East, the upcoming all-encompassing eVisa for Russia will grant access to all parts of the country.
Moscow is one of the most important cities in the world and has been the Russian capital for much of its history. If you are interested in art, culture, history or impressive architecture, look no further.
Moscow is home to iconic landmarks such as the majestic St Basil's Cathedral, the Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. You can visit a plethora of renowned museums and art galleries, explore the historic streets, and eat at some of Russia's finest restaurants.
St Petersburg is another incredible city - and one that can currently be visited with its own eVisa. The historic center of the "cultural capital of Russia" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is also home to Europe's tallest building: the Lakhta Center.
If you're looking for a wilder experience away from the cities, you might want to brave the snowy Golden Mountains of Altai in southern Siberia. From icy crags to clear, alpine lakes, this beautiful wilderness is home to rare creatures such as the elusive snow leopard.
Then there's Lake Baikal - the oldest and deepest freshwater lake on Earth. In summer, it is a great place to go kayaking or take a boat trip to some of the islands, while in winter, you can ski across the frozen surface or explore the icy Tazheran Steppes caves.
These are far from the only options. The new Russian eVisa opens up the whole country to international visitors and in the world's biggest sovereign state, the unique travel experiences are endless.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
