Simplified visa regime to be introduced in Vladivostok from July 1, 2016
Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East has submitted a proposal on simplified visa regime at Free Port of Vladivostok to the Government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry’s press center says. New regime for Far East tourists is to be introduced this year.
Aleksandr Galushka, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East, said: “Our target is to relax visa requirements from July 1, 2016 at the first two check points: international airport of Vladivostok and sea passenger terminal of Vladivostok.”
Draft decree provides for relaxing requirements for obtaining of 8-day single entry visa by tourists entering the Russian Federation via the checkpoints of Free Port Vladivostok.
Visa will be issued as and e-document upon applying at a special web-site at least 3 days before the entry. When the application data is checked by the responsible authorities of the Russian Federation, foreigners will be informed about the decision. In case of a positive decision, a confirmation of the consular fee payment should be sent. When crossing the border a foreigner should provide the passport, insurance certificate and printed notification on the issue of visa. Within an 8-day long period foreign tourists will be allowed to move around the territory of the Russian Federation.
As of today, visa-free entry and 72-hour stay in the Russian Federation is allowed for foreign passengers entering the port of Vladivostok by cruise ships. Besides, visa-free stay in the Primorsky Territory (including Free Port of Vladivostok) is allowed for organized groups of Chinese tourists. More over, visa-free entry is also allowed for holders of business trip cards.
Federal Law on the Free Port of Vladivostok came into effect on October 12, 2015. The free port legislation will be applicable for 15 municipalities of the Primorsk Territory including their water areas. Total area of the free zone is 28,400 square kilometers with population of 1.4 mln people.
