State Duma of Russia approves simplified entry of foreigners to the Far East
State Duma of the Russian Federation has approved in the final third reading the Law “On Introduction of Amendments to Certain Legislative regulation regarding the entry of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation through the checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, located in the free port of Vladivostok, their stay in the Russian Federation and exit from the Russian Federation", says press center of Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East.
The law was supported by the majority of the Duma deputies.
Federal Law of the Russian Federation (No 212-FZ) "On the Free Port of Vladivostok", came into force on October 12, 2015. Free Port regime foresees special procedures for foreigners coming to Vladivostok.
According to Alexander Galushka, RF Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East, a new mechanism – an electronic visa – will be introduced. “Simplified visa regime will facilitate business developments. It will be easier for investors and tourists to come to the Far East. We hope that two checkpoints will start applying the new procedure by the beginning of the Third Eastern Economic Forum which is to be held on 6-7 September”, he said.
The visa will be valid for 30 days from the date of its registration with the authorized period of stay in Russia up to 8 days. Foreigners will be able to come by e-visa to any of the five regions, where the Freeport mode is active - Primorye, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin Region, Chukotka and Kamchatka.
To obtain the visa it would be enough to go to a special Ministry of Foreign Affairs website 4 days before to the proposed date of entry, fill out an application, make electronic copies of documents, photos, and in the case of a positive decision on the provision of e-visa to enter the Russian Federation through one of the available air, sea, railway crossing points located in the free port, the visa fee will not be charged.
The website will be developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Transport and the Border Service of FSB will be in charge of fitting the checkpoints with the required equipment.
