If the Russia continues to not granting e-visa because of the coronavirus crisis, the country offers an equally practical alternative. On 26 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new federal law amending the previous law on procedures for entering and leaving the territory of the Russian Federation.
According to the amendment signed by the Chairman, an ordinary tourist visa can now be issued for a period of up to six months to a foreign citizen coming to Russia as a tourist. Until now, this visa was valid for a maximum of 30 days.
All that counts is a paid hotel reservation for the visa
There is no longer any mention of a specific invitation or letter of confirmation from any company or administrative body. From now on, you can obtain a visa simply by confirming a hotel booking.. However, this is not the end of the story, the hotel - or any other type of official accommodation - must be entered in the federal register of tourism companies. The law only came into force on 24 August, as there is a 90-day period before a signed text comes into force. However, visitors are required to have paid in advance for the hotel or accommodation selected.
In a further move to simplify Russian entry formalities, ten new crossing points will be able to process passengers with e-visa. The ten crossing points include Khomutovo, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Irkutsk, Sochi, Chelyabinsk, Chita and Vladivostok airports. Three car checkpoints and one river checkpoint will also accept e-visa as soon as it becomes available again.
In total, since this month 50 points across the country that can receive e-visa holders. These include no fewer than 22 airports, two railway stations and six seaports. All that's missing is the return of the e-visa!
