St Petersburg on our own

[Pet Nit Noy]

The immigration officer will see the visa, backed up by your invitation from the Russian National Tourist Office, issued by his government's consulate in your country, and stamped in your passport.

 

If he has any doubts as to your place of abode whilst in Russia, he need only cast his gaze in front of him to the behemoth of a cruise liner from which he may have just watched you disembark........and to which you will inevitably return.

 

The last time we went solo, I think we got a free invitation from Denrus.

 

It was much less hassle then, as now the Russians want us to attend the consulate to take fingerprints for the visa, and demand two empty pages on your passport!

 

Duh! Major duh! Of course, immigration control will be at the pier! I was thinking of all our previous trips which involved a visa (e.g. Turkey, Cambodia, China, Russia to name a few). Each of these has always been for independent travel or group land travel and we've arrived by air plane. You're absolutely right that cruisers who pull their own visas will present them at the cruise terminal and the "evidence" of accommodation will be docked in eye range of the immigration control officer.

Edited February 2, 2015 by Pet Nit Noy

[Pet Nit Noy]

We met a couple on our cruise who had Russian visas. I do not know all the details, but they told me they got the invitation letter from the cruise company when they explained they wanted to go to the city on their own. So it looks like the Cruise Companies have a possibility to send you such a letter after all.

 

Interesting. What cruise line did you sail?

[Missus Makkem]

Welcome to Cruise Critic . We applaud your independent approach in this undertaking . We have visited St. Petersburg 4 times and the vast majority of our time is unguided . The biggest issue is not language ( many people speak English ) or transportation (buses run from the port to the Metro , which covers the city ) . The biggest impediment is ignoring the negative advice that you will receive . If you choose to go independent , listen to people who will support your decision and who have been there and done it! But you will have to do your homework , before going . We have done a lot of it for you , so click on the link in red posted below to get started . It will show you lots of pictures to see and help you decide where to go and what to see .

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

 

 

Here's another link to the St. Petersburg card which provides transportation and admission to many museums and Peterhof .

 

http://petersburgcard.com/eng/

 

If you have any questions , don't be afraid to ask us on our thread . Enjoy St. Petersburg .

 

 

 

 

thank you for you help,

question

where do you recommend I get a visa to leave the ship , plan to just tour local area on our own

thanks

[Pet Nit Noy]

thank you for you help,

question

where do you recommend I get a visa to leave the ship , plan to just tour local area on our own

thanks

 

You can get a visa at...

... your nearest Russian consulate

... online from the Russian National Tourist web site mentioned upthread

... from a third-party visa service.

 

When you say you plan to, "tour local area on our own" do you mean in the immediate vicinity of the dock or the historic destinations pictured in Missus Makkem's post? Large cruise ships dock at the new Marine Facade complex three miles northwest of the city center; you'd need to get on your own to the major sites in St. Petersburg. If you mean staying around the port, I recommend you do more research so you won't be disappointed. Marine Facade website with ship schedule here http://www.passengerport-mf.spb.ru/en

 

Smaller cruise ships sail up the Neva river and dock at either English Embankment or Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment. Both these places are much closer to the city center. Schmidt Embankment has some appealing places very close nearby -- St. Isaacs Cathedral, Yusupov Palace and the Grand Chorale Synagogue -- but not the places most people put in their top five destinations.

[scubacruiserx2]

thank you for you help,

question

where do you recommend I get a visa to leave the ship , plan to just tour local area on our own

thanks

 

You're welcome , unfortunately the Russian Federation passed a new law in December requiring the an eye scan in person as part of the Visa for citizens of the UK . This means that you must go to London or Edinburgh (see below) .

 

 

 

03.12.2014

About the new requirement for foreign nationals and stateless persons to provide their biometric data when applying for Russian visas on the territory of the United Kingdom

In accordance with the Executive Order of the President of the Russian Federation No. 735 of 24 November 2014, «On Collecting Biometric Personal Data of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons», beginning 10 December 2014 the Diplomatic Missions and Consular offices of the Russian Federation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Russian Visa Application Centres in London and Edinburgh will start collecting biometric data (fingerprints) of all foreign nationals and stateless persons for each of their application for Russian visa.

Therefore, biometric data of applicants will be collected in person at the Russian Visa Application Centres in London and Edinburgh (in some cases at the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in London and the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Edinburgh). In the event of refusal to undergo this procedure, the applicant will not be issued a visa.

Biometric data will not be collected when issuing diplomatic and official visas, nor for individuals under 12 years of age.

For nationals of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the collection of biometric data will be implemented taking into account the principle of reciprocity.

As a pilot project this procedure will be implemented in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of Namibia and the Russian Foreign Ministry’s representative office at the border crossing point in Vnukovo International Airport. Following the completion of the pilot project, the duration of which has yet to be determined, the collection of biometric personal data will be gradually introduced at all Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices.

The fingerprinting procedure should not be considered as a tightening of Russia’s visa policy, but rather an essential element of its modernization. The use of additional biometrics in visa procedures for Russian citizens has been practiced for several years by the consular services of the US and the UK. The European Union countries are planning to introduce this procedure for Russian citizens in April 2015. The main objective of the new procedure is to improve the security of the visas issued in the context of preventing illegal migration, terrorism and other illegal activities.

 

 

 

If you are still interested here's their website :

 

 

http://www.rusemb.org.uk/consular/

[Pet Nit Noy]

You're welcome , unfortunately the Russian Federation passed a new law in December requiring the an eye scan in person as part of the Visa for citizens of the UK .... Following the completion of the pilot project, the duration of which has yet to be determined, the collection of biometric personal data will be gradually introduced at all Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices....

 

Sounds like US citizens will be in a race to visit Russia under the existing regulations before the new law requiring biometric ID and a consular visit gets implemented here, as well.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'm impressed that someone from S. Florida is on top of changes to Russian visa law affecting UK (and more) citizens.

Edited February 7, 2015 by Pet Nit Noy

[Missus Makkem]

Thanks for the previous reply,

 

we are on a cruise ship RCI, overnight in ST.Petersburg.jUNE2015

 

 

Just wish a explore the area around the port, maybe no ,more than 3 miles,

Visa is the problem,

 

would there be local guide or is it going to be the ship or Russian Embassy

 

looking forward to your thoughts

[Bollinge]

 

 

Just wish to explore the area around the port, maybe no more than 3 miles

 

 

There is nothing around the docks. Your best bet will be a ship's tour, no visa required.

 

http://www.whatsinport.com/Saint-Petersburg.htm

[wally_bushy]

Thanks for the previous reply,

 

we are on a cruise ship RCI, overnight in ST.Petersburg.jUNE2015

 

 

Just wish a explore the area around the port, maybe no ,more than 3 miles,

Visa is the problem,

 

would there be local guide or is it going to be the ship or Russian Embassy

 

looking forward to your thoughts

 

3 miles????

Stay on the ship if you are berthing where I think you will.

Nothing to see.

I may be wrong:confused:

[parmen123]

Welcome to Cruise Critic . We applaud your independent approach in this undertaking . We have visited St. Petersburg 4 times and the vast majority of our time is unguided . The biggest issue is not language ( many people speak English ) or transportation (buses run from the port to the Metro , which covers the city ) . The biggest impediment is ignoring the negative advice that you will receive . If you choose to go independent , listen to people who will support your decision and who have been there and done it! But you will have to do your homework , before going . We have done a lot of it for you , so click on the link in red posted below to get started . It will show you lots of pictures to see and help you decide where to go and what to see .

 

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

 

 

 

 

 

Here's another link to the St. Petersburg card which provides transportation and admission to many museums and Peterhof .

 

 

 

http://petersburgcard.com/eng/

 

 

 

If you have any questions , don't be afraid to ask us on our thread . Enjoy St. Petersburg .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trying to decide, thanks for your input

[Hlitner]

Interesting discussion. DW and I do almost everything independently (in nearly 100 countries around the world) but the current situation with Russia is a bit different. When we last went to St P we did get our own Visas and do our own thing during a 2 day port stop. Our experience was wonderful, we had a great time, saw more then most folks on tours, and also saved a lot of money. In fact, we went out to Peterhof on the Russian hydrofoils which was a lot cheaper then any tour and much more comfy then being stuck in a tour bus or van.

 

But, times have changed. Getting a Russian Visa is now more difficult and quite expensive ($160). For 1 or 2 days in St P is does not any longer make a lot of sense to go through the Visa hassles. There are numerous licensed local private tour providers that include group visas as part of the cost of their tours, which are generally better then the larger cruise excursions. If we were to return in the near future we would probably join a private tour via the Roll Call board.

 

Hank

[Carolla5501]

We are going this summer. After discussions with a Russian friend and reviewing our options, we are going to do this on our own. Yes a visa is difficult and expensive, but I am unsure why it's not worthwhile. Tours going to cost twice as much and require that I spend a lot of time explaining to someone what we want to do. Which might not be the standard things people do. For example, we have decided not to go to Catherine's Palace

[Got2Cruise]

We are going this summer. After discussions with a Russian friend and reviewing our options, we are going to do this on our own. Yes a visa is difficult and expensive, but I am unsure why it's not worthwhile. Tours going to cost twice as much and require that I spend a lot of time explaining to someone what we want to do. Which might not be the standard things people do. For example, we have decided not to go to Catherine's Palace

 

 

If you add in transportation costs plus tickets to the venues the cost of the tour for a group of 12 is almost the same as obtaining a VISA as U.S. Citizen. Not sure of other nations. Plus Russia does not have much English language signage nor do the majority speak English.

[spbstan]

It is a lot more expensive to get a visa and then not see as much compared to some of the more flexible small group tours. There are walking tours for as little as $40 that include the visa free and full 2 day programs for $199. You will spend $160 for the visa and still have another $100 for tickets. But if someone want to do that, it is surely possible. Getting around, if you have read up on St Petersburg is easy, and the city center is full of English signs and hundreds of thousands of people speaking English so it is probably easier to get around than most Northern Capitol's cities. Most activities are within walking distance of each other unless going to the southern Palace estates.

 

The UK visa process for Russian citizens uses the same program so Russia reciprocated by imposing the same on UK citizens. The UK and Canada have been in a battle over who can make it harder to get visas so Russia responded. US citizens can get a 3 year multiple entry visa with less hassle than a UK citizen can get a transit visa. So most UK citizens are arriving by ferry for 3 days without visas. But they are still coming in large numbers. I meet some everyday out walking around. The number of US and UK expats living here has increased dramatically in the last 2 years. US Retirees getting $2k a month in SS can live much better here now that the cost of living has dropped in half based on dollar income.

[cruisemom42]

If you add in transportation costs plus tickets to the venues the cost of the tour for a group of 12 is almost the same as obtaining a VISA as U.S. Citizen. Not sure of other nations. Plus Russia does not have much English language signage nor do the majority speak English.

 

I keep seeing this. It may have been true many years ago but it's certainly not true now. See, for example, the post by spbstan just above.

[Missouri travel girl]

I was told that since we're flying into Russia and then joining a princess cruise we had to have visas? Both by the airline and Princess, is this wrong or right?

[Pet Nit Noy]

I was told that since we're flying into Russia and then joining a princess cruise we had to have visas? Both by the airline and Princess, is this wrong or right?

 

Right. Are you flying in and going directly from the airport to the ship or from the airport to a hotel and eventually, to the ship? The process will be slightly different, but the basic answer is the same. Everyone in the "we" will need a visa.

[scubacruiserx2]

I was told that since we're flying into Russia and then joining a princess cruise we had to have visas? Both by the airline and Princess, is this wrong or right?

 

Since both the cruise line and the airline have said this - it's probably true . To be certain - contact the Russian Embassy ASAP , because you may need to get an expedited visa or risk being rejected at the border. :eek:

[Missouri travel girl]

Thank you

[Carolla5501]

HELP!!! I have my Visa. Based on the advice of the agency and my online research I got a one entry visa for our overnight cruise. I just read on Tripadvisor that immigration just changed the rules and I now need a multi entry visa to return to city if i get back on the boat. Anyone know anything helpful? Right now my options are to pay for another visa or just get a hotel room and stay off the ship for the entire time.

[Kryssa]

Personally I'd get a hotel room - are you sure you can't just make an appointment at the consulate to get the visa changed? I thought single and multiple entry were the same price or close to it?

[scubacruiserx2]

Check your visa entry and exit dates , it should be good for the number of days written on it . Or you can call your visa service agency if you used one . Or the Russian Embassy. We have had 3 visas and have been told that a single entry visa is good as long as you don't leave Russia , or exceed the dates written on it . In other words , the cruise ship where you are staying is still part of Russian Federation - until it leaves Russia .

[Carolla5501]

Yeah. The visa people are doing research for me to see if the rules really have changed. If so I am leaning towards just getting a hotel.

 

I don't live close to a consulate so it's another several hundred to an agency for a new visa. Might as well spend the money on a hotel.

[dogs4fun]

HELP!!! I have my Visa. Based on the advice of the agency and my online research I got a one entry visa for our overnight cruise. I just read on Tripadvisor that immigration just changed the rules and I now need a multi entry visa to return to city if i get back on the boat. Anyone know anything helpful? Right now my options are to pay for another visa or just get a hotel room and stay off the ship for the entire time.

I checked this out with Russian immigration a few months ago because our cruise line sent us the same information (need a multi entry visa to enter Russia from the cruise ship more than one time).

I have a 3 year visa but a travel companion does not (single entry only).

So ...

Your single entry visa is good for one pass through immigration and then back onboard ship. If you have a 3 year visa (available to US nationals), you can get off the ship & go through immigration multiple times - with a single entry visa, you may only pass through immigration in the cruise terminal one time.

 

if I were in your situation, I would book a hotel in St. Petersburg so that you will only need to pass through immigration at the port one time.

[spbstan]

Check your visa entry and exit dates , it should be good for the number of days written on it . We have had 3 visas and have been told that a single entry visa is good as long as you don't leave Russia , or exceed the dates written on it . In other words , the cruise ship where you are staying is still part of Russian Federation - until it leaves Russia .

This is not correct information. Getting advice from the visa agency is usually not a great idea since foreign resellers of visa invitations and submission agencies don't usually know Russian immigration law.

 

The duration of the visa is the maximum length of time in the country on any one stay. The port goes by the published rules, a single entry visa is valid for a single entry through passport control. The problem of a single entry visa with a multiple re-entry can be solved by getting a local tour operator to create a tour for you that supplies a ticket that acts as a visa as long as you are on that tour. There is great latitude as to what a tour is, such as being picked up and escorted off the port security area and "supervised" free time where the tour operator is supervising your off ship time, which could even be phone contact as supervision. Or you could get a tour for sightseeing or whatever you are interested in, shopping, going to performances, museums, or whatever you wish.

The other way of solving the problem is not to leave St Petersburg until you are embarking on the ship to leave port. You can get a hotel, apartment, B&B, AirBnB, CouchSurf etc.

Princess has ships which have their turnaround base as St Petersburg so with a single entry you will have to disembark before reaching St Petersburg on the return and fly home from one of the other ports..

The ships have always given contradictory information on visas so they create this problem. Applying for a 3 year visa is the answer for American citizens, it is multiple entry and costs the same as any other type of visa.

If you need specific advice, pm me if you wish.