Cruise ship passengers visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, need to obtain a visa before embarking on their journey. Cruise ship passengers who wish to visit St. Petersburg must obtain a visa valid for the duration of their stay in the city. This means that, depending on how long the cruise is scheduled to last, passengers may need to obtain a multiple-entry visa or an extended-stay visa.
In order to obtain a visa, cruise ship passengers must first apply for a tourist invitation from the Federal Migration Service (FMS). This document will serve as proof that the passenger has permission from the Russian government to enter and stay in St. Petersburg. Once the passenger has obtained this invitation, they must then submit it along with other required documents to their local Russian consulate.
The documents required for obtaining a visa vary depending on which type of visa is being applied for and the country of origin of the applicant. However, some of the documents that are typically required include: an application form, two passport-style photographs, a valid passport with at least two blank pages, and evidence of medical insurance.
In addition to these documents, applicants must also pay an application fee and any additional charges associated with their type of visa. The cost of a tourist invitation can vary depending on how long it is valid for and how quickly it needs to be processed.
Conclusion
Do Cruise Ship Passengers Need a Visa for St. Petersburg?
Yes, all cruise ship passengers visiting St. Petersburg must obtain a valid visa before embarking on their journey. In order to do so, they must first apply for and receive a tourist invitation from the Federal Migration Service (FMS), and then submit this document along with other required documents to their local Russian consulate.