(SPOT.ph) The colorful façade of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most photographed places in Russia. Located in the country's second largest city, St. Petersburg, you can soon see this 1880s structure up close with one less thing to worry about: visa application. Starting on October 1, passport holders from 53 countries—including the Philippines—can enter Pulkovo Airport and explore St. Petersburg and nearby Leningrad Oblast with only an electronic visa.
This new visa policy is applicable to single-entry visitors on business, leisure, or humanitarian travel. All you have to do is fill out an application form through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Consular Department's website four calendar days before you leave the Philippines. There's no need to show supporting documents, such as invitations, hotel bookings, and bank certificates. You don't even have to consider weekends, bank holidays, and business hours for the application period.
In less than a week, you will get your e-visa through e-mail, which you can download on your mobile device and show to the immigration officers in Manila and St. Petersburg. Best thing about it? Application is free!
Russia earlier announced a similar e-visa policy to enter Kaliningrad Oblast, which was made effective on July 1. E-visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, but can be used for only eight days starting from the date of entry.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Consular Department's website.
