The requirements for obtaining a tourist visa have been simplified for citizens of 19 countries

Starting from March 06, 2023, amendments have been made to the law that expand the possibility of obtaining an ordinary tourist visa in Russia for foreign citizens based on confirmation of a reservation in a hotel or other accommodation facility included in the unified list of classified hotels, ski resorts, beaches, for citizens of foreign countries, the list of which is determined by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Starting from March 6, 2023, amendments have been made to the law expanding the possibility of obtaining an ordinary tourist visa in Russia for foreign citizens based on confirmation of booking a place in a hotel or other accommodation facility, information about which is contained in a single list of classified hotels, ski resorts, beaches, citizens of foreign states, the list of which is determined by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Such a visa can be issued for up to 6 months.

Previously, an ordinary tourist visa was issued only on the basis of confirmation of acceptance by an organization, the information of which is contained in the federal register of tour operators.

Currently, the following countries are included in the specified list:

1. Bahrain
2. Brunei
3. India
4. Indonesia
5. Iran
6. Cambodia
7. China
8. Democratic
9. People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
10. Kuwait
11. Laos
12. Malaysia
13. Mexico
14. Myanmar
15. Oman
16. Saudi Arabia
17. Serbia
18. Thailand
19. Turkey
20. Philippines

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• sub-paragraph 6 of part 1 of article 25, part 9 of article 25.6 of the Federal Law of August 15, 1996 No. 114-FZ (as amended on December 5, 2022) “On the Procedure for Exiting the Russian Federation and Entering the Russian Federation”;
• **The list is approved by the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 16, 2023 No. 372-r.