Electronic visa issuance for entering Russia through border crossing points in the free port of Vladivostok

A directive on the peculiarities of issuing visas in the form of an electronic document and entry to Russia with such visas by citizens of foreign countries included in the respective list has been approved. The mechanism of issuing electronic visas will be introduced phase-by-phase starting on 1 August 2017 as the border crossing points are equipped with the necessary software and hardware. The introduction of simplified entry to Russia via border crossing points on the territory of the free port of Vladivostok will contribute to the investment attractiveness of the Far Eastern Federal District and the expansion of business contacts to facilitate the implementation of projects with foreign participation and increase the number of foreign tourists.

Reference 

Prepared by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East in accordance with the Federal Law No. 28-FZ of March 7, 2017, On Amendments to Certain Legislation of the Russian Federation, regarding regulation of specifics of entry to Russia via border crossing points of the free port of Vladivostok for foreign citizens with visas in the form of an electronic document.

The Government’s Executive Order No.692-r of April 14, 2017, approved a list of countries whose citizens are issued visas in the form of an electronic document as they arrive through border crossing points on the territory of the free port of Vladivostok (hereinafter – the List). The List includes 18 countries.

The signed executive order approves a Directive on peculiarities of issuing visas in the form of an electronic document and entry to Russia with such visas by citizens of foreign countries included in the List.

Federal executive bodies are instructed to equip the border crossing points with the needed software and hardware, to design and launch a specialised site for processing foreigners’ applications for an electronic visa, and an automated information system for informing transport companies about issued visas.

To obtain an electronic visa, a foreign national must complete an application for such a visa on a special site of the Russian Foreign Ministry no later than four days prior to the expected arrival date.

In case of a positive decision the Russian Foreign Ministry will configure the e-visa and send its data to the state system of migration and registration, and identification document manufacturing, issuance and control (hereinafter – the Mir system).

An e-visa issuance notification will be posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s special site. The electronic visa is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of notification.

The mechanism of e-visa introduction will be put in effect gradually starting August 1, 2017 as the border crossing points are equipped with software and hardware.

Corresponding amendments were also made in the Mir system as approved by the Government Executive Order No. 813 of August 6, 2015.

The introduction of a simplified visa entry to Russia via border crossing points in the free port of Vladivostok will increase the investment attractiveness of the Far Eastern Federal District and the number of business contacts to facilitate the implementation of projects with foreign participation and increase the number of foreign tourists.