Russia allows e-visa for Filipinos

MANILA, Oct 10, 2020, PhilStar. Filipinos can avail themselves of an e-visa to travel to any part of Russia starting next year, its embassy in Manila has announced, The Philippine Star reported.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a directive, allowing citizens of 52 countries, including the Philippines, to apply for an e-visa during the pilot stage of the project.

“So, starting from 2021 Filipinos will have an easy way to visit Russia,” the embassy said in a post on its official Facebook page on Thursday.

“Foreigners can enter via the specially equipped checkpoints anywhere in the country and travel throughout Russia,” the embassy said.

The duration of a stay for foreigners has also been extended from eight to 16 days, it said.

E-visas will be issued online for tourism, business, humanitarian and guest trips. Applicants do not need an invitation, hotel booking or any other documents to confirm their reasons for travel, it said.

Visa fee is $40 and free for children below six years old.