As you will probably be aware that to enter Russia as a tourist, you will need to obtain a visa before travel.
You may however not be aware that from 10 December 2014, tourist visas for Russia have become harder to acquire with the additional requirement for biometric data in the form of scanned fingerprints to be submitted by all visa applications above the age of 12.
This requirement applies to each Russian entry or transit visa application and will require all applicants to attend one of the visa application centres in London and Edinburgh or a Russian diplomatic mission in person.
We can’t help wondering whether this will put prospective tourists off visiting Russia as it will certainly be easier to choose an alternative destination with less stringent entry requirements. If so, that will be a great shame, as Russia is a fascinating and diverse country.
For those of you who remain undeterred and still want to visit Russia, do bear in mind that during periods of high demand, you should apply for your visa well in advance. Click here for further travel advice for Russia.
For further information about travel in Russia, contact Ultimate Destinations on 01923 294148 or send an email to info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk and we will be delighted to help.