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IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? Russia will launch a program to provide single-entry e-visas to nationals of 52 countries on Jan. 1. What does the change mean? While the change will eventually ease travel to Russia for eligible foreign nationals, it may be of limited immediate benefit to many foreign nationals if current COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place. Once restrictions are lifted, foreign nationals holding the visa will be able to stay in Russia for up to 16 days when traveling for business, tourism or humanitarian reasons. The e-visa program is an expansion of a pilot program and will be open to nationals of the same 52 countries who are currently eligible for the pilot.
Background: The e-visa program is an expansion of a pilot program that was introduced in or Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District in 2017 and expanded to St. Petersburg and the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions in 2019. Under the pilot program, visa holders could only travel within these specific regions. On Jan. 1, the program will be expanded nationwide, but travelers will be required to enter through specific ports of entry. E-visas will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, but the maximum duration of stay in Russia will be 16 days.
Analysis & Comments: The e-visa program will ease business, tourist and humanitarian travel for eligible foreign nationals visiting Russia. Travelers should note, however, that travel to Russia remains limited because of COVID-19 and travel from some countries may remain off limits even after the e-visa program is officially implemented. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.
Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
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