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Visa requirements for someone who is a British citizen with UK Passport, but lives in France for past 15 years?

by Nancy Wolff
(France)

I am a British citizen with UK Passport expires August 2026, but I live permanently in France now since 2006 with a Carte de Sejour. I am not a French citizen and don't have a French passport. What is the easiest way to apply for a Visa to visit St Petersburg this coming year either May or Sept, I wish to avoid high season but not be too cold.

I may be alone or with one other woman. I am 79 and retired, except for writing fantasy novels which I sell on Amazon. I haven't read your entire site yet a book deadline I just submitted it, but I know I would want a guide for some things and arrangements for travel within St Petersburg and surrounding area. Plus access to elevators in museums and other sites. My main interests are architecture and art and history reflected in art and architecture. I am also a passionate fan of the baritone Dimitri Hvorostovsky, especially his Russian folk and war songs even more than his opera yes I know he is dead. I would want to spend a week to ten days, even 2 weeks, to see most of what I am so eager to see, since I move more slowly and need rest stops more than I once did. I would be delighted to find new things to see as well as what I know of. Particularly if I am alone, I would make more use of your services. I can make my own airline and hotel reservations unless doing these through you is a better deal. I will read your website thoroughly. Also need latest news on Covid coming from France to St Petersburg. I have been vaccinated, and always wear masks indoors with other people around.

Thank you so much for your help,
Nancy

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Aug 31, 2021
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by: Davide

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for your message.

I never met a fantasy novel writer but it would be nice to meet you, time allowed.

That said, you’ll need to get a visa from the Russian Embassy before you travel to Russia.

Processing times are up to 20 business days for standard service or up to 3 business days for urgent service depending upon the visa category applied for and the application itself.

As part of the visa application process, all applicants based in the UK aged 12 or over will need to visit a visa application centre to submit biometric data (scanned fingerprints).

These are located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The Russian government requires biometric fingerprinting from all foreign nationals, including British nationals, when entering Russia.

I recommend getting a tourist visa. To get one you need to visit your nearest Russian consulate and bring in all the documents required.

For more information on what documents to bring for your Russian Visa please visit our website, section Russian Visa. There you will find all the info, which are still up to date.

The only good news for you is that from this year foreigners who apply for a tourist visa can stay up to 6 months in Russia. Before, they could stay only 4 weeks.

Apart from the visa, then you also have to follow the Quarantine requirements: The Russian government requires all arriving passengers to obtain and present a negative COVID-19 test certificate dated less than 72 hours before travel.

Airlines may require you to show this on check-in and some airlines require the certificate to be no more than 72 hours before arrival in your destination (please check with your airline). You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country.

Please note that you should arrange to take a private test.

That's all for now!

Hope it helps

Cheers

Davide

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