Russia to offer electronic visas to foreign visitors starting Jan 1, 2021

President Vladimir Putin has ordered in a decree that Russia will offer electronic visas to foreign visitors starting in 2021. He has signed a presidential order instructing the prime minister, the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB) to implement the e-visas by Jan. 1, 2021.Tourists across the globe have often cited difficulties obtaining visas to Russia. In 2018, Russia offered visa-free entry for foreign fans with Fan ID’s visiting Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It resulted in a 10 per cent boost in tourism that year. The new program, along with last year’s Fan ID offer, will shape Russia’s e-visa program.