Indonesians will be among the citizens of 53 countries permitted to enter Russia via St. Petersburg and nearby Leningrad using free electronic visas, according to a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Friday.

“Starting Oct. 1, Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport will serve tourists from 53 countries entering the Russian Federation with free electronic visas,” read the statement, adding that all the necessary technical and organizational measures, as well as border control facilities, had been prepared by the airport.

In addition to Indonesia, other countries mentioned in the list are Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, China and Taiwan, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Kuwait, Finland, France, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the Vatican.

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Aside from tourists, travelers with business and humanitarian purposes at the Russian cultural capital can also apply online for a free visa.

“The application can be made no later than four and no earlier than 20 days before the expected date of entry. Visitors will be able to stay in Russia for eight days out of the 30-day validity period.”

Application for the e-visas will be available starting on Tuesday on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation’s information portal.

The fourth-busiest airport in Russia, Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport welcomed up to 13.2 million passengers between January and August.

St. Petersburg itself is the country’s second-largest city and boasts many cultural attractions, such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Winter Palace and Peter and Paul Fortress. (kes)