Russia without a Visa - St. Petersburg, Baltic Cruise

Traveling to Russia usually requires a visa, there is however one way to visit Russia without the hassle of getting a visa and that is through a cruise to St. Petersburg:

"In accordance to the legislation of Russian Federation (RF Government Resolution №397), foreign tourists and persons without citizenship or relevant visa and/or proper permission travelling on ferries may arrive to the Russian Federation without Russian visa for the period of 72 hours being part of organised excursion group. VISA-Free journey can last up to 3 days."

I tried the cruise out (in Winter, thus off season and really cheap) and had a really enjoyable experience. Food onboard the boat was cheap compared to rest of Europe, and the sights in St. Petersburg are indeed breath taking. Highly recommended! I cruise with St. Peter Line https://stpeterline.com/en_US departing from Helsinki (meaning one can spend a day or two in Helsinki as well). Below are my impression from this two night cruise:






Departure from Helsinki - Finland

Church of the saviour on blood, St. Petersburg - Russia







Inside the Church of the saviour on blood, St. Petersburg - Russia



In Russia the metro itself is a sight not to be missed, St. Petersburg - Russia



St. Petersburg metro - Russia






St Petersburg on a cold winter day - Russia



Lunch in St. Petersburg, pancakes with caviar (apprx. 3€) - Russia



The number 1 sight in St. Petersburg, The Hermitage - Russia



Inside The Hermitage, St. Petersburg - Russia



The Peacock Clock, The Hermitage, St. Petersburg - Russia



Snack on the boat, St Peter Line, Salo with Toast.



Borscht Soup on the boat, St Peter Line.



A meal of Russian dumplings and a side dish, St Peter Line, Baltic cruise.