Cruise ship passengers visiting St. Petersburg do not need a Russian visa, provided they are staying in the city for no longer than 72 hours. Therefore, if you book a cruise and St. Petersburg is one of the calls, you DO NOT NEED to get a Russian visa before you depart. The 72-hour exemption for cruise ship passengers does not mean that visitors have three days free in St. Petersburg. The limitations are the following: you have to sleep on the ship (not a problem for most cruise passengers), you will also have to be accompanied at all times on shore by a licensed tour guide and follow a pre-arranged schedule from the moment you leave the ship in the morning to the moment you step back on board in the evening. Cruise operators will expect their clients to book the St. Petersburg tours offered on-board or during booking, but in fact, there are essentially three options for cruise passengers visiting St. Petersburg:
1. Book the tour recommended by your cruise operator (in advance or onboard)
This is certainly the simplest option, the path of least resistance even. However, beyond the lack of choice in what you see and do in St. Petersburg, the tours offered by your cruise operator or booking agent are likely to be significantly more expensive than tours you book independently.
2. Book a tour independently (in advance in at least 2 weeks before you arrive at the port of call)
Though you may be encouraged to think otherwise, the tours offered by your cruise operator or booking agent are not the only options for cruise ship passengers to see St. Petersburg visa-free. There are a number of independent companies in St. Petersburg with the necessary licensing to offer shore tours for cruise ship passengers without Russian visas. Not only will this option give you much greater choice in terms of what you can see and do - as well as a wide range of more original and unusual tours, many companies will give you the option of designing your own itinerary - tours booked with independent local companies are in general considerably cheaper than those offered by your cruise operator.
We are happy to offer you check out the SHORE TOURS THAT WE OFFER IN ST. PETERSBURG ON THIS PAGE BELOW
3. Get a Russian Tourist Visa
If you wish to explore St. Petersburg on your own while not accompanied by any tour company, as well as if you wish to spend overnight not on the ship, you will need to secure an independent tourist visa to Russia. So if you prefer to be truly free to do what you want while in St. Petersburg, the only option is to obtain Russian Tourist Visas before you depart on your cruise. This is essential if, for example, you plan to meet up with friends or family in St. Petersburg, or if you want to enjoy the city's colourful nightlife (especially tempting if you're visiting during the White Nights). If staying out late is part of your reason for wanting a Russian Visa, then it's probably also worth booking accommodation in St. Petersburg as there are likely to be restrictions on returning to your ship after a certain point in the evening.
There is a set of obligatory documents you have to collect to apply for your Russian Tourist Visa, and VISA INVITATION is one of them, which you can order from us https://www.uvisitrussia.com/russian-visa/. Сost is 10 USD each. To make an order you need to insert the dates of your stay in Russia and info from your passport. After getting the visa invitation, you will need to address to Russian Visa Application Center in your country for visa processing itself (they will advise you in the visa processing cost, time etc.)
Travelling without a Russian visa does impose some limitations on your time in St. Petersburg, but at the same time gives you an excellent opportunity to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide. If it is not what you want, then it's certainly worth considering the option of getting a Russian Tourist Visa before you start your cruise.
31 Tours and Activities
Experience a St. Petersburg panoramic drive which takes you to the best of the city´s famous landmarks in the comfort of your private vehicle. Visit State Hermitage museum, one of the largest museums in the world. Its exhibitions include over 3 million exhibits representing Antiquity, Western Europe...
Read moreDuration: 8 hours
US$ 187
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per person, based on 2-people group
Unlock the secrets of the Amber Room in the magnificent baroque-style Palace of Catherine the Great during this tour. The Park surrounding the palace is a wonderful work of Russian gardening art from the 18th and 19th centuries, combining the masterpieces of architecture with nature's beauty.
Duration: 6 hours
US$ 216
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per person, based on 2-people group
Visit the brilliant residence of Russian emperors and it’s magnificent fountains park in Peterhof. Expansive gardens with numerous fountains and pavilions, a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas and ornate architectural decorations will be the sole focus of this outing. The summer tri...
Read moreDuration: 6 hours
US$ 204
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per person, based on 2-people group
Spending few hours on this fashion-savvy shopping tour, you'll find plenty of ways to explore St. Petersburg's best shopping experiences.
Duration: 4 hours
If you want to travel at your own pace and with no hurry, a professional licensed guide and private car for 8 hours is your option! There is nothing quite like having a holiday under your own steam! No entrance fees included.
Duration: 8 hours
US$ 211
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per person, based on 2-people group
St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It looks completely different from water, and a river cruise will show you parts of the city which are missed during a general city tour. The city is situated on 42 islands, being washed by more than 90 rivers, Neva’s arms and channels...
Read moreDuration: 3 hours
A perfect tour for those who want to have a general city overview as well as visit the world's biggest fountains comp;ex ever - Peterhof.
Duration: 8 hours
US$ 245
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per person, based on 2-people group
Your evening tour of Saint-Petersburg begins at 5 pm by attending an unforgettable show of the traditional Russian dances and music in a cozy and nicely decorated Concert House. Adore an incredible display of Russian performing arts and romantic music. Players will entertain you as you have an elega...
Read moreDuration: 5 hours
US$ 173
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per person, based on 2-people group
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The Russian history of ballet dates back to as early as the 17th century during the reign of Peter the Great. Everything else has changed but the ballet has remained the same. The breathtaking beauty of the setting, the idiosyncrasies of Russian theatre-goers and the historic atmosphere should be mo...
Read moreDuration: 6 hours
US$ 287.76US$327.00Save US$39.24
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per person, based on 2-people group
Not enough time and you need to hurry-up to get the best from Saint-Petersburg in several days? Take a unique chance to participate in the private combined tour with very informative guide knowledgeable of Russian history. The Hermitage State Museum, speed-ship to the Peterhoff Fontaine Complex with...
Read moreDuration: 15 hours
US$ 490
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per person, based on 2-people group
Feel the beauty of Saint-Petersburg from water! Don't forget to take your camera to make unforgettable breathtaking pictures of Saint-Petersburg, it's canals and bridges. Go under the widest bridge in the world - the Blue Bridge! Admire golden wings of flying lions on the Bank Bridge and give a kiss...
Read moreDuration: 12 hours
US$ 347
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per person, based on 2-people group
St. Petersburg is one of the most picturesque cities in the world and this tour will ensure that you experience the beauty which St. Petersburg can offer. St. Petersburg was built in 1703 by Peter the Great around a network of canals.
Duration: 4 hours
A fascinating panoramic half day tour of the city which cannot be missed, you will get to visit Peter and Paul's Fortress and Cathedral and see other magnificent sights of St.Petersburg.
Duration: 4 hours
This is an amazing half day tour visiting Church on Spilled Blood, Hermitage and St. Petersburg panoramic city tour.
Duration: 5 hours
US$ 309
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per person, based on 2-people group
Explore St.Petersburg at its glory during a short sightseeing tour around the city and then head directly to one of the world's most beautiful and remarkable places - Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin) with its fabulous Catherine the Great's Summer Palace and its mysterious Amber Room! This 6-hour tour is a fa...
Read moreDuration: 6 hours
Explore the city of St Petersburg with a professional English speaking guide. This Essential Collection Tour will allow you to see the most sought after sights of this grand area at a budget cost including the Hermitage which is one of the most visited places in St Petersburg. Visas are included wit...
Read moreDuration: 8 hours
US$ 211
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per person, based on 2-people group
This full day tour provides a visit to the exclusive Yusupov's palace as well as an overview of the opulent St Isaac's Cathedral and the Cathedral of our Lady of Kazan. In addition a visit to a wonderful local food market.
Duration: 8 hours
US$ 143
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per person, based on 2-people group
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the spectacular sights of St Petersburg with a full day of sightseeing including visits to the Hermitage, the infamous art treasury, the Peter & Pauls fortress and many more. You'll even get the chance to do a little bit of shopping and enjoy some lovely ...
Read moreDuration: 8 hours
US$ 223
See details
per person, based on 2-people group
St Petersburg is extremely famous for it's many Theatres and of course the Ballet. When porting overnight why not reserve the ballet in one of the most famous theatres in St Petersburg, the Palace Theatre for performances such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker or Don Quixote (this depends when your cruis...
Read moreDuration: 4 hours
US$ 320
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per person, based on 2-people group
This private tour combines visits to the former splendid summer palace of Catherine-the Great in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin) as well as an exploration of one of the world's most renowned art collections at the winter palace of the Royal Family - Hermitage.
Duration: 8 hours
US$ 467
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per person, based on 2-people group
Our flexible payment options allow you to pay [deposit_value]% of a deposit first and the remaining [remain_value]% in [deposit_days] prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.
Also you [discount_text] get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.
Our flexible payment options allow you to pay [deposit_value]% of a deposit first and the remaining [remain_value]% in [deposit_days] prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.
Also you [discount_text] get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.