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St Petersburg Tips

Russian is the official language, some useful Russian phrases can be found here.

Currency is the Ruble. It is illegal to take Rubles in or out of Russia, so you will need to get money exchanged once there, and return any you've not used before leaving. You can make money exchanges at foreign currency exchange offices, banks and large hotels. Receipts must be kept. ATMs can be found in hotels or at large stores.

If service charge hasn't been included in your restaurant bill, it's customary to tip 10-15%. The same for taxis.

Bargaining is expected when dealing with street vendors or in the market.

Short pants and tank tops are not acceptable in churches, cathedrals and other spiritual centers.

The city suffers from a high crime rate. Common sense is advised when it comes to safety - don't carry large amounts of cash, or important documents (passport, etc), don't leave valuables on show, and be aware that pickpockets may be operating. Gypsies can be a problem in tourist areas, where they beg for money, and will tug at bags or loose items. Do not give them any money.

If making your own way around, you must have a Russian visa to use taxis. Other forms of transport are not recommended.

We strongly recommend taking one of Disney's organised shore excursions. Guests who wish to go ashore on their own will need a Russian Visa, see details below. Obtaining a Russian visa is a costly, time-consuming, and often frustrating process. Most visitors should start the process at least two months in advance, but it can be done in a few weeks if you are willing to spend a little extra.

Visa requirements

Guests who purchase any available shore excursion or tours organized through Disney Cruise Line in St. Petersburg will not require a visa for Russia. Under such conditions, Guests will need to present (a) a valid passport, (b) a Disney Cruise Line tour ticket and (c) one photocopy of a passport page showing Guest photo and personal information to the Russian Immigration officer as they depart the ship. However, please note that without a visa, visitation is limited to the period of the excursion and you will not be permitted to leave the ship outside of the tour hours without a Russian Tourist Visa. Guests who wish to sightsee independently or sightsee outside of Disney Cruise Line's shore excursion hours MUST obtain an individual Russian Tourist Visa before leaving home. Russian Tourist Visas cannot be issued during the cruise. Guests who have not purchased a shipboard-organized shore excursion or tour and do not possess a valid Russian Tourist Visa will not be permitted ashore in St. Petersburg.

Russian Tourist Visa Sponsorship
Should you wish to obtain an individual Russian Tourist Visa, you will need to be sponsored by a licensed Russian Tour Company. This company will have to create a program and provide a voucher to the Guests confirming all the arrangements along with a reference letter that includes a visa reference number. Once a visa has been issued, it needs to reference the same Russian tour provider as the voucher confirmation. A Russia Tourist Visa will not be accepted by the Russian Immigration official as valid without a confirmation voucher for pre-arranged services.

Guests should consider the following when selecting a tour provider in St. Petersburg. The tour provider:

  • Needs to be licensed to operate in Russia and authorized to provide services to foreign visitors.
  • Must be authorized to issue Russian visa reference numbers.
  • Should be authorized and have a permit to meet the Guest inside the Port of St. Petersburg. If the tour provider is not authorized to enter the port area, you will be advised to meet them at the port entrance, which is located approximately 3 miles from where the ship docks.

The Russian Tourist Visa issued and stamped on your passport will apply only to the referenced tour company, the person named on the visa and for a specific travel date. The sponsor of each tourist visa is legally required to be the provider of services for the Guest named on the visa and will have his or her license revoked if a visa holder is found ashore without a pre-arranged activity.

 

 


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