Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
clude
Dvortsovaya pl
( Dvortsovaya pl 12;
10am-7pm;
Admiralteyskaya)
and
Pl
Vosstaniya
( pl Vosstaniya;
10am-7pm;
Ploshchad Vosstaniya)
.
Travellers with Disabilities
Inaccessible transport, lack of ramps and lifts, and no centralised policy for
people with physical limitations make Russia a challenging destination for
wheelchair-bound visitors. More mobile travellers will have a relatively easier
time, but keep in mind that there are obstacles along the way.
Toilets are frequently accessed from stairs in restaurants and museums;
distances are great; public transport is extremely crowded; and many foot-
paths are in a poor condition and hazardous even for the mobile.
This situation is changing (albeit very slowly), as buildings undergo renova-
tions and become more accessible. Most upmarket hotels (especially Western
chains) offer accessible rooms and have lifts, and the Hermitage is also now
fully accessible.
72-HOUR VISA-FREE TRAVEL
St Petersburg is part of a scheme that allows visitors to enter Russia without a
pre-arranged visa. Visa-free entry is available only to people arriving by ferry or
on a cruise ship and who have pre-booked a tour of the city with companies li-
censed by the Russian government. The initiative does not allow for you to leave
the tour at any point so it's rather restrictive - but it can be a good way to see
the city if you're on a cruise and haven't had the time to organise a Russian visa.
Visas
Nearly all visitors need a Russian visa in their passports before they travel.
The only exceptions are if you're from the handful of nationalities that don't re-
