Finland to St. Petersburg options
 

Hi everyone,

Myself and my partner are currently in Denmark as part of our trip around the world on both of our motorcycles and would really appreciate some advice regarding a potential short visit to St. Petersburg after we have been through Finland, and before we go to Estonia.

We are happy to only visit St. Petersburg for a short time and without the bikes, and we have heard that the best way would be to leave the bikes somewhere in the vicinity of Helsinki and take an overnight ferry directly, which will allow us visa-free travel there for up to 72 hours.

Other options we can see are:

1. Ride to St. Petersburg from Finland - is a visa needed for this? We have also heard that security may be a problem on the main road going in?
2. Go over to Estonia and ride in from that side - again, is a visa needed, and is security a problem?
Or is there another way that someone would recommend?

I should just explain that we will be going through Russia properly next year, after we have done the Europe part of the trip and we were just thinking of visiting St. Petersburg now as it is close!

Thanks from a newbie! :mchappy:

I'm currently in Norway and have investigated this quite a bit. From everything I can tell it is not possible to ride into Russia without a visa unless you are from a country with visa free status, and there are not many. Surprisingly, I'll be able to do it with my Panama passport, but my wife will not on an American passport.

So we have arranged to go on the ferry: one night on the ferry from Helsinki to St. Petes, two nights in hotels, and return overnight ferry. This is within the 72 hours you are allowed without a visa, but ONLY when you book it as a "tour" through the ferry or a bus company.

Check it out at St Petersburg & Baltic Shore Excursions | Sightseeing in Moscow & Private Cruise Tours | Russia Tour Packages - TourDeForce.travel

Where did you hear that security is a problem?

I guess everything is relative when you speak about security. Northern Russia might not achieve Zurich-like levels of zen peacefulness, but it is hardly insecure. Are you worried about physical security or potential theft, etc.? Personally I would consider security in Russia, especially those parts, to be as high as in most parts of the US or Europe.

You can travel visa free for 72 hours,if you take St Peters Line from Helsinki.Here is the St Peter's Line website and you can book your tickets online here only.

ST. PETER LINE > Good to know > Visa free rule

Important thing is,if you are staying for two days then you need to show your hotel bookings.Also book the shuttle service,it's mandatory.

Regards
Rohit