Japanese visa centers will open in Moscow and St. Petersburg on February 12.

Japan's visa application centers will begin operating in Moscow and St. Petersburg on February 12, 2026, according to the website of the Japanese Embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg.

The purpose of opening the centers is to improve the quality of services and improve the convenience for applicants. The visa application center in Moscow will be located at 16c5 Olympic Avenue, and in St. Petersburg at 21/5 Stremyannaya Street.

The visa fee will amount to 970 rubles, but the visa itself for citizens of Russia, CIS countries and Georgia will be issued free of charge. The minimum period for visa processing is four working days.

"To obtain a visa in case of travel on diplomatic or official passports, as well as in case of humanitarian emergencies, please contact the Consular Department of the Embassy of Japan," the message says.

Atmosphere of openness: Japan and South Korea are waiting for direct flights to Russia

Both carriers and public organizations are calling for the restoration of air traffic.

On November 20, 2025, the Japanese Embassy in Russia reported that the Japanese government had not imposed sanctions that would prohibit Russian airlines from flying through the state's airspace. It was noted that due to various factors, it is difficult to predict the timing of the resumption of direct flights.

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