If you are going to Kaliningrad, please note that the Kaliningrad region is separated from the rest of Russia by Lithuania. Perhaps in order to go there for tourism purposes, on a business trip or to visit relatives, you will need to apply for a transit visa.
It all depends on how you plan to get to Kaliningrad. Our compatriots go there:
- by train;
- by plane;
- by car;
- on a ferryboat.
Transit visa through Lithuania
Your further actions depend on the path you choose, whether you should go to the embassy to obtain a visa, or whether such a need for some reason disappears.
Ban on transit to Kaliningrad via Lithuania from March 19, 2021 due to coronavirus
The Lithuanian government has introduced a ban on entry into the country for foreigners from March 16, 2021 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
For the purpose of a humanitarian corridor, transit travel through the country is allowed for Russians, Belarusians and other foreign citizens who return to their home countries until March 19, 2021, according to the website tass.ru.
Since March 19, 2021, the borders of Lithuania are completely closed to entry due to quarantine. It will not be possible to travel through it to Kaliningrad at this time.
Customs and Border Control
The first border on the way is with the Republic of Belarus. On the Russian side, near the village of Kurgan, travel is almost unobstructed. Passenger cars are rarely inspected; all attention is paid to heavy trucks. They don’t look at documents for long; they rarely look into the interior and trunk. On the Belarusian side (near the village of Zastenki) they look at your Russian passport and almost immediately release you.
The second border on the way is from Belarus to Lithuania. There are queues on the Belarusian side (Kamenny Log). On the Lithuanian side (near the village of Medininkai), border guards carefully examine everyone, check documents, visas, and insurance. Here you can lose up to 3 hours due to customs formalities.
The third border is from Lithuania to the Kaliningrad region. On the Lithuanian side (Kybartai) they check your documents and put a stamp in your passport about leaving the Schengen zone. There are often long queues at the border. As an option, go through another point - Sovetsk.
If you are traveling by train
Many people like to travel by train. Convenient, comfortable, pleasant to look out the window. In this case, the beauty of Lithuania, a state that has joined the European Union and the Schengen zone, will fly past your window. Russians entering Lithuania will require a visa. However, not everyone.
If you are planning a one-time trip, you do not need to apply for a visa, but a document in a special simplified form, which will provide you with the right to travel across the Lithuanian border there and back. You need to go to the railway station ticket office, where you will purchase tickets.
You buy tickets and provide information about yourself. Station employees submit a request to the Lithuanian Embassy, which can authorize or prohibit your transit through the territory of the Schengen state. You need to have your passport with you. Don't forget to take it with you when you go on a trip.
The answer comes in about 28 hours. You will need to contact any railway ticket office and find out if you are given the right to travel. If yes, you can pack your things. If not, you can return the tickets you purchased and get your money back. You will have to look for another way to travel to the Kaliningrad region.
If you are traveling with children under the age of fourteen, permission for them will be issued using your passport. It is important that it contains a photo of the child.
If you are concerned that your child has his own passport, permission will be issued for him separately. If the child has not reached the age of five, he will be issued a child ticket without a seat. There is no need to pay for it.
The permit is issued for one month. Its registration is free.
When transiting through the Lithuanian border, you need to keep in mind that you cannot import medications containing phenobarbital into the country. It is not forbidden to use them for personal purposes and have them in the quantity necessary for yourself. If you transport more medicine than necessary, make sure to declare it when entering and leaving the country. If this is not done, problems may arise.
Is it possible to go to Kaliningrad during coronavirus - about holidays in the region for summer 2021
Despite the relatively low incidence rates compared to other Russian regions, Kaliningrad is still in no hurry to lift most quarantine measures. Apparently with an eye on neighboring European countries, where everyone takes quarantine much more seriously and responsibly than ours. Residents of Russia have already been allowed to plan trips to Kaliningrad, but the region is still closed to their geographical neighbors.
Statistics and official information on coronavirus in Kaliningrad
Back in June last year, it was decided to allow the arrival of tourists without mandatory observation. At the same time, it was planned to allow entry into the Kaliningrad region without presenting a certificate of absence of coronavirus infection. At the moment, there are no restrictions on Russian tourists visiting the region.
Numerous vacationers rushed to Kaliningrad, because... this is one of the most attractive regions of Russia to visit. Locals, however, are not particularly happy about this increased popularity of the region, but for the development of their economy this is only a plus. Despite active tourism, the situation with coronavirus had more or less stabilized by summer, as can be seen in the graph. By July 2021, growth is observed against the backdrop of another wave. However, the numbers are not critical.
It’s not for me to judge whether it’s a lot or a little, because everything is relative. Last summer, promenades, beaches and hotels on the coast opened in the Kaliningrad region, and to this day no one has closed them anymore.
Rules for entry into Kaliningrad for Russians after coronavirus in the summer of 2021:
- there is no mandatory observation for tourists from any region of the Russian Federation;
- Mandatory vaccination is NOT required to enter the region;
- Also, tourists do not need a certificate with a negative test for Covid-19, but (!) such a certificate is necessary for employees of local companies returning from business trips from other territories of the Russian Federation;
- hotels and guest houses are prohibited from accommodating groups of children arriving from other regions (but this requirement does not apply to family tourists, i.e. parents with children can come; various children’s camps, participants in events with educators/teachers, etc. are prohibited) ;
- all restaurants and cafes are open in the summer season, you can relax in them both on the terrace and in the hall (however, from June 17, the number of seats is limited and there are now fewer available tables in establishments, and all catering is closed from midnight to 6 am);
- wearing a mask in public spaces and in transport is still recommended for everyone - both visitors and locals (from 06/17/2021, control over the wearing of masks has been strengthened, so you can receive fines for violations);
- customers in stores are required to maintain a safe distance of 1.5-2 m;
- from July 1, 2021, children under 14 years of age are prohibited from visiting cinemas, shops, and cafes unaccompanied by adults;
- from July 10, 2021, the number of passengers on commuter buses and trains on Saturdays and Sundays is limited, tickets are sold only for empty seats;
- walking tours around the city are allowed, with no restrictions on the number of people in groups, so 30-50 people are possible;
- You can also go on individual excursions, we preferred them for the most part, which we booked online here;
- for people over 65 years of age, self-isolation has been reintroduced until July 31, 2021, although so far it is only for unemployed citizens of the region, and for older tourists there is no information about the prohibitions, so the requirements can be interpreted in two ways;
- Until July 15, events with an unspecified number of people are prohibited, i.e. various holidays, competitions, fairs, etc., which are attended by everyone who wants to (including the closed fan zone for the European Football Championship at the Kaliningrad stadium);
- From June 25, children's rooms and any attractions, including in parks, are closed.
That is, the region is open for tourists and attractions are accessible . Although there are still some inconveniences when holidaying in Kaliningrad during the summer holidays. But in modern conditions, when the borders of many countries are completely closed, there seems to be freedom and grace here. In our experience, everyone is quite relaxed, and the museums and tour buses are full of people from all over the country. This setting is captured in my photograph below.
Please also note that entry into the Kaliningrad region from other countries is allowed only with a certificate of absence of Covid-19 . The PCR test must be taken no later than the last three days before entering the Russian Federation. If you do not have the certificates on hand, then passing two tests and observation until receiving the results is mandatory. When entering from another region of Russia, certificates and self-isolation are not required.
How to choose a safe hotel
There are no strict requirements for choosing a hotel; here, first of all, you will have to focus on your needs and wishes. For some time, compulsory observation was absent only on the condition that the hotel in Kaliningrad was booked for a period of at least 2 days. But then this requirement was canceled.
It is most convenient to stay in hotels in the central area, closer to the embankment and attractions, so that you have the opportunity to walk more, admire the views and travel less in the crush of public transport, collecting unnecessary infections. Here is a selection of the best hotels in the historical center of Kaliningrad:
- Hotel Shkiperskaya - located in the so-called Fish Village right near Kant Island, good European rooms and excellent service;
- Hotel Ibis is a small but new and cozy hotel, the rooms are simple, but perfectly clean and comfortable;
- Guest cabins "Vityaz" are my favorite option for accommodation on a huge ship that is part of the museum, although they are only suitable for living for a couple of days, because... The cabins, although furnished in a homely manner, are still small, but this is a unique experience, so I couldn’t help but book at least a night here;
- Hotel Kaiserhof is an excellent hotel in the very historical center, spacious rooms and a full range of services, from excellent restaurants to a swimming pool.
I also really like this format of daily housing in Kaliningrad, called guest houses. Previously, I had only seen this format of living abroad, and in Russia only in the southern regions and in the Kaliningrad region. So-called guest houses are a very convenient option. We once stayed in such a cottage near the embankment.
Local residents build another house on their site in addition to their own, and then rent rooms in it for daily rent. It turns out to be a kind of mini-hotel, and the prices for such housing in the green zone are lower than in hotels.
A selection of mini-hotels and guest houses in Kaliningrad
Don’t forget about the way to save on accommodation using the RoomGuru service, which shows the cost of a room in several booking systems at once, so the same hotel can cost differently. All you have to do is choose the best price.
What to see in Kaliningrad
The main recommendations are to maintain distance and give preference to sightseeing outdoors. Here are the Top 5 most relevant noteworthy places in the Kaliningrad region in the current situation:
Curonian Spit
The famous national park on the Curonian Spit is a unique creation of nature, deservedly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A narrow sand spit stretching for almost 100 km in the Baltic Sea has become home to many plants and animals. Wild boars, wolves, foxes and small rodents live here. Patterns of tracks of various animals remain on the sand dunes.
The reserve is the country's smallest national park, but at the same time the most visited. But this does not mean that crowds of tourists await you at every step; on the contrary, there are a lot of picturesque corners where you feel completely at one with the unique nature. During quarantine, you can get to the Curonian Spit with an accompanying person - we chose a guide here.
Review of our trip to the Curonian Spit and tips
Forts and bastions
The surviving military fortifications of Köninsberg provide an excellent illustration of wartime. The German forts reminded our family of hobbit houses, which were also hidden among hills thickly covered with grass. Only these buildings have a completely different purpose.
Hidden in the underground labyrinths of the forts were barracks, offices and, in principle, everything necessary for the functioning of entire troops. Soldiers lived in them, plans were made to seize the lands of the USSR, and fascist commanders hid from bombing. And all this has been perfectly preserved to this day.
Museums of Kaliningrad
First of all, I recommend taking a look at the Museum of the World Ocean complex, which consists of several exhibition buildings, ships and even a submarine. It may seem that this is partly a technical museum, since it contains so much maritime transport. But in addition to this, the exhibition presents collections of sea shells and fish, geological samples and nautical maps, stories about distant countries and maritime stories. The ships presented in the collection have preserved cabins, laboratories, and cockpits.
Ticket prices range from 100 to 300 rubles depending on the building, i.e. Each entrance to a boat or ship is paid separately depending on the selected object. The submarine is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday - closed), the ship "Vityaz" from 18:00 to 21:00 (Monday - closed), the main building with the aquarium is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (Mon – closed).
Another interesting place is the only amber museum in Russia, located on the shores of Lake Superior in Kaliningrad. It houses hundreds of amber exhibits - from representatives of flora and fauna frozen in resin, whose age reaches millions of years, to ancient jewelry with amber. The Koenigsberg State Amber Manufactory is preserved in a separate building.
Entrance tickets cost 350 rubles for adults and 150 rubles for schoolchildren. During the summer months the museum is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (ticket office until 18:30), during the rest of the year from 10:00 to 18:00. I described other museums in the city in my detailed article Top 5 best museums in Kaliningrad.
How we save on accommodation while on vacation
Using the RoomGuru service, which shows special offers with discounts
on hotels, and also
helps you find the best price
per night, comparing the cost in all booking systems at once. The benefit sometimes reaches 2-3 thousand rubles per day.
Fishing village and Kneiphoft Island (Kanta Island)
The fishing village is not shacks and boats bobbing at the pier, as one might think from the name, but a nice neighborhood with a lighthouse and houses in the old European style. Its construction on the embankment began in 2006. Now this is an excellent walking place with beautiful views of historical Kaliningrad and the heart of old Köninsberg - the island of Kneiphoft.
This island, preserved through the years, has several names - Green Island, the German name Kneiphoft, and it is also called Kant’s Island, in honor of the famous philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose grave is located near the Cathedral. The famous cathedral in the center of the island is the hallmark of Kaliningrad. During the war, the city was bombed more than once, but this Catholic church survived. Organ concerts and Sunday masses are still held inside. Seven bridges lead to the island, like rays diverging in all directions.
Beaches on the Baltic Sea
In Kaliningrad itself, of course, there are no beaches. But Zelenogradsk beach is only a 40-minute ride by train or bus. It takes a little longer to get to the beach line in Svetlogorsk. Although the Baltic Sea does not warm up above 22 °C even in summer, there is no better place to relax in hot weather.
You can explore these cozy towns either independently, by getting there by public transport, or as part of an excursion. Of course, it is much more convenient to go with a guide. If you really want a local knowledgeable person to talk interestingly about the history of old Köninsberg, then it is better to choose a trip as part of an excursion group.
Search for guides in Kaliningrad based on reviews
You can bypass the above mentioned places on your own. To do this, I advise you to use the 2GIS, MapsMe or standard Google Maps applications on your phone. All of them are absolutely free, and you can install them from official stores on both Android and Apple.
But in addition to these standard attractions, I definitely recommend taking a walk through the German districts of Amalienau, Hufen and Luisenval, as well as walking through the forts and ancient city gates. They can also be easily found on the maps in the applications mentioned above.
But it seemed to us that we ourselves would not be able to feel the historical spirit of Prussia. Still, dull Soviet houses everywhere interrupt the view, and it is difficult to discern something truly worthwhile among them. That's why I booked the walking tour Spirit of Old Koenigsberg for 780 rubles. and a bus tour of the city of Forts and Bastions of Königsberg for 855 rubles. My mother was particularly impressed, and my children and I enjoyed the interesting corners and stories.
There was a minimal group on the walking tour, plus it takes place in the fresh air, so we walked freely even without a mask. On the second excursion, you can only get on the bus with a mask, and while climbing the forts you don’t have to wear them.
We also went to the sea to Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk. Although the water in the sea rarely warms up well and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to swim even in summer, breathing in the sea air and the pine needles of a pine forest and walking along the European streets of these towns is a real pleasure! Plus, the atmosphere of these places is absolutely magical; walking along such picturesque streets is a lot of fun.
You can get to them by train, which runs from the South Station. The drive to Zelenogradsk is only 40 minutes, to Svetlogorsk 1 hour 20 minutes. Tickets cost 70-110 rubles. one way depending on the train. I recommend going to the station in the morning to buy tickets; there are fewer trains running during the day than in the morning. Buy tickets for the return train right away so that you can definitely leave and generally somehow plan your time in these towns.
How to get to Kaliningrad during Covid-19
Despite the fact that in most regions of Russia the period of self-isolation has already passed, some quarantine restrictions are still present in some places. This is also reflected in passenger transport, new features and travel rules.
Taking into account the specific location of the Kaliningrad region, the most convenient way to get to it from other territories of Russia is still by air or by rail.
