The Kaliningrad region is one of the Russian regions, however, to get here, you may need a passport. The procedure for buying a train ticket also has its own specifics, which is useful to learn more about before traveling.
Trip to Kaliningrad
The only way to get to Kaliningrad from Russia, bypassing passport control, is to buy a plane ticket. If you are flying by plane, then you do not need a passport. But if you are traveling by train or car, then you will need it.
According to the requirement introduced from January 1, 2005, it is possible to get to Kaliningrad by rail only if you have a valid passport. If you do not have one, then you will not even be sold a ticket at the box office.
For such a trip, the cashier will issue a special simplified travel document for you, which will allow you to bypass the territory of the Republic of Lithuania in the absence of a Schengen visa in your passport. To do this, a request is sent to the embassy with the data that you provide about yourself when purchasing. You will receive your transit permit only on the train, shortly before it crosses the border with Lithuania.
Just in case, so that no unforeseen problems arise during the trip, it is best to find out if a permit has been received in your name before you board the train. Problems with this are rare, but no one is immune from accidents.
A simplified travel document that allows transit through the Republic of Lithuania is made free of charge. But if you already have a valid Schengen visa in your passport, then there is no need for you to get it.
To travel to Kaliningrad by your own car, you will need a valid Schengen visa.
Kaliningrad
The Kaliningrad region is the westernmost in Russia. The city and the surrounding territories in the past belonged to Germany, and Kaliningrad itself was called Konigsberg. This is a very beautiful place according to various ratings. For example, the magazine "Kommersant" for three years recognized it as the best city in Russia, "RBK" considers Kaliningrad the most beautiful city, and Forbes expressed the opinion that it is the best place for business in Russia.
Ancient buildings and palaces are mixed with modern architectural finds, which form the unique image of the city. Using the example of Kaliningrad, one can study the history of Europe: there are forts, architectural monuments, bastions, and many buildings that have suffered from the war. The city is very beautiful and harmonious, there really is something to see. The city has a huge variety of museums, and they are so diverse that every visitor of the city can find suitable and interesting sights for themselves.
