Secure Payments and Visas

We are in discussion with one of the tour operators in SPB. They are asking for our passport info in advance as well as a deposit in advance. If you've experienced this yourself, how did you ensure security of the passport info? How did you pay securely? Thanks in advance.

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Look at the address of the website for the tour company on your computer. For example, the address for SPB Tours (a well-respected tour company in St. Petersburg) is https://www.spb-tours.com. The "https" means that the website is secure and you can safely enter personal information. Note: You'll find the same "https" designation with Alla Tours and TJ Travel, two other well-respected tour companies in St. Petersburg.

So, as long as you see "https", you'll be fine using their website to give the company your passport and credit card details. (But never give personal information like this through an email, which is not secure.)

I think all of us that have booked independent tours in St Petersburg have had that same worry when asked for passport info. It is a normal thing that the tour companies need to get your visa.

I know when we had this request, I, like you, came right here and asked that same exact question and was reassured the same way we are reassuring you, everything is normal, secure and it is a mandatory thing. If you have any doubts talk to the tour operator and asked them how it is protected and secured.

Cheers

Len

theres another thread on here saying SPB are asking for a deposit in advance this year

so far they are in the minority as most don't require deposit just pay on 2nd day of tour

they need your passport info to secure your visa waiver and no problem giving them that info

Thanks all for your helpful and reassuring responses. Just to close the loop: for submission of passport info, we completed a secure online form. For the minimal advance deposit, we paid via credit card over the telephone. This company provides a US telephone number which forwards to SPB). All very painless and convenient. My family and I are all looking forward to our upcoming Baltic cruise, which for me, is also my first cruise anywhere (unless you count a few nights on the Nile in 1999). Thanks again!