Why does Nizhni Novgorod have visa restrictions?

Question

When filling out a form for a Russian visa, there is a specific question asking if I will be flying directly into a city called Nizhnii Novgorod from outside of Russia. I am not, but I think it's weird and wondered why they are asking. I find some information about this on the web:

If you are flying directly into Nizhnii Novgorod from outside of Russia, for example from Vienna, and wish to use a tourist visa, this now requires a special voucher. Processing time is one business day and the cost is an additional £45.00 on top of the standard visa charge. Please make sure that when ordering you select Nizhnii Novgorod as your arrival city, and enter “flying direct” into the comments box.

But I do not find any other “official” comment or explanation of the reason. Is it just some sort of local (city) tax, or are there security reasons for requiring a specific visa for this city? (and then, only if you fly in, but not if you take the train/bus/car)

Answer 1

Nizhni Novgorod used to be a military stronghold with a very large production capacity for weapons. This is why it was closed under Soviet rule from 1959 to 1991 so foreigners could not travel there. Also Russian nationals were strongly limited, some of them went there into exile.

Many cities were closed at one point in time and some still are. Nizhni Novgorod still today has some leftovers of this status and his therefore restricted. You need an invitation from "inside" the city to be allowed to enter from outside the country. It's a legacy they did not get rid of until today.

Answer 2

The information on that site is likely fraudulent (note that there's a phone number of local travel firms which you are expected to call to get a "voucher"). Nizhny Novgorod is NOT a closed or restricted city and there are no specific limitations, at least legal, on visiting it. You can find a complete list of closed cities on Wikipedia. It's better to use only official information about Russian visas.