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We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Russia due to the security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

Russia (PDF 2.04 MB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

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All emergency services, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Do not travel to Russia.

Do not travel to Russia due to the dangerous security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

Do not travel to North Caucasus.

Do not travel to North Caucasus due to the high threat of terrorism and political unrest.

See Safety .

There's an ongoing threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places and could include popular tourist sites. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats and have a clear exit plan. On 23 March, there was a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, resulting in significant loss of life.
Security incidents, such as drone attacks and explosions, often occur in southern and western areas of Russia, including regions bordering Ukraine, Moscow, and St Petersburg. This can cause significant flight delays and travel disruption. You shouldn't attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.
The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice, so have an alternate exit plan.
If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.
There are limited transportation options, restrictions on financial transactions and possible shortages of essential products and services.
The Russian Government has introduced a 'medium response level' in several regions of Russia, including Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov and a 'heightened preparedness level' in the remainder of the Central and Southern Federal districts. A basic readiness level covers the rest of Russia. There may be an increase in security personnel and installations. Security measures or restrictions may be introduced with little to no notice. Monitor the media for developments.
Russian authorities have made strong, negative comments in relation to Western countries. Local authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia in reaction to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Non-participating bystanders can draw scrutiny from security forces and have been detained. Remain vigilant, avoid protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.
Continue to follow the advice on Smartraveller. If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Full travel advice: Safety

Laws about the import and use of medicines are strict. You need a doctor's letter and a notarised translation confirming your need for each medication that contains restricted substances. Contact the Embassy of Russia for details.
Rabies and tick-borne encephalitis are on the rise. Ticks are common from April to October. Take care when travelling through forests.
Infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, diphtheria, measles and tuberculosis are a risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
Public medical facilities in Russian cities are below Australian standards and basic in rural areas.

Full travel advice: Health

Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government won't be able to intervene if you're subjected to mobilisation.
Conscription occurs regularly in Russia. The Government may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. From 1 January 2024, the maximum age of conscription will change from 27 to 30 years old. Russian authorities have also passed laws allowing for the draft notice to be serviced to the conscripts online, preventing conscripts from leaving the country once the notice is registered and sent.
Russia has passed laws that severely inhibit free speech related to the current situation, imposing severe restrictions on the publishing and distribution of information related to the Russian armed forces and any military operations. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may face considerable risks, including arrest and imprisonment. Don't share or publish information related to the current events in Ukraine and Russia.
Russian authorities may enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. You may be interrogated without cause by Russian officials and may become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
Don't use or carry any illegal drugs. Penalties are severe. Carry your passport, visa and migration card at all times. Authorities won't accept copies.
Don't take photos of military places or sensitive areas, such as passport control. It's also illegal to use commercial film, television, camera equipment or drones in public without permission. Hand-held video cameras are legal.
Russia doesn't recognise dual nationals. We can only provide limited consular assistance to dual nationals who are arrested or detained. You'll need a valid Russian passport to leave.
Same-sex relationships are technically legal but are not widely accepted. Violence against members of the LGBTI community occurs. Russia's parliament passed a law banning "LGBT propaganda", criminalising any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations". The promotion of LGBTI issues may be considered illegal by local authorities, and activists may face consequences under Russian law. In July 2023, the Russian President signed a decree banning gender changes without medical requirements. The law also annuls marriages in which one person "changed gender" and prevents transgender couples from adopting children.
Law enforcement agencies in Russia cooperate closely with agencies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

Full travel advice: Local laws

If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Have an alternate exit plan.
Confirm with your transport operator that services are still operating if you plan to depart Russia. Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe are often disrupted due to measures taken in response to military action in Ukraine. Several Russian airports are now closed to the public, disrupting internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. The train and bus service between St Petersburg and Helsinki is suspended.
If you're travelling through an overland border crossing into Estonia or Latvia , confirm the entry requirements for your destination before arrival. Finland has closed border crossings with Russia indefinitely and maritime borders will close on 15 April. Latvia introduced an entry ban on vehicles registered in Russia in September 2023. There's a ban on vehicles crossing into/from Estonia at the Ivangorod- Narva crossing. Train service is also suspended. Entry and exit on foot will still be allowed. Additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers.
Russian airlines and railways may be affected by shortages of parts and essential technical components for their fleets, affecting maintenance and safety standards. Research your railway and aviation provider before choosing their services. The International Civil Aviation Organisation has issued a Significant Safety Concern (or 'red flag') notice regarding the capacity of Russian airlines to oversee safety.
If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Russia, expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Contact your airline or the nearest embassy or consulate of Russia to confirm entry requirements.
Bank cards issued outside of Russia don't work in Russia. You won't be able to access funds from these cards once you enter Russia. You may not be able to exchange Australian dollars as well as old, worn, or damaged US dollar and euro banknotes into Russian rubles in Russia. Ensure you have enough money to cover your stay.
Dual nationals can't leave Russia without a valid Russian passport. If your Russian passport expires while you're in Russia or if you enter Russia using a repatriation certificate, you'll need to get a new Russian passport before you leave. This can take up to 3 months. The Australian Government won't be able to intervene or fast-track this process.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited due to the evolving security situation. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.
The Australian Consulate in St Petersburg can provide limited help.
If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places and could include popular tourist sites. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats and have a clear exit plan. Russia has seen a number of terrorist attacks which have caused large casualty numbers. On 23 March, there was a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, resulting in significant loss of life. Russia's aviation has also been targeted.

Russian authorities continue to announce arrests and the disruption of planned attacks.

Terrorists have attacked other European cities. Targets have included:

places of worship
government buildings
shopping areas
tourist sites
restaurants
entertainment venues
transportation hubs
major events which attract large crowds

To protect yourself from terrorism:

be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
be extra cautious around possible terrorist targets
always have a clear exit plan
report anything suspicious to the police
monitor the media for any new threats
take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

North Caucasus

There's a high threat of terrorism in parts of the North Caucasus, including:

North Ossetia
the south-eastern part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya
Karbardino-Balkaria
Karachay-Cherkessia

Terrorist attacks continue to occur in Chechnya. Several people have been killed and injured.

Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in those parts of the North Caucasus is limited.

If, despite our advice, you travel to these parts of the North Caucasus:

monitor local conditions via media and travel operators
arrange personal security measures

Georgia-Russia border

The Georgia-Russia border area is volatile because of tensions in Georgia.

If, despite our advice, you travel in the border region, read our Georgia travel advice .

Security situation

Security incidents, such as drone attacks and explosions, often occur in southern and western areas of Russia, including regions bordering Ukraine, Moscow, and St Petersburg. This can cause significant flight delays and flight cancellations. You shouldn't attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.

The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice. If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.

The Russian Government has introduced a 'medium response level' in several regions of Russia, including Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov and a 'heightened preparedness level' in the remainder of the Central and Southern Federal districts. A basic readiness level has been introduced in the rest of Russia. There may be an increase in security personnel and installations. Security measures or restrictions may be introduced with little to no notice. Monitor the media for developments.

Ukraine border areas and Crimea

The Russia-Ukraine border is volatile due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Security incidents regularly occur in Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and other regions of Russia bordering Ukraine, including explosions and large fires. The security situation in the region could deteriorate at short notice. You shouldn't travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.

We currently advise you do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. Read the Ukraine travel advice for more information.

The Australian Government doesn't recognise Russia's claimed annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea or its other territorial claims in occupied Ukraine.

Leaving Russia

Where it's safe to do so, you should leave Russia immediately. Use your judgment to decide the best time and safest means of exit.

Transport routes may be disrupted. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Make sure you have payment options that will work during your journey and at your destination.

Read your destination's travel advice to ensure you meet the entry requirements. These may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe have been impacted by measures taken in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Check with your airline or travel agent for current flight availability. Any travel options you pursue are at your own risk. See ' Travel '

For more information on entry requirements for countries bordering Russia, read the travel advice:

The European Union also has a website with information on travel restrictions for people seeking to enter member states .

If you decide to stay in Russia:

follow the instructions of authorities
ensure your travel documents are up-to-date, and keep your passport and other travel documentation safe
contact your family and friends in Australia so they're aware of your location and situation
keep up to date with developments on the security situation, monitor reputable media, and regularly check our travel advice and social media
review your personal security plans and make contingency plans to leave as soon as you judge it safe to do so
always be alert and aware of your surroundings
avoid large gatherings and areas with groups of fighters and military equipment.

Civil unrest and political tension

Russia's parliament has passed laws that severely restrict free speech related to the current situation. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may face considerable risks, including arrest and imprisonment.

While the effects of this law are still unclear, you may be detained or fined for:

sharing or publishing information that local authorities deem false
sharing or publishing information that may be detrimental to the armed forces
calling for, sharing or publishing speech in support of sanctions against Russia

You should not:

share or publish information related to the current events in Ukraine and Russia
participate in demonstrations and large gatherings

Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia due to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Russian authorities may enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. You may be interrogated without cause by Russian officials and may become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.

Avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

Anti-war and anti-mobilisation protests have taken place in cities across Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. Many protesters have been arrested.

Unsanctioned protests are illegal, and you can be arrested if you participate. Remain vigilant and avoid rallies, protests, demonstrations and other large public gatherings, as they can turn violent, and you may be arrested.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Theft and assault

Petty crime, pickpocketing and mugging is common. Groups of children sometimes commit crimes, too.

Hot spots for crime include:

the Izmailovsky Market
other tourist attractions
the Moscow and St Petersburg metros

Thieves often steal passports. They target travellers in robberies and assaults , particularly in large cities.

To protect yourself from theft and assault:

keep your personal belongings close, particularly in tourist areas
be aware of your security in public places, particularly at night
monitor local media on crime
racially or religiously motivated assaults may occur throughout Russia.

Drink spiking

Criminals may drug and rob travellers at nightclubs and bars. Sometimes this happens after people accept offers of food, drink or transportation from strangers.

To protect yourself from spiking-related crime:

never accept food or drinks from strangers
don't leave drinks unattended
leave your drink if you're not sure it's safe
stick with people you trust in bars, nightclubs and taxis
don't accept offers of transport from strangers
Partying safely

Using taxis

People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis.

To protect yourself from robbery while travelling in taxis:

only use official taxi companies
always book your taxi in advance
don't flag down taxis on the street
don't share taxis with strangers
always negotiate and confirm the fare before you get in a taxi

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud is common.

To protect yourself from fraud:

only exchange currency at banks
keep your credit card in sight during transactions
only use ATMs inside banks and during business hours
always hide your PIN

Other scams

Criminals may try to cheat you by changing money in the street or a bank queue.

Some Australians have been victims of fraud by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from Russia.

These are large-scale, well-organised scams .

Criminals arrange to meet people through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. After getting to know each other, the criminal asks the Australian to send money so they can travel to Australia. However, the relationship ends after the money has been received, and the funds can't be recovered.

Be wary of people you meet through internet dating schemes or chat rooms.

People have also reported harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

If you suspect you're being extorted by a police officer or other local official, offer to walk with them to the nearest police station. Once there, you can check their identity and their demands.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping is common in parts of the Northern Caucasus.

It can be for:

political purposes
retribution

Foreigners have been targeted in the past.

If, despite the risks, you travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping:

get professional security advice

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather during winter can disrupt travel in Russia.

To protect yourself from accidents caused by severe weather:

take care when walking in snowy, icy or windy conditions
take care when driving
use appropriate driving equipment, such as winter tyres or chains
monitor the media and other sources for updates

If you're delayed, contact local authorities about a visa extension if required.

In April, severe flooding affected multiple settlements across Russia in the South Urals region east of Moscow, in Western Siberia and near the Volga River.

Snow and ice

People are injured or killed yearly in wind, snow and ice-related accidents. These include:

traffic accidents
collapsed roofs and snow falling from roofs
falling debris
prolonged exposure to extreme cold

Slipping on ice can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries or paralysis.

During summer, forest and peat fires can occur in Russia, including in the Moscow region.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The North Caucasus and the far eastern region of Russia can experience earthquakes .

Tsunamis are common in all oceanic regions of the world.

To protect yourself from natural disasters, take official warnings seriously.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Get updates on major disasters from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .

Travel insurance

Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Russia. Do not travel to Russia. See ' Safety '

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Physical and mental health

Do not travel to Russia. If, despite our advice, you travel to Russia, consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

General health advice (World Health Organization)
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Russia has imposed temporary restrictions on exporting certain categories of goods, including foreign-made medical products.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Russia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Russia has strict laws about the import and use of medications. This includes medications that are available over the counter in Australia, such as cold and flu tablets.

When you arrive in Russia, you must present a doctor's letter to authorities confirming your need for each medication. This is the case if your medications contain the following:

barbiturate
sibutramine
anabolic steroids
androgens and other sex hormones
analgesic, such as tramadol
psychostimulants
other restricted substances

The letter must:

contain a description of the medication, including the chemical composition
describe the required dosage
explain the underlying medical condition
confirm the medicine is for personal use only
be signed by your treating doctor

You must also have a notarised translation of the letter into Russian.

Before you leave Australia, contact the Embassy of Russia for the latest rules for bringing medicines into Russia.

Russian Government website

Health risks

Tick-borne diseases.

Tick-borne encephalitis (World Health Organization) and other tick-borne diseases are a risk, especially if you travel through forested areas.

Ticks are common in rural areas from spring to autumn: April to October.

People have reported increased incidents of tick-borne encephalitis.

Measles cases can routinely occur in Russia, with the country currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Avian influenza is a risk in Russia.

HIV/AIDS is a risk.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

There has been a reported increase in rabies across Russia.

Rabies is deadly. Humans can get rabies from mammals, such as:

other animals

If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other animal, get treatment as soon as possible.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or suspect food poisoning.

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities in Russian cities are below Australian standards.

Standards are extremely basic in rural areas.

There are a few international-standard private facilities in major cities – these clinics can be very expensive to access.

Before you're treated, private facilities need either:

up-front payment
evidence of adequate insurance
a written guarantee of payment

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

In July, the Russian President signed a decree banning gender changes, including gender transition surgery, hormone therapy and changing gender on official documents without medical requirements. The law also annuls marriages in which one person "changed gender" and prevents transgender couples from adopting children.

In November 2022, Russia's parliament passed a law banning "LGBT propaganda", criminalising any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations". Sharing information or public display of any material promoting "non-traditional relationships" is now a serious criminal offence.

In November 2022, Russia announced that the partial mobilisation of military reservists for the conflict in Ukraine was complete. However, a decree formalising the completion has not been issued. The Russian Government may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government will not be able to intervene if you are subjected to mobilisation.

The US Government issued travel advice in March 2022 advising that Russian security services have arrested US citizens on spurious charges, singled out US citizens in Russia for detention and/or harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and have convicted them in secret trials and/or without presenting credible evidence. The US Government warns that Russian officials may unreasonably delay consular assistance to detained US citizens.

Russian authorities have introduced criminal liability for publishing and distributing 'deliberately misleading' information about the Russian armed forces and any military operations. These laws have been interpreted and applied very broadly to many forms of dissent.

Law enforcement agencies in Russia cooperate closely with agencies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Russian authorities imposed restrictions on real estate and foreign currency transactions for foreign residents. These restrictions can be revised at short notice. Seek advice from local authorities.

Possessing, selling, consuming, or carrying any illegal drugs is illegal.

Penalties are severe and include long prison terms.

Russia has strict rules around medication carried into the country for personal use, including some medications that you can get over the counter in Australia.

If you don't declare restricted medications, authorities could detain you. See Health .

Carrying or using drugs

Routine police checks are common in public places.

Carry your passport, visa and migration card with you at all times. Authorities won't accept copies.

If you can't provide travel documentation on request, authorities can detain and fine you.

In Russia, it's illegal to:

take photos of military places, strategic sites and other sensitive areas, such as passport control and guarded railway sites
use commercial film, television or camera equipment in public areas without permission, but hand-held home video cameras are allowed
use drones without permission from the Russian aviation authority.

Penalties for breaching the law include fines, jail and deportation.

Russia regulates religious activity. Authorities restrict activities such as preaching and distributing religious materials.

If you plan to engage in religious activity, ensure you're not breaking local laws.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for more information.

Cybersecurity laws

Russia has blocked or restricted some social media platforms and websites, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Russia has banned certain Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and has indicated it will implement a nationwide ban on VPNs in March 2025.

Cyber security when travelling overseas
Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor)

Official documents

Some Australian documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, need to be legalised before Russian authorities will accept them.

If you have an Australian document that you need to use while in Russia, contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for information.

Apostilles and some legal certificates can be issued by:

DFAT in Australia
Australian embassies and high commissions overseas

Surrogacy laws

Russia has laws governing child surrogacy and has passed legislation banning surrogacy for all foreigners except those married to Russian citizens. Recent court cases have resulted in long custodial sentences for some providers of surrogacy services. All children born through surrogacy in Russia are granted Russian citizenship, regardless of their parent's citizenship.

Get independent legal advice before making surrogacy arrangements in Russia or with residents of Russia.

Going overseas for international surrogacy
Going overseas to adopt a child

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

Russia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

In November 2022, Russia announced that the partial mobilisation of military reservists for the conflict in Ukraine was complete. However, a decree formalising the completion hasn't been issued. Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government won't be able to intervene if you are subjected to mobilisation.

Conscription occurs regularly, and Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. Conscription in Russia occurs semi-annually, and conscripts typically serve one year. From 1 January 2024, the maximum conscription age will change from 27 to 30 years old. Russian authorities have also passed laws allowing for the draft notice to be serviced to the conscripts online and preventing conscripts from leaving the country once the notice is registered and sent.

Russian authorities won't recognise your Australian nationality if you're a dual national. They will treat you like any other national of Russia.

If you're a dual national:

you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport
you can enter Russia using a repatriation certificate (svidetelstvo na vozvrashcheniye) if you don't have a Russian passport, but you must still leave Russia on a Russian passport
you must declare any other nationalities or foreign residency permits to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs
you could be conscripted into the Russian military if you're a male between the ages of 18 and 30

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia well before any planned travel to Russia.

Dual nationals can't leave Russia without a valid Russian passport.

You'll need to get a new Russian passport before you leave if:

your Russian passport expires while you're in Russia
you enter Russia using a repatriation certificate

Getting a new Russian passport for non-residents is complex and can take up to 3 months. The Australian Government is unable to intervene or fast-track this process.

Children born outside Russia and added to their parents' Russian passports need their own passport to leave Russia.

If you're travelling alone with a child, Russian border authorities may require the following:

documentary evidence of your relationship to the child
written permission for the child to travel from the non-travelling parent
Dual nationals

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal in Russia but not widely accepted.

Intolerance towards the LGBTI community is common, particularly outside Moscow and St Petersburg.

People have reported violence against members of the LGBTI community, including by local security forces.

In April 2017, there were reports of arrests and violence against LGBTI people in Chechnya.

In November 2022, Russia passed a law banning "LGBT propaganda", criminalising any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations". Sharing or displaying material promoting "non-traditional relationships" is now a serious criminal offence. The bill broadens the existing law banning the promotion of 'non-traditional sexual relationships' to minors.

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers.

You need a visa to enter Russia unless you're travelling on certain commercial cruise ships.

You can't get a visa on arrival.

If you arrive in Russia without a valid visa, authorities will fine, detain and deport you at your own expense. They may bar you from re-entering.

Make sure you apply for the correct visa type, such as 'tourist' and 'visitor' visas.

If your visa type doesn't match the purpose of your visit, authorities may:

not let you enter

You may need to provide biometric fingerprints for the visa application process.

After you get your Russian visa, check your passport details are correct, including the following:

passport number
date of birth
intention of stay
validity dates

If there are errors, return your passport to the Russian Embassy or Consulate for correction.

It's impossible to amend visa details once you're in Russia.

Discuss your travel plans with your cruise operator before you travel to check if you need a visa.

Check transit visa requirements if you transit through Russia to a third country.

Russian Embassy
Going on a cruise

Border measures

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Russia, expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Australians sanctioned by Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued statements on its website advising that, in response to Australian sanctions, the Russian Government had added several Australians to a 'stop list', denying them entry into Russia on an indefinite basis.

These statements can be viewed here (copy and paste the URL into a new browser if you can't open the link):

17 April 2024 statement – https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1944697/ (in Russian)
21 June 2023 statement - https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1890258/
16 September 2022 statement - https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1830085/ (in Russian)
21 July 2022 statement - https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1823204/
16 June 2022 statement - https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1818118/
7 April 2022 statement - https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1808465/

DFAT can't provide advice on the implications of another country's sanctions. If you're listed, you should obtain legal advice if you have concerns about the potential impacts of the Russian sanctions. Do not travel to Russia if you're on Russia's 'stop list'.

Other formalities

Migration card.

All foreign visitors receive a migration card on arrival in Russia.

If you receive a paper migration card, keep the stamped exit portion of the card with your passport.

The migration card covers both Russia and Belarus. You must show the stamped card to passport control when leaving either country.

If you lose your migration card:

your departure could be delayed
you could be stopped from staying at a hotel in Russia

You can get a replacement from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, which is complex and could delay your departure.

Biometric fingerprinting

Foreign citizens entering Russia for work or intending to stay over 90 calendar days may be subject to biometric fingerprinting and regular medical check-ups. The procedure of biometric fingerprinting will need to be done only once. Medical check-ups will need to be re-taken upon the certificate's expiry (valid for 1 year).

Travel with children

If you're travelling with a child , you may need to show evidence of parental, custodial or permission rights. This is particularly the case for dual nationals. See Local laws

Advice for people travelling with children

Electronics

The government strictly controls the import of electrical and some high-technology equipment.

The rules are complex.

You may import terminal global positioning systems (GPS) devices if you declare them on arrival. However, you'll need a special permit to import a GPS device connected to a computer or an antenna.

Authorities can detain you if you don't have a permit.

You must show proof of advanced approval to import a satellite phone. Request approval from the Federal Service for the Supervision of Communications .

Russian border officials can demand to inspect any electronic device, including installed software when you leave.

Travel between Russia and Belarus

Do not travel to Russia and Belarus due to the security environment and impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If you’re in Russia or Belarus, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so.

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Belarus from Russia, note that the government doesn't allow foreigners to cross the land border between Russia and Belarus.

If you travel between Russia and Belarus, it must be by air.

If you're travelling between Russia and Belarus, you must have visas for both countries.

Visa-free entry into Belarus doesn't apply to travellers arriving from or travelling to Russia.

Contact the Embassy of Russia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for details.

Registering your stay in Russia

If you stay more than 7 working days, including your arrival and departure day, you must register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You have to pay a registration fee.

Most hotels do this for their guests, but you're legally responsible. Confirm with check-in staff on arrival that they've registered you.

The registration process can be complex if you're not staying at a hotel.

Register through your employer if you're travelling on a visa that lets you work. Confirm with your employer that they've registered you.

If you don't register, authorities can fine you or delay your departure.

The Russian Embassy

Visa overstays

Make sure you leave Russia before your visa expires. Some visas, including tourist visas, can't be extended.

If you overstay your visa, you won't be allowed to leave Russia until the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs determines your legal status or deports you.

Authorities can detain you until they've processed your case.

Penalties for overstaying include fines and deportation.

You may be banned from re-entering.

Exporting goods

Russia has imposed temporary restrictions on exporting certain categories of goods, including foreign-made medical products. Seek advice from local authorities.

Russia has strict regulations on the export of antiques, artworks and items of historical significance. This is for items purchased in Russia or imported to Russia from overseas. It includes modern art and posters if they are particularly rare or valuable.

Authorities may not allow the export of items more than 100 years old.

If you want to export any antiques, artworks or items of historical significance:

keep receipts of your purchases
obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Culture in advance of travel — export permits aren't issued at the airport
declare each item to border authorities when you leave Russia
be ready to show each item to border authorities
be ready to show receipts for each item to border authorities

Don't try to export items requiring permits without the relevant paperwork. This is a serious offence.

Legislation about the export of artwork and antiques from Russia may change without warning.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

If your passport is lost or stolen while ashore, you will need to obtain an emergency passport and an exit visa to leave Russia within the 72-hour visa-free period. If it’s not done within 72 hours, you will face a court hearing and possible fine, deportation and entry ban.

To arrange a new visa:

obtain an official police report
apply for a replacement passport through the Australian Embassy in Moscow
apply to Russian authorities for an exit visa
include the police report with your application

If you replace your passport while in Russia, make sure authorities transfer your visa to the new passport.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

LGBTI travellers

The currency of Russia is the Rouble (RUB).

Russian authorities have imposed temporary restrictions on the export of foreign currency in cash out of Russia. Travellers exiting Russia can't take more than the equivalent of $US10,000 in cash.

Make sure a customs official stamps your declaration. Only stamped declarations are valid.

You must carry proof that your funds were imported and declared or legally obtained in Russia.

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express have suspended operations in Russia. Cards issued outside of Russia will not work at Russian merchants or ATMs. Cards issued inside Russia may continue to work, but they won't work outside Russia. It may not be possible for you to access your funds through Russian banks or to make payments to Russian businesses with non-Russian credit/debit cards. Be prepared with alternate means of payment should your cards be declined.

You may not be able to exchange Australian dollars as well as old, worn or damaged US dollar and euro banknotes into Russian rubles in Russia. Ensure you have enough money to cover your stay in Russia.

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted, even in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Local travel

Postal services between Russia and Australia are temporarily suspended.

More information

Australia Post website

Confirm with your transport operator that services are still operating if you plan to depart Russia. Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe are disrupted. Expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices.

Flights between Russia and Europe have been affected by measures taken in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Several Russian airports are now closed to the public, disrupting internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. The train and bus service between St Petersburg and Helsinki is suspended.

Finland has closed border crossings with Russia indefinitely and maritime borders will close on 15 April.

Latvia introduced an entry ban on vehicles registered in Russia in September 2023. More information can be found on the State Revenue Service website . There's a ban on vehicles crossing into/from Estonia at the Ivangorod-Narva crossing. Train service is also suspended. Entry and exit on foot will still be allowed. Additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly. Be aware that some borders may close without notice.

If you're travelling through an overland border crossing into Estonia or Latvia , confirm the entry requirements for your destination before arrival.

Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers. Confirm entry requirements for your destination before arrival, as additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly.

If, despite our advice, you decide to go to Chechnya or the North Caucasus, you must first get permission from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Several other areas of Russia, especially in Siberia and the Russian Far East, are also 'closed' areas.

Foreigners need government permission to enter 'closed' areas.

If you need government permission or are unsure if you need it, contact the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Driving permit

You should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You may drive with an Australian driver's license if you carry it with a notarised Russian translation.

Road travel

Driving in Russia can be hazardous due to:

poor driving standards
ice and snow in winter
poor road conditions in rural areas

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.

Driving or riding
the Russian Embassy

Some taxis appear official but aren't licensed by local authorities.

People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis. See Safety

Book an official taxi by phone, at major hotels and from inside airports.

Flights from Russia to other countries are limited. These may change or be suspended at short notice. You should contact airlines or travel agents directly for the most current information.

The EU announced that 21 Russian-owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.

Russian airlines and railways may be affected by shortages of parts and essential technical components for their fleets, affecting maintenance and safety standards. If you're flying domestically or internationally, research your aviation provider before choosing their services.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Russia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok Moscow 119034 Russia Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070 Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170 Website: russia.embassy.gov.au Twitter: @PosolAustralia

If you're in St Petersburg, you can also contact the Australian Consulate for limited consular help.

Australian Consulate, St Petersburg

Moika 11 St Petersburg 191186 Russia Tel: (+7 964) 333 7572 (NOT for visas) Email: [email protected] (NOT for visas)

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Russia?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

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Russia travel advice

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Last updated: April 3, 2024 08:33 ET

Terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast

On March 22, 2024, a terrorist attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in Krasnogorsk, just outside central Moscow. There are reports of gunfire and explosions. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and fires continue to burn around the site of the attack.

Local authorities have cordoned off the affected area and have cancelled upcoming mass gatherings in Moscow. Further attacks could occur at any time.

If you are in Moscow Oblast:

avoid the affected area
follow the instructions of local authorities
exercise extreme caution in public and avoid large gatherings
contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia, in Moscow, if you require consular emergency assistance

Armed conflict with Ukraine

On June 24, 2023, there were reports of military tensions in the Rostov region.

Flight availability, already reduced following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, continues to be subject to unpredictable and significant limitations. If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available.

Some financial transactions, including those with Canadian major credit and ATM cards, are not possible. As a result, you may not be able to use your credit card for purchases within Russia or to withdraw cash at an ATM. Availability of essential services may also be affected.

Communications related to the current situation are scrutinized by local authorities. You may face heavy consequences if you discuss, share or publish information related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may also face considerable risks.

Security conditions are unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice. The ability of our Embassy to provide consular services in Russia may become severely limited.

There have been armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, notably in Bryansk and Belgorod Oblasts. Drone strikes, explosions and fires have also occurred at key infrastructure sites and military installations further into Russia's interior and in cities, including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

You may encounter an increased security presence with potential disruptions to transport and movement, especially in areas near Russian military installations.

Avoid all travel to Russia. If you decide to remain despite this advisory, be aware that:

you may have to stay in Russia longer than expected
you may be affected by shortages of essential products and services
you may not be able to use your banking cards for payment or to withdraw funds
you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

Additionally, while you remain in Russia, you should:

review your personal security plans on a daily basis
keep a low profile
refrain from discussing political developments in public or online
avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
make sure you have an adequate supply of cash, essential items and medications
avoid any area where there are military installations or activity
monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
make sure your travel documents are up-to-date, including those of your family
contact your air company to check on flight availability
communicate your travel plans to family and friends
register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Russia to do so

Rostov Oblast

The Russian government has declared a state of emergency and maintains a significant military presence in Rostov Oblast. The situation along the Ukrainian border is unpredictable and could change quickly. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel to this region, as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your safety. If you are currently in this area, you should strongly consider leaving. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow to provide consular assistance in this district is extremely limited.

Republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, and Stavropol Krai

Terrorist attacks are frequent in the Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia republics and Stavropol region. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.

You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas and regions.

Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia

Tensions are high in Russia’s border regions with Georgia and may affect the security situation in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia republics. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Azerbaijan and Georgia are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have called for attacks on Russian soil. Incidents resulting in death and injury have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus region, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but may happen throughout the country. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools
cultural venues, including concert halls, nightclubs, and event centres
places of worship
Russian airlines, airports and other transportation hubs and networks
public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities.

Violent crime

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died as a result of assaults. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and foreign aid personnel working in Russia have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys. Exercise extreme caution in crowds and open markets.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently and is often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals use various techniques to distract the victims, including requests for help. In such situations, walk away quickly. Preferred areas for criminals include:

underground walkways
public transportation and transportation hubs
tourist sites
restaurants and markets
hotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked)

Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.

Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.

Criminal strategies

Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas to commit robbery.

Demonstrations and elections

Demonstrations take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for the latest information

Due to heightened political tensions, be vigilant and don’t discuss political developments in public.

Useful links

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Laws regarding minors involved in demonstrations

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

There have been cases of foreigners developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues in Russia. Remain vigilant and be aware that we can’t help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.

Only exchange money at major banks. Foreigners have been scammed in the past when exchanging money on the street.

Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.

Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Organized crime

Organized criminal groups are active throughout Russia, particularly in large cities. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money from their victims under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities.

Surveillance

Authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Power outages

Power outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ individuals is common.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence, particularly outside of Moscow.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Road safety

Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws and often drive and park on pedestrian areas. Accidents are common. Pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, don’t move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic.

Drive only during the day.

In winter, road travel can be hazardous due to ice and snow.

Public transportation

When travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and don’t leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

Most major cities have reliable public transportation including buses, subways or streetcars.

Use only registered taxis and don’t share a taxi with strangers. Foreigners have been victims of assault and robbery when using unregistered taxis.

Book taxis in advance either by phone or through taxi company apps. Avoid flagging down taxis on the street, but if you do, negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.

Marine transportation

Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Russian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

border_crossings_with_finland

Border crossings with Finland

Finnish authorities have closed border crossings along the land border with Russia. As of December 15, 2023, all land border crossings are closed.

Contact information and hours of operation – Finnish Border Guard

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Russia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Tourist visa

You need a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa when you check in.

It is best if you book your travel through a travel agency, which will submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, which act as sponsors for tourist visas.

In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or detention upon departure.

Guest visas

You need a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (priglashenie) from the nearest Russian visa and passport office (UFMS) and send it to you in Canada. You must then take the invitation, the visa application and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Business visa

To get a business visa, you need to be sponsored by a Russian individual or organization (the host). It may take up to 3 months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent change (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.

You must have a valid visa to be allowed to leave Russia. If your visa expires, your sponsor must apply for an exit visa on your behalf. To avoid problems, including deportation, make sure your visa is valid beyond your intended departure date.

Visa exceptions

Contact your cruise company to find out if you need to apply for a Russian visa before your cruise starts. International cruise passengers may enter Russia at specific port cities without a visa for up to 72 hours. Your cruise ship tour guide must have all the authorizations required for your entry by the Russian authorities. While in Russia, make sure that you’re able to contact your cruise ship tour guide at any time, in case of emergency or any issue with local authorities.

Some Russian international airports have transit areas that allow for visa-free travel through Russia. If you plan to transit through Russia, check with your transportation carrier to see if transit visa exceptions apply to you.

Migration card

You must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry, but sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. Even if that’s the case, you are responsible to find a migration card and fill it out. You must keep and carry part B of the migration card throughout your stay. The card is required for hotel registration.

If the police request to see your migration card, you must comply. You must present it, your passport and your registered visa. You must also present the card to border officials upon departure.

If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you must fill out a new migration card every time you enter Russia.

Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.

Registration

All foreign visitors must register their arrival within 72 hours of entering the country (excluding weekends and national holidays). If you have made accommodation arrangements with a hotel for your entire trip, the hotel will take care of registering your stay with the authorities.

Visitors staying in private accommodations must register with the territorial office of the Federal Migration Service. Any Russian citizen with a resident registration (propiska) can register a foreigner staying at their home at a local police station or any post office. A small registration fee may apply. The visitor’s host must be present during the process.

Violation of the rules of migration registration may result in a fine. In some cases, visitors may face expulsion from Russia and a ban from re-entering of up to 5 years.

Customs declaration form

Upon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, then go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables—including items that could be considered antique—may be confiscated upon departure.

You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings. You may also have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.

Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. You must declare any amount greater than RUB3,000. If you fail to declare, in writing, the amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.

Special permits and restricted areas

Travel to and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa, and you may have to pay an extra fee to include them.

Passport requirements for individuals holding both Canadian and Russian citizenships

If you have dual citizenship, you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport.

If your Russian passport expires prior travelling to Russia, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry into Russia only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. Renewing a Russian passport may take several months.

If you enter Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities abroad, you may not be allowed to leave on a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.

Entry ban on vehicles with Russian license plates

In September 2023, the Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) and Finland announced a ban on vehicles with Russian license plates entering their respective territories. The ban is enforced at the border as a result of existing European Union sanctions on the Russian Federation. Lithuania will allow an exception for travellers able to prove transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Other countries from the EU or the Schengen area have introduced similar bans. You should confirm with local authorities before travelling to the EU or Schengen area.

Land border with Belarus

Only local residents are allowed to travel by land from Russia to Belarus. This restriction applies to cars, tour buses and trains.

Health entry requirements

If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than 3 months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for HIV infection. The certificate must be valid for 3 months from the date of testing and include:

passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence)
HIV test information (date of test, test results and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined)
the length of your intended stay in Russia

Other tests (such as for tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than 3 months.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin. In some cases, it can be fatal. It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. A few quality facilities exist in larger cities and usually require cash payment upon admission. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Authorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places.

You must carry the following identification documents at all times:

a valid passport with 2 blank pages for stamps
a valid Russian visa
an migration card
a stamped registration notification

You may be fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities.

Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer’s name and identification and to contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Minors participating in demonstrations

It is illegal for minors (those under 18) to participate in unauthorized protests. Adults who involve minors in such protests could face up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to RUB1 million.

Although the laws of Russia do not prohibit homosexual activity, Russian federal law prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations.”

Public actions that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, a fine and deportation. Examples of such actions include dissemination of information (for example, through public statements) and public displays of affection. Same sex marriage is not recognized in Russia. Homosexuality isn’t socially accepted.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Russia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Russia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you are also a Russian citizen and reside in Russia or hold permanent residency status in another country, you must declare this citizenship or residency status to your local migration office.

You may also be subject to certain legal obligations, including military service. You may be detained, imprisoned, or fined larges sums if you try to avoid military service. Seek advice from the nearest Russian embassy or consulate before travelling to Russia, or consult official sources from the Government of the Russian Federation.

Official information - Government of the Russian Federation ( may not be currently available depending on your location)
Military mobilization - Government of the Russian Federation (may not be currently available depending on your location)
Requirement and consequences of non-compliance with the declaration of foreign citizenship - Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian, may not be currently available depending on your location)
General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Russia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Russia by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Russia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Religious activity

Religious activity is heavily regulated in Russia. If you plan to engage in religious activity, such as missionary work, make sure you are not inadvertently violating local laws.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

You may drive with a Canadian driver’s licence if you carry it and a Russian translation. You must obtain a local permit if staying longer than 6 months.

The legal blood alcohol content limit is significantly lower than in Canada. Those found guilty of drinking and driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences.

The traffic police can impose fines on drivers for traffic violations. They can conduct identity checks on pedestrians, but they are not authorized to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground metro systems.

Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited, and large quantities of any medicine will be scrutinized.

If you are travelling with medication, even over-the-counter medication, you must have a doctor’s note translated to Russian confirming that you need the medication. Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation for up-to-date information.

Imports and exports

The importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS devices, such as those used for geological mapping.

You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or may have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and can arrest you if you don’t have the necessary certificate.

Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate, or consult the Federal Customs Service prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements.

The currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB).

It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange counter. Carry new, crisp bills; well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. ATMs are common in main cities. ATMs will accept cards with 4-digit pin numbers, but you may experience problems with cards with 5- or 6-digit pin codes. In major cities, you can usually exchange Euros and U.S. dollars at various banks.

Forest fires

Forest fires are common between July and September, particularly in Siberia. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
follow the instructions of local emergency services
monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Seismic activity

Parts of Russia, such as Chechnya, the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands, are prone to seismic or volcanic activity.

Spring flooding throughout Siberia and parts of western Russia.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 112 or:

police: 102
medical assistance: 103
firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For calls originating inside Russia the “7” should be replaced by an “8”.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory September 5, 2023

Russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the arbitrary enforcement of local law , limited flights into and out of Russia , the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of terrorism . U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them.

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click here for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity.

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

Familiarize yourself with the information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Russia.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia (Updated Monthly).

Click Here for Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia (Updated Monthly) .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Required six months beyond intended stay

2 pages per stamp

$10,000 or more must be declared

You may export up to $3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Moscow Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8 Moscow 121099 Russian Federation Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084 Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok 32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya Vladivostok 690001 Russian Federation

Consular services at U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok remain suspended. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151 Russian Federation

Effective April 1, 2021, Consulate General Yekaterinburg suspended all consular services. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg

Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, as of March 31, 2018, U.S. citizen visitors and residents in St. Petersburg must contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all consular services .

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws. The Embassy of the Russian Federation website provides the most up to date information regarding visa regulations and requirements. In accordance with Russia’s Entry-Exit Law, Russian authorities may deny entry or reentry into Russia for 5 years or more and cancel the visas of foreigners who have committed two administrative violations within the past three years. Activities that are not specifically covered by the traveler’s visa may result in an administrative violation and deportation.

Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012, qualified U.S. applicants for humanitarian, private, tourist, and business visas may request and receive multiple-entry visas with a validity of three years or a single entry, three-month validity visa. ( Please note that other types of visas are not part of the agreement and those visa holders should pay close attention to the terms of their visas.) You cannot enter Russia prior to the date on your visa, and you must exit Russia before your visa expires . The maximum period of stay is shown on the visa.

You must have a current U.S. passport with the appropriate visa . Russian visas in an expired or canceled passport are not valid.
You must obtain a valid visa for your specific purpose of travel before arriving in Russia, unless you are arriving as a cruise ship passenger (see below information for passengers of cruise ships and ferries). Do not attempt to enter Russia before the date shown on your visa. If you are staying in Russia for more than 7 days, you must register your visa and migration card with the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Cruise ship passengers in St. Petersburg should seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all emergency and passport services.
Cruise ship passengers should be aware that loss or theft of a passport and/or migration card could result in the inability to obtain lodging. Hotels and hostels may not allow guests to check in without a passport, a migration card, or Russian visa.
We recommend U.S. citizens obtain a Russian visa before traveling to Russia, in case of an emergency while in the country, such as unexpected medical issues or if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason.
Students and English teachers should be certain that their activities are in strict keeping with their visa type. Students must not teach or coach English, whether compensated or not, while traveling on a student visa as it is considered a visa violation and may subject you to detention and deportation.
With the exceptions noted below, travelers will are not required to have a transit visa if they are transiting through an international airport in Russia, do not leave the Customs zone, and depart from the same airport within 24 hours.
Travelers must have a Russian transit visa if they plan to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country or if they transfer to another airport.
Travelers must possess a Russian transit visa in addition to a Belarusian visa if their travel route either to or from Belarus goes through Russia.

Dual Nationals: Anyone entering Russia who has claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship held, is fully accountable to the Russian authorities for all obligations of a Russian citizen, including the required military service.

U.S.-Russian dual nationals and Russian citizens who are Legal Permanent residents of the United States must register their dual nationality/foreign residency. Registration forms and further information (in Russian only) can be found on the website of the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Interior Ministry of Russia.
U.S.-Russian dual nationals must both enter and exit on a Russian passport. You will not be permitted to depart on an expired passport. Applying for a passport can take several months.
U.S.-Russian dual nationals who return to Russia on a “Repatriation Certificate” are only permitted to enter Russia and will not be permitted to depart Russia until they obtain a valid Russian passport.
Minors who also have Russian citizenship and are traveling alone or in the company of adults who are not their parents, must carry a Russian passport as well as their parents’ notarized consent for the trip, which can be obtained at a Russian embassy or consulate, or a U.S. notary public. A consent obtained in the United States from a U.S. notary public must be apostilled, translated into Russian, and properly affixed. Authorities will prevent such minors from entering or leaving Russia if they cannot present this consent.

Crimea: Follow the guidance in the Travel Advisory for Ukraine and do not travel to the Crimean Peninsula.

Documentary Requirements for obtaining a Russian visa: Consult with the Embassy of the Russian Federation for detailed explanations of documentary requirements.

HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas

Moscow and St. Petersburg have been the targets of terrorist attacks, and bomb threats against public venues are common. If you are at a location that receives a bomb threat, follow all instructions from the local police and security services.

North Caucasus Region: A risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities may harbor particular hostility towards U.S. travelers.

Do not travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region.
If you reside in these areas, depart immediately.
U.S. government travel to the region is prohibited, due to ongoing security concerns.
The U.S. Government has no ability to assist U.S. citizens in the North Caucasus Region.

Mt. Elbrus:

Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
Do not travel to this Russian occupied territory of Ukraine.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Crimea. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for questions regarding consular services.
U.S. government officials are prohibited from traveling to Crimea. See the Departments Travel Advisory for Ukraine .

Harassment: Harassment of U.S.-based religious and student groups can take place in Russia, and you should be aware of the possibility of anti-U.S. sentiment or harassment. U.S. citizens, including current and former U.S. government and military personnel, maybe subject to additional scrutiny by Russian security services. Remain alert, avoid any protests or demonstrations, and use discretion when commenting publicly on political developments. You can find safety and security Alerts on the Embassy’s website .

Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals. Please comply with the requests of local law enforcement officials.
Report harassment or crimes to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or the nearest U.S. Consulate General.

Demonstrations:

Avoid public demonstrations. U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations have been arrested by the Russian authorities.

Crime: Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. U.S. citizens have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to impartially and thoroughly investigate crimes.

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds.
Do not leave bags unattended.
Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Alcohol was a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors.
Report Credit card or ATM card theft to the credit card company or issuing bank immediately.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash .

Cybercrime: Cybercrime is a significant problem across Russia. Russian hackers and traditional organized crime structures continue to work together, raising threats to the financial sector. The risk of infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social engineering attacks is significant. U.S. citizens and companies should remain vigilant against cyber threats and actively use cyber security measures to mitigate risks.

U.S. citizens have no reasonable expectation of privacy in Russia. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance at any time and without advisory, which may compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) legally permits authorities to monitor and record all data that traverses Russia’s networks.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information on scams.

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000..

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. United States law enforcement agencies do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

Help you find appropriate medical care
Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
Provide a list of local attorneys
Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
Support in cases of destitution
Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Arrest Notification: Russia routinely fails to meet its obligation to inform the U.S. Embassy of arrests of U.S. citizens. If you are detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. See our webpage for further information.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws. If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia.

Some crimes committed outside the United States are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported and banned for 5 years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
You can be detained for not carrying your passport with you.
You can be jailed immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol.
It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars, except at authorized retail establishments.
You can be arrested for attempting to leave the country with antiques, even if they were legally purchased from licensed vendors. Cultural value items like artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals and antiques, must have certificates indicating they do not have historical or cultural value. You may obtain certificates from the Russian Ministry of Culture .
Retain all receipts for high-value items, including caviar.
You must have advance approval to bring in satellite telephones.
Global Positioning System (GPS) and other radio electronic devices, and their use, are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. Contact the Russian Customs Service for required permissions.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Russian authorities have detained, fined, and in some cases deported travelers for engaging in religious activities. Russian officials have stated that Russia recognizes four historic religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The Russian government places restrictions on missionary activity and defines it broadly – travelers engaging in certain types of religious work may risk harassment, detention, fines, or deportation for administrative violations if they do not have proper authorization from a registered religious group. Russian law criminalizes proselytizing outside of a registered house of worship. The Russian government has detained U.S. citizens for religious activities that they contend are not permitted under a tourist or humanitarian visa. See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Russian law bans providing "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. Foreign citizens face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Acts of violence and harassment targeting LGBTI individuals occur.
Government officials have made derogatory comments about LGBTI persons and violence against the LGBTI community has increased.
There have been credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of LGBTI persons in Chechnya allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. The Moscow Metro, though extremely safe and efficient in other areas, is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities.

Sidewalks are narrow and uneven.
Mobility is usually easier in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Crossing streets in large cities can be difficult, since it usually requires the use of a pedestrian underpass, which includes stairs, steep ramps, and no elevators.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Private medical care in major metropolitan cities and tourism centers in Russia is often equal to Western standards. However, medical care is generally below Western standards in non-metropolitan areas.

Private medical facilities require payment by cash or credit card before providing services (unless they are life threatening), and are unlikely to accept proof of U.S. insurance as guarantee of future payment. Payment is expected at the time of service .
The Embassy does not pay the medical bills of private U.S. citizens.
U.S. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States without the purchase of supplemental coverage.
Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage.
Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems are particularly at risk.

Prescription Medication:

Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. We recommend against bringing cold medication with you to Russia.
Carry a copy of valid U.S. prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian of each prescription, when entering Russia with prescription medications.
Prescription medication should be in its original packaging.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions and driver safety customs differ significantly from those in the United States. In some more remote areas of Russia, roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders.

Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and this is generally observed. It is dangerous to cross where there is not a crosswalk present.
Do not drive outside the major cities at night.
Construction sites and road hazards are often unmarked.

Traffic Laws : Russian authorities have been known to consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date.

Drivers must carry third-party liability insurance under a policy valid in Russia.
You may drive for 60 days using your U.S. driver’s license, with a notarized Russian translation.
Tourists may also use International Driving Permits issued by the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance to drive in Russia.
Russian law requires foreigners on business or employment visas or with permanent residence status to have a Russian driver's license.
Driving regulations are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties.
Russia practices a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities can detain an intoxicated driver and your driver’s license can be suspended up to two years.
If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle from the accident site. You may be held liable if you move your car even if you are not at fault.
Roadside police checkpoints are commonplace. Be prepared to stop and show identity documents and proof of registration and insurance.

Public Transportation:

Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive, efficient public transit systems, as do many other urban areas in Russia.
In metropolitan areas, well-marked taxis are generally safe and reliable Do not use unmarked taxis. Passengers have been the victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion and theft.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Russia's Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners should check the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration site for U.S. maritime advisories and alert s, the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and NGA broadcast warnings .

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Russia ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108.

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Russia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises British nationals against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable. This includes:

security incidents, such as drone attacks, happening in some parts of the country
lack of available flights to return to the UK
limited ability for the UK government to provide consular assistance

There is also a high likelihood that terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and Security’ section .

Security situation in Russia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. There are reports of drone attacks and explosions in areas in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, Moscow and St Petersburg.

Political rallies and demonstrations can take place in Moscow, St Petersburg and across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information. Be vigilant and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.

The situation remains unpredictable and could escalate without warning.

Leaving Russia

FCDO advises British nationals to consider leaving Russia.

If you do not need to be in Russia, we strongly advise you to consider leaving.

You cannot fly directly from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. Commercial flight options are limited and can sell out quickly. Check with your airline or travel provider.

British nationals should exercise extreme caution at all times. Travel within or out of Russia is at your own risk.

You cannot fly direct from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. There are limited commercial airlines with indirect flights via the Middle East, Serbia and Turkey. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.

Land borders may be busy. Be prepared for a long wait to exit Russia. You may also be questioned at the border. During periods of unrest, check the local media for updates on the situation before travelling.

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will be closed until at least 11 February 2024. Consult the  Finnish border guard website  for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

Some European countries have restricted or banned the entry of vehicles registered in Russia, this includes:

If you plan to drive a vehicle registered in Russia into Europe check that you are eligible to do so.

Some bus companies have international routes. The situation may change quickly. From 18 November 2023, Finland will restrict entry at some road border crossings (See ‘Travelling from Russia to Finland’). Check these companies for availability of buses, timetables and tickets:

Ecolines – buses to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and other destinations in Europe
Baltic Shuttle – buses from St Petersburg to Tallinn (Estonia)
Lux Express – buses from St Petersburg to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia)

Travelling from Russia to Latvia

Check the travel advice for Latvia .

See the Latvian government website for information on crossing the border.

Travelling from Russia to Finland

Check the travel advice for Finland .

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will remain closed until further notice. Consult the Finnish border guard website for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

The border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to leisure boating from 15 April until further notice.

The train service from Russia to Finland is no longer available.

Travelling from Russia to Estonia

Check the travel advice for Estonia .

See the Estonian police and border guard website for information on crossing the border.

From 1 February 2024, it is not possible to cross the border by vehicle via the Narva-Ivangorod crossing point, whilst construction works take place on the Russian side. The crossing is open to pedestrians.

Travelling from Russia to Lithuania

Check the travel advice for Lithuania .

If you’re planning to cross into Lithuania by road from Kaliningrad oblast at the Kybartai border crossing point, see the Lithuanian state border crossing website .

Travelling from Russia to Norway

Check the travel advice for Norway .

Staying in Russia

If you decide to stay in Russia, you should:

keep your departure plans under constant review
ensure your travel documents are up to date
follow local media
stay alert to security warnings and follow the advice of local authorities
take cover in buildings or underground and avoid windows in the event of drone attack
sign up to email alerts for Russia travel advice

Read FCDO advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad and how to prepare.

Support for British nationals in Russia

The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.

In person consular support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.

If you need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.

Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

Dual nationals

Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities. The consular support FCDO can provide is severely limited. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us consular access.

In 2022, Russia declared a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces. Military recruitment continues. Anyone with a Russian passport could be conscripted.

In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Coronavirus (COVID19) travel Information

#Travel tips

When planning your trip, it is essential to inform the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Below is the latest information regarding the current situation.

Border closing

Russia closed its borders for foreign visitors from 18.03.2020 till further notice. Here are the few exceptions: foreigners studying in Russia; diplomatic workers and members of their families; relatives of a deceased person, provided that they have documents confirming their relations; transit passengers; foreigners seeking medical treatment; international ship, cargo, train, sea crew members performing their work duties; specialists who carry out adjustment and maintenance of imported equipment; holders of special visas, issued to visit the funeral of a person, permanently residing in Russia; Russian citizens and permanent residents.

Border opening

Russia's borders are open for the citizens of certain countries with which Russia has resumed regular air travel.

The international flight connection reopened between Russia and several counties from the particular list approved by the government. Today the list of such countries includes 50 countries:

Turkey
Switzerland
South Korea
Tanzania (temporarily no air connection)
Azerbaidzhan
Tadzhikistan
Saudi Arabia
North Macedonia

Citizens of the foreign states, according to the list, can visit Russia if they enter the Russian Federation from the country of their citizenship through air checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation.

Special requirements

On the departure to Russia, travelers must show a negative result for a COVID test conducted within 72 hours before arrival English or Russian). Russian citizens arriving without a test result must submit to this test within 72 hours of arrival. Foreign citizens will not be accepted onboard without this test.

There is no quarantine upon arrival.

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The dos and don'ts of visiting Russia for the first time

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Red Square in winter at sunset, Moscow, Russia.

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting Russia .

People stand at a viewpoint looking out at a huge road bridge over a body of water

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here .

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa.

A sail boat on a river at night. It has large red sails and is backlit by bright lights

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

The exterior of a large white building with columns in the evening

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

A street sign with Cyrillic writing on the side of a building

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental.

A series of large buildings, the outer one with dark red walls, line a riverside in a city

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time.

Food markets that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes.

A small glass of a clear liquid with a chess board in the background

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

A huge white church with three golden domes on the roof

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

Two police officers dressed in black walk through a heavily touristed area

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated.

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published October 2019 and updated September 2021

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Russian Federation

Travel Advice /
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Reviewed: 26 March 2024, 08:37 NZDT
Still current at: 20 April 2024
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Do not travel

Do not travel to Russia due to the impacts the armed conflict with Ukraine has had on commercial flight availability and access to financial services. There is also potential for the security situation to deteriorate with little warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia, Republic of North Ossetia and the south-east parts of Stavropol Krai in the North Caucasian Federal District (level 4 of 4). Terrorism, kidnapping and military activity in these areas presents a significant risk to security.

Following reports on 24 June 2023 of military tensions in the Rostov Oblast, all restrictions imposed in Tula, Tver, Voronezh, Lipetsk and Moscow have now been lifted. Further measures may be implemented at short notice.

If you are in Russia, you should leave while limited commercial options are still available. New Zealanders who choose to remain in country are advised to follow the advice of local authorities.

The Russia-Ukraine border is volatile due to the military conflict with Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Russia.

On 24 February 2022, the Russian authorities announced restrictions on domestic flights to a number of airports in southern Russia, with disruption to internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. Almost all commercial flight routes between Russia and Europe have been cancelled and some other international flight routes out of Russia are also impacted, due to measures taken in response to Russian military action in Ukraine. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.

Finland closed all land border crossings with Russia from 30 November 2023. Check the Finnish Border Guard website for details of border closures.

Some financial services are no longer operational in Russia, including the suspension of international bank card services. Foreign bank cards are not accepted at any shops or ATMs in Russia. Cards issued inside Russia may continue to work in Russia but they will not work outside of Russia. You should be aware that it may not be possible for you to access your funds through Russian banks. Travellers are advised to carry sufficient hard currency on them, including emergency funds, or be prepared with an alternate method of payment, to meet the needs of their travel for the duration of their stay in Russia. Financial services are subject to further disruption at short notice and people should make plans accordingly to ensure they can financially support themselves while in Russia.

On 4 March 2022, Russia’s Parliament passed laws, which severely restrict free speech related to the current situation in Ukraine. The publishing and distribution of information related to Russian armed forces and any military operations can result in fines or jail terms up to 15 years if considered ‘fake news’. Foreign journalists and other media workers may face considerable risks. If you are in Russia, you should not share or publish any information related to current events in Russia and Ukraine that would be in breach of local laws.

Russia has declared a “partial” mobilisation of Russian citizens to join military forces for the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian government does not recognise dual nationality. New Zealand citizens holding Russian passports should be aware that they may be in scope for mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship they hold, including New Zealand citizenship. We offer further advice to New Zealanders overseas who hold dual citizenship here: Dual Citizenship | SafeTravel .

On 19 October 2022, the Russian Government introduced a “medium response level” in several regions, including Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk and Rostov. A “heightened preparedness level” is in place in the remainder of the Central and Southern Federal districts, and a “basic readiness level” has been introduced in the rest of Russia. Exact measures for what this entails will be determined by regional authorities, a range of security measures or restrictions could be introduced with little or no warning. There may be a heightened security presence, monitor the local media for any announcements on restrictions.

There have been reports of security incidents such as explosions and fires in areas near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as at military installations and other key infrastructure in southern and western Russia.

Civil unrest and political tension In response to the invasion of Ukraine, there have been instances of anti-war protests throughout Russia. There is a heavy police presence to prevent these and police will often detain those involved. Political protests, demonstrations and marches also occasionally escalate into violence in Russia. New Zealanders in Russia are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and marches.

Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia, including at the border, due to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Russian authorities may enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner.

Terrorism There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Russia. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Moscow and St. Petersburg. On 22nd March 2024, Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk (a suburb to the north-west of Moscow), was the target of a terrorist attack resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. There may be heightened security measures in Moscow and across the country, including at airports, railway stations and other public transport. Previous terrorist attacks in Russia have targeted transport infrastructure, including airports, buses, trains and Metro systems. Further attacks are likely and could occur anywhere in Russia, at any time.

The threat is particularly high in the North Caucasian Federal District, where the security situation remains unstable. Attacks occur on a regular basis against local and federal forces. New Zealanders should be aware that any increase in violence in the North Caucasian Federal District is likely to increase the possibility of terrorism in other parts of Russia. Foreigners have been kidnapped or killed.

Terrorist groups continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Russia. Russian authorities maintain increased security measures as a precaution around the country, including at tourist sites and transport hubs. The Russian authorities have disrupted a number of terror plots.

New Zealanders in Russia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places.

Violent Crime Racially motivated attacks do occur in Russia. People who are non-European in appearance, particularly people of Asian or African descent, are more likely to be targeted, including in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Tourists have been targeted for assault and robbery in the past and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and distraction theft, also occurs in cities. Thieves often work together and may distract victims and rob them while their attention is diverted. Travellers may be targeted on or around public transport facilities including airports, railway stations and bus terminals. New Zealanders in Russia are advised to maintain a high level of personal security awareness and take steps to safeguard and secure personal belongings (particularly passports and other travel documents) at all times.

Only use registered taxis as some official looking taxis can be unlicensed, and foreigners have been assaulted and robbed. Book taxis in advance either by phone or through your accommodation provider.

There have been some incidents of drink spiking followed by robbery and assault in Russia. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended, we recommend against accepting food and drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Scams There have also been reports of travellers being robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached by police, ask to see identification before handing over your documentation.

Credit card and ATM fraud is common. Keep your credit card in sight during transactions and only use ATMs in banks and during business hours.

Commercial and internet fraud is common in Russia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams .

Transport Safety Russian airlines and railways may be affected by shortages of essential components for their fleets affecting maintenance and safety standards. Research your railway and aviation provider before choosing their services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not offer advice on the safety of individual airlines.

General Travel Advice Some New Zealand citizens have been banned from entering Russia in response to New Zealand sanctions against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We strongly advise against any attempt to circumvent such a ban. Travel to other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States may also be impacted by a Russian travel ban as a result of immigration information sharing arrangements.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Russia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. New Zealanders should note that most international insurance providers will not provide cover for travel to Russia due to sanctions, always check the details of your cover with your insurance provider.

Although homosexual relationships are not illegal under Russian laws, they are not widely publicly accepted. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention and Russian federal law prohibits the promoting of “non-traditional sexual relations”. Any action or public statement which appears to promote LGBTQ+ issues is illegal. There have been reports of harassment and assault of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Foreigners aren't permitted to cross the land border between Russia and Belarus (including by train). If you do wish to travel between Russia and Belarus, New Zealanders are advised to do so by air, to avoid any immigration issues. Trains between Russia and other European countries often transit through Belarus, so check the train's route before purchasing any rail tickets.

New Zealand doesn’t recognise Crimea as being part of Russia. We advise that New Zealanders do not travel to Crimea due to the uncertain security situation. See our Ukraine travel advice for details.

It is a legal requirement to carry your passport with you at all times in Russia, as a photocopy will not be sufficient. Failure to produce this could result in a fine or detainment.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments and other sensitive areas is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Visa restrictions are strictly enforced in Russia. Staying beyond the validity of your visa is seen as a serious issue by Russian authorities, and can result in detainment, fines, deportation or bans from re-entry into Russia. If you overstay your visa, you will be turned back at the border, and not be able to depart Russia until your status is regularised.

If you're staying in Russia for more than 7 working days, you must register with the local branch of the Migration Office of Russian Internal Affairs. Most (but not all) hotels will carry out the registration process on behalf of guests, but it is up to the visitors themselves to ensure this is done.

New Zealanders in Russia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

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Abolition of border controls in Europe
For current health alerts

The New Zealand Embassy Moscow, Russian Federation

Street Address 44 Povarskaya Ulitsa , Moscow 121069, Russian Federation Telephone +7 495 956 3579 Alternate Telephone +7 495 956 3580 Fax +7 495 956 3583 Email [email protected] Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/russia Hours Mon - Fri 0900 - 1230, 1330 - 1730 hrs

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Vladivostok, Russian Federation

Street Address 48/2 Stanyukovicha St, Cottage 10, Vladivostok, 690003, Russian Federation Telephone +7 4232 512 362/365 Fax +7 4232 513 222 Email [email protected]

See our regional advice for Europe

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Telephone: +7 495 956 3579

Alternate Telephone: +7 495 956 3580

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Website: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/russia

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How to Go to Russia – How Do I Get to Russia?

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Russia is an amazing place to visit , and lots of people have wistfully said to me “I would love to go to Russia one day”. But it can seem a bit daunting to actually plan the trip, and thus for many people going to Russia remains just a wish and not a reality. The truth is, however, that it’s actually not difficult to go to Russia, or at least not nearly as difficult as you think. Here is your complete guide to an easy and safe trip to Russia:

Before You Go

Before you go to Russia, find out where you would like to go and for how long. Then find yourself a reputable travel agent and get started on getting a Russian visa. This is the most important, and often, the most daunting step to visiting Russia and thus it’s crucial to get it over with as soon as possible. Once you have your visa application in process (it’s really not that scary), you can go ahead with all your other travel planning.

Getting There

By Air: You can fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg from most major airports. Getting to other Russian cities is not always as easy; however, even if there isn’t a direct flight from your closest airport (like, for example, to Murmansk ), you can usually fly to Moscow and from there take a connecting flight. If you are going to do this, however, don’t forget to check the airports you are flying from – getting from one to another in Moscow can be difficult.

Hint: If you are going to be traveling through Europe anyway, don’t forget to check out small local airlines such as Germanwings and Rossiya Airlines, which sometimes have very cheap flights to Russia. You can also consider the following options if you are on a budget...

By Train: Two trains (one day train and one overnight) run from Vilnius, Lithuania to St. Petersburg. You can also catch a train to St. Petersburg from Helsinki, Finland. You can get to Moscow by train from Riga, Latvia.

Within Russia, you can (and should, unless you’re very tight on time) travel anywhere by train. If you’re going to Siberia in the east, you may even have no other choice, as flights can be rare and prohibitively expensive.

By Bus: From Riga (Latvia), you can take a cheap bus to St. Petersburg. It takes about 11 hours.

Staying There:

When booking a hotel, keep in mind these tips for Eastern European hotel bookings. If you’re on a budget, or just feeling up for an adventure, consider choosing a hotel alternative instead.

Where to Go

Give some thought to where you want to go to Russia and why. While Moscow and St. Petersburg are the obvious options, there are so many other places you can discover if you take a bit more time to find them. If you’re traveling in the winter, consider going to a warmer area of Russia , unless you truly believe you’re ready to battle the famous Russian winter.

Survival Tips

Budget Travel: Budget travel can be more difficult than the kind where you can buy convenience and simplicity. The good news, however, is that it is very possible to travel through Russia on a budget.

Language: One of the best ways to make your trip to Russia (or anywhere, really) easier is to learn some Russian words and phrases before you go. If you want to travel in Russia longer, go to remote regions, or just get to know the country & culture better, you may want to learn the alphabet and taking some additional Russian language lessons.

How to Travel to Russia on a Budget

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

Russia Packing List

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

How to Travel From Chicago to Las Vegas by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

St. Petersburg, Russia

Traveling Between Hong Kong and China

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Is It Safe in Russia?

Russia Travel Basics and Tips

Major Cities in Eastern Europe

How to Visit Russia as an American

Travel to Murmansk, the Largest City North of the Arctic Circle

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

How to Get a Cab in Russia: A Guide to Russian Taxis

English (EN)
Español (ES)
Português (BR)

Is Russia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Russia : Safety by City
Nizhny Novgorod
Novosibirsk
Saint Petersburg
Yekaterinburg

Russia is the largest country in the world, spreading over more than one-eighth of the world’s inhabited land area, stretching over two continents – Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Russia is an immensely large country, and it offers an extremely large amount of tourist attractions, though many of them can be found on the remote and hard-to-reach parts of the country.

However, the best-known ones are precisely in the urban parts and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Talking about Russia’s landmarks and attractions itself would take a couple of hours.

Russia’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by its surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jawdropping national story.

It is told in Russia’s numerous museums some of which are among the world’s greatest, for example, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, which is truly known all around the world.

However, there’s plenty to see and do if you’re a nature lover too.

Though there are large spaces between them, Russia offers many natural wonders.

In this sense, Siberia is the first to be mentioned, with Lake Baikal like a perfect ornament, known as its “jewel”.

Warnings & Dangers in Russia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Russia today is safe as much as other countries in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Russia, keep in mind that you should avoid regions close to the Ukraine border, this is not recommended, because of the high level of risk and unstable situation in the region of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkiv.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Russia is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Russia, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Russia isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards are possible during winter which can cause affect the traffic and delay your flights. Also, in areas near Mongolia and Kazakhstan, earthquakes can happen sporadically.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Kidnappings for political reasons have happened in the North Caucasus, and there have been reports of foreigners being attacked there. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Recent military interventions in Syria have caused high terrorism activity in the areas of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Gabardine-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus area), and Karachay-Cherkessia. Apart from that, terrorist attacks have recently taken place in St. Petersburg.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a world-known scam typical for Russia: scamming people through dating websites. When the victim gets to know a person from Russia via a dating website, and the relationship develops, the victim is asked by his/her (usually men are the victims here) partner to transfer some money to the country where the future partner lives, to make her/his trip to the victim’s country possible. After the money is transferred, the relationship ends. As for scams on the streets, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Russia, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

So... How Safe Is Russia Really?

Russia experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.

Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams, have increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.

However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg aren’t more dangerous than any other European city, they’re even less so.

The crime rate in Moscow, for example, is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.

When it comes to the authority officials, you should keep in mind that they usually don’t speak English, so don’t expect any English by them outside of the major cities.

Speaking about the officials, don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.

Bear in mind that if you are a member of LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Russia altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection since, as of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which basically means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence minors is punishable by law.

Tourists are also strongly advised against traveling to the North Caucasus, as that region is considered to be the most dangerous in the entire country.

The area has a bad reputation as there have been incidents of terrorist and criminal activities there as well as cases of both corruption and lawlessness.

How Does Russia Compare?
Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Russia. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Russia has highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Russia’s capital, Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Russia, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Russia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

Explore russia.

10 Most Beautiful Castles in Russia
Where to Next?

38 Reviews on Russia

Take out the warnings for North Caucasus area and Russia is about as safe as anywhere. Sure, pickpocketers can be a problem, but common sense will thwart them. I have been in Russia every year since 1991.

Risk of detention

Unless the govt decides to randomly single you out for incarceration. Not everyone detained has clear cut crimes. Plus, lets not add any cash to their economy just yet.

I visited Moscow twice and St Petersburg once. Both are must visit cities. Can be tough for English speakers as most signs are in cyrillic, and i found that not many Russians speak English. The vibe in Moscow is a bit colder with people, but nevertheless still friendly. I did find the atmosphere and people in St Petersburg to be much more open and friendlier. Be aware of pickpockets as I’ve unfortunately experienced it. While it happened, i have no ills against it. Highly recommend it. I’ll be visiting again!

seems a complicated country, size can play a part in crime. Although “Gopniks” all over is not a result of mass pickpocketting. It originating in the late Soviet Period as Many high rise buildings were built in cities to accomdate the people migrating there from the country. This meant that the price was cheap attracting “Gopniks and Gopnistas ( Female gopniks- For more information see Life of Boris “What is a Gopnik.” video) It is what is called slavic ‘culture’ with slav squatting and addidas tracksuits. But for more accurate watch that video

Not safe for gays

If I were gay, I absolutely wouldn’t visit there, it’s on par with places like Somalia and Saudi Arabia for violence against LGBT people.

Wrong. Only appears in Muslim areas like North Caucuses. Do you honestly think someone will assault, kill or rape you because of your hair color or LGBT badge on your shirt in Moscow, St.Petersburg, or Kazan like they do in the countries you mentioned? If you think so, then either you are homophobic yourself or just a not-in-line with the rest of society.

Moscow has gay clubs unmaked that go along an area. No one cares . It’s just a Country of respect for anyone. Really no one wants to see it, or hear it in your voice.

No, im sorry, you are very wrong. Russian government is very openly antigay. Definitely not safe for gays, especially as far as russian police. Promise. Maybe look at the “names” who is providing the information and see who would actually know what it like in Russia. Like “Alexander” and “Jenia” 😉

Update once again.

Russia is really in fact, safe, it’s crime rate isn’t that bad, compared to countries like Honduras or El Salvador. Of course, there is a widespread alcohol problem, but just try to avoid going to bars. The terror problem isn’t that bad, you won’t hear about a terrorist attack in a Russian city so often, however, there is a terror threat on the border of Ukraine and the Caucasus Region.

You sir, are a donut

Are you absolutely brain dead? You cannot compare a country such as Honduras to Russia. Obviously, Russia is safer. That’s why Russia is in yellow, not red. Come on man use your brain a bit. This review is 1000% accurate. You basically summarized everything that was said. But seriously, stop comparing two IMMENSELY different countries when it comes to crime. Compare Russia to the United States next time.

Pretty safe

Completely weird a pretty safe country like Russia shows a safety index of 34. Its safety was even repeated countinously in the description, so it should be definitely changed to at least the 70’s (on par to Chile, which is a much more dangerous country). Bad standards!

Only safe for caucasians

Non caucasians, stay in your hotel rooms.

Can’t agree. Half of the country are Turkic or Asian. 200+ nationalities living there permanently, also lots of foreign students. Maybe kids in smaller towns or villages will be surprised if you’re Black. So it’s best to avoid visiting kindergartens.

Agreed. Been to Moscow twice recently with my wife who is Asian. Enjoyed nightlife in Moscow (bars/restaurants) and travelled the Metro late at night. Not a single issue. Everyone was lovely and helpful, even with the language barrier. Feels so much safer than London or New York for example which we have also visited.

Overall Russia is a very safe place for tourists.

I don’t understand the score of 34. It’s too low for Russia.

Colder than vertical says!!!

And I promise, the temperatures the article offers are a bit warm. Moscow may be in the teens Fahrenheit, but outside that city, we see zero, 4-5 below anytime in December!! Sometimes the entire month!!

Life in Russia has been fine for me. Since 1991, the “mafia” ended about when President Putin came to power. Since then, in our faraway city of 110,000 people, I have witnessed so much Hope and Change, I thought President Obama was in power. Churches, schools, hospitals, etc. and typical transportation infrastructure (sidewalks to airports) have been improved thru rebuilding and new construction. Walking nights never seemed unwise. From Moscow to Barnaul and many cities and villages in between, and likewise- places from St Petersburg to Vologda to Ulyanovsk; all safe and walked late at night. (no guns) Sure, keep your senses, don’t try to keep up with a Russian drinking… you won’t. You shouldn’t, as that can be a ruse for taking advantage of you.

Russian flattering

Putin can only turn cities in ruin with one metric ton and cluster bombs.

Russia is great

I must say that from Moscow, east to Barnaul, and from Vologda to south of Moscow, Ulyavovsk and around that entire area (Kirov, Izhevsk, Kazan, etc) life is simple and easy, just don’t be “American”. Be reserved, polite, low key, quiet, and as invisible as possible and you won’t have any problems. I am an American, I have traveled this area, scouted food and drink late nights, and never have been bothered. If you wish to visit Russia, by all means, do so. Expect differences and accept those differences as life. Russia is calm, safe and a nice, peaceful place to live.

Amazing place to visit.

I have been there 4 times and love the Moscow area and surrounding towns, always felt very safe and only ran into one drunk who didn’t like me because I was obviously English speaking. But like you said, just be low key and move on. I will gladly go again when this current BS lockdown is over.

Such ignorance that it doesnt warrant a lengthy sensible response, You cant have been there. I spoke to plenty of people of color in Moscow who go about their trip or their daily lives without harassment and enjoy their stay.

Russians are not human

You are aggressors and terminators and shed so much blood in you neighbouring countries, latest in the list is ukraine, turning their cities in ruins and killing their kids and pregnant women, starving the poorest countries of the whole world people by blocking ukraine grain export and let them to die from hunger. You are savage and you country safety index must be a big zero.

Great Country to visit

I’m a Brit who has lived in Russia for many years. Good review. The Caucuses are in fact the most interesting place to visit and very safe so long as you respect the local (mostly Islamic) religion. Walking around at night (although I wouldn’t recommend anywhere in the world) is much safer in Russia than most other countries. Highly recommend visiting. Visa is the bigest barrier – but some good news – Some places you don’t need a visa – like if you arrive by cruise ships to St Pete and Sochi (check out the rules). Russia is trying to introduce really easy e-visas (apply online and show print-out), which “after COVID” should make life easy for citizens of EU and many other countries (Not UK & USA though, due to reciprocal “unfriendly” visa regimes with absurd rules for Russians)

i love Russia, i love to visit, beautiful people and kind faces! one of the biggest country in the world for a reason.

Don't visit it at this time (wait for better days)

Right now this is a 1 star and very unsafe. It usually is a 3 star location. Russia has some beautiful cities and landmarks that should be visited but right now, I wouldn’t recommend going there. Ever since they started the attack on Ukraine neither Ukraine nor Russia is safe. This crazy war that has started will soon lead to all sorts of problems in Russia so keep your distance for the time being. Once this is over, hopefully soon, you can give it a try.

And yes, there is a certain terrorism risk in Russia at any given time, especially now. I know of someone that has been mugged in Sankt Petersburg. It was night but he wasn’t on an unlit alley or something. I was also surprised to see how many pickpockets there are in the major cities. I wasn’t expecting to see so many. And yes, I can confirm that in some cases, children are the ones that will try to steal from you. It sounds insane but it’s the truth.

I will outline a few interesting places that can be visited. For example, Lake Baikal. This lake holds around 20% of the world’s fresh water!!! Just imagine how big it is?! When it’s not frozen, you can do some kayaking or go on boat cruises.

St. Petersburg should also be on your list – this city is a mix of history and art and beautiful design. Visit the St. Isaac’s Cathedral or the Hermitage Museum is the 2nd biggest culture museum on the globe. And they’re both worth a visit. There’s also Peterhof Palace which is close to St. Petersburg. This place looks like the Palace of Versailles from France.

Another interesting place is Vladivostok which has the longest cable-stayed bridge on earth with a length of 1885 meters. The city is worth exploring, having a beautiful military museum and there’s also a fortress that’s now became a museum as well.

Again, there’s a lot to see but don’t go now. Wait until things settle down.

3 years living in provincial areas and Moscow

34…? This is grossly inaccurate. Morocco is 54 and Russia a 34? I have experience in both countries and attest you are misled. Sounds like you wrote this based on the 90s. Even now in the middle of the war, despite frequent travel, Moscow poses minimal risks. pickpocketers, terrorist acts, or scams are a genuine rarity. Racist violence I have not yet been exposed to. Police and legal system serviceable.

Who rated Russia that low?

I’m not sure why rating is lower than some African countries, but I can assure you 34 is way too low. Russia is a police country and the law enforcement system is actually working comparing some countries we have traveled to and by some reason rated on this site higher. It might be politics involved or some people personal experience not sure, but we never had a single issue in Russia. Petty crime is common unfortunately, just put your grey shirt with spotty armpits along with beat up keds and blend in or not lol, Russians tend to dress nicely, mostly. We learned Russian and Cyrillic alphabet so it might helped a bit, but nowadays a lot of Russians speak English fluently and we had no issue communicating. Of course you have to be vigilant like anywhere even crime infested Brighton and Hove eg and people around you are not your friends, but overall very positive experience. Don’t bring forbidden substances and don’t express your political point of view and enjoy your trip. Cities v. Moscow, Barnaul, St. Pitersburg, Voronezh, Kazan.

Completely unsafe

Since russia invaded Ukraine, it’s not safe anymore. You can be easily beaten or brought to the jail just because of your anti-military position. Kidnapping is very popular in Caucasian area, while other areas are not safe tho. There’s also a possibility of being assaulted because of your sexual orientation or political opinion. Women are often treated cruelly and impolite. Russia is completely unsafe for both travelling and living.

still safe for Anglo-Saxons after a year of genocidal war

I visited in late 2022 , and kept a low profile – had no problems . Russian makes are often very sexist , ometimes mysoginistic and brusque but also ” chivalrous” in this ultra-conservative society

Russia is safe

Sorry to say but this is absolutely not true, I live in Russia as a foreigner, and have never experienced any of this, not even in the past year.

Slava Ukraini

Russia is not unsafe …… as long as you avoid the macho violent young men , and you do not engage in very heavy drinking / drugs . There is a very small chance that you could be detained randomly on a trumped up charge , as a hostage for future spy swaps . And some likelihood that you will be interviewed by the FSB either on entry or deparrture about the purpose of your visit or your profession/ security/army background .

Don't go to Russia

Their president is the worst, more than 200k+ as of this writing are dead because of the war he started, this country should be stopped.

Putin – your crimes against humanity will not go unpunished. Your day will come for all the destruction you’ve caused.

Sh** results

Totally safe country. If you leave bad rate you hadn’t been there. Cold country… And me in June having sun baths in +50C in Rostov-on-Don (not even the southest city in Russia)

Simply not true

You lie, as temperature in rostov never ever reaches 50C.

Thank you as you swear for vladimir putin. I totally hate him just as joseph stalin

Russia is relatively safe for people with common sense. Just like in any other countries: Just don’t be a moron, don’t be a d🍆k. Don’t run into trouble. Avoid unsafe situations/places. Act orderly. Be polite. Don’t provoke people. Carry your money and valuables in a theft-safe bag (that’s a must for any trip, and even in your home country) Beware of scammers (inform yourself about common scams on the streets to know who/what you should avoid).

Alcohilic russions

People giving 5 stars have not been to russia and are part of russian propaganda machine. As a sailor I have traveled to some russian port cities and we were attacked by knife and forced to give up our cash. Even the western african countries ports are safer than russia. Most of russians we have seen are alcoholic and have a their mood is highly variable as they get very aggressive sometimes. Alcohol is their weak point and they can resist drinking as much alcohol as they can.

you can’t even spell alcoholic or russians, and your experiences are not related to tourism. What tourist is going to ports to argue with sailors? Such a stupid comment..

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Russia will grow faster than the US and all other advanced economies this year, the IMF says

Russia's economy is predicted to grow by 3.2% in 2024, outpacing all advanced economies, including the US, the IMF said.
Despite the war, high investment and robust private consumption have driven Russia's economy forward.
The IMF expects the momentum to fade in 2025, with Russia growing at a rate of 1.8%.

Russia's economy is expected to grow significantly faster than major developed economies this year, including the US, according to the International Monetary Fund.

The country's war-time economy is forecast to grow by 3.2% in 2024, largely outpacing expected growth for other advanced economies including the US (2.7%), Germany (0.2%), the UK (0.5%), and Japan (0.9%), IMF said in a report published on Tuesday.

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Exclusive-Russia tightens officials’ travel rules due to fears over secrets, sources say

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia is making overseas travel harder for some officials due to fears that foreign powers may try to gain access to state secrets during the worst crisis in relations with the West for more than 60 years, nine sources told Reuters.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) is putting pressure on employees across government ministries not to leave Russia at all, even to visit so-called ‘friendly’ countries that have not imposed sanctions against Moscow, the sources said.

Foreign travel was highly restricted during Soviet times and even before the Ukraine war those with access to certain secret information were banned from leaving Russia. Major Western powers also have tight travel rules for those with access to top-level secrets.

Current Russian limits, however, are somewhat chaotic, with rules differing across state bodies, according to the sources, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

“You can’t go anywhere at all, not even to Uzbekistan or Belarus for the May holidays,” said one source. “You can go only if you have permission.”

Under pressure from the FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, the government is prohibiting employees from various departments from travelling anywhere without special permission, the person said. Individual departments do not want to be viewed as a fifth column.

The FSB did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ukraine war has triggered the deepest crisis in Moscow’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and President Vladimir Putin says the United States and its allies are essentially fighting a hybrid war against Russia.

Fears that Russian officials could be entrapped and forced to give up secrets affecting national security is the main reason driving the tougher rules, according to the sources.

Another concern is that officials will simply be detained and then extradited to the West – or offered a deal to spill their secrets.

One source said those in government were informally banned from travel in 2022, a measure that was formally adopted in mid-2023. Now, similar restrictions have been introduced for people privy to state secrets across ministries.

Another person said the rules varied depending on security clearance, with access to more secret information reducing the travel options available.

The definition of a “state secret” is broad in Russia and has been widened even further since the war.

It includes anything that could damage the Russian state, including not only military, nuclear or security intelligence, but also reserves data, production and consumption of natural resources, export data, some economic policy, some scientific findings and any details about how secrets are protected.

The detention in London in January of Dmitry Ovsyannikov, a former governor of Sevastopol in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, was one of the triggers for the stricter rules, one official said. Ovsyannikov is now on bail in Britain, awaiting trial.

Russia has long complained that its citizens, particularly diplomats and officials, are followed and harassed by security services when they travel to the West. Western diplomats face similar treatment in Russia, a Western diplomatic source told Reuters.

‘FRIENDLY’ COUNTRY BAN

Russian rules differ across state bodies. The two houses of Russia’s parliament decide on a case-by-case basis, while there is more freedom within the presidential administration.

For some, even ‘friendly’ countries are off limits.

A source in parliament said staff at Russia’s State Duma lower house are banned from all foreign travel, with an unspoken rule that any requests will be rejected.

“I can’t even go to Minsk,” the person said.

For employees of the interior ministry, the FSB and Rosgvardiya national guard, there are realistically only 14 overseas holiday options once sanctions and extradition treaties are taken into account, said one official.

The majority are former Soviet states but also include Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria. Rosgvardiya and the interior ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Even travel to China, whose trade with Russia has ballooned in the last two years, is in question over extradition concerns, the official said.

A different person said holders of state secrets had been restricted from overseas travel for months, both for unfriendly and friendly countries, unless there is a compelling reason, such as illness or to attend a funeral.

Another person said finance ministry officials have been barred from all overseas travel except business trips.

One state official, that person added, was forced to quit after it became known that their son was studying in the United States.

The finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A state company employee said staff with access to state secrets have their passport locked up in a special internal department.

For energy ministry officials, freedom to travel is at the supervisor’s discretion, another source said. The ministry did not immediately respond to a comment request.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones)

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Xi Meets With Russia’s Foreign Minister, Reaffirming Ties

The visit came days after the U.S. threatened new sanctions against Chinese companies if they aided Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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Sergey Lavrov speaking at a lectern with flowers in front of it.

By David Pierson and Ivan Nechepurenko

China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, met in Beijing on Tuesday, in a session seen as laying the groundwork for an expected visit to China by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and pushing back against mounting pressure from the United States and its allies.

Mr. Lavrov’s visit came just days after Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen warned of “significant consequences” if Chinese companies provided material support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. It also took place as President Biden was set to host the leaders of Japan and the Philippines on Wednesday to boost economic and security ties to counter China’s growing assertiveness in Asia.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and said the two sides had talked about deepening security ties to resist the West’s “anti-Chinese” and “anti-Russian orientation.” In a sign of the Kremlin’s continued deference to China, Mr. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s rejection of any “outside interference” over Beijing’s claims to the de facto independent island of Taiwan.

“There is no place for dictatorships, hegemony, neocolonial and colonial practices, which are now being widely used by the United States and the rest of the ‘collective West,’” Mr. Lavrov said.

Mr. Wang’s remarks were more measured — a reflection of China’s difficult balancing act in supporting Russia while also trying to avoid alienating important trading partners in Western Europe.

China’s top diplomat did not mention the United States by name, a common practice by Chinese officials, and instead called for Russia and China to “oppose all hegemonic and bullying behaviors” and “oppose the Cold War mentality.”

Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, days before Russian forces invaded Ukraine. While China has cast itself as neutral, its tacit support for the war underscores how it still needs close ties with Russia to weaken the global dominance of its chief competitor, the United States.

Moscow, by aligning closely with Beijing, wants to demonstrate that it is not globally isolated despite its invasion of Ukraine. China provides Russia with diplomatic cover and an economic lifeline by purchasing Russian oil, gas and coal, and by selling Chinese consumer goods and technology to Russia.

Together, the two sides have tried to forge an alternative world order by marshaling support from the developing world through multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS , a group named for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that promotes economic and political ties.

Russia and China have also garnered support from countries such as Iran and North Korea which oppose the West and have a shared interest in weakening the power of U.S. sanctions and the role of human rights in global politics.

Mr. Putin is expected to visit China, perhaps as soon as next month. A date has yet to be confirmed, though the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told journalists on Tuesday that Mr. Lavrov’s visit could be considered as “preparation for contacts at the highest level.”

David Pierson covers Chinese foreign policy and China’s economic and cultural engagement with the world. He has been a journalist for more than two decades. More about David Pierson

Ivan Nechepurenko covers Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the countries of the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He is based in Moscow. More about Ivan Nechepurenko

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

At least 17 people were killed and scores more injured when three Russian missiles struck a busy downtown district of Chernihiv , north of Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said.

The top American military commander in Europe warned that Ukraine could lose the war with Russia if the United States did not send more ammunition to Ukrainian forces, and fast.

Ukrainian lawmakers passed a mobilization law aimed at replenishing the nation’s exhausted and depleted fighting forces .

Eastern Europe Tries Outreach: As many in Europe worry about the possibility of a second presidency for Donald Trump that they fear could bring an end to U.S. support for Ukraine, some of Russia’s most fervent foes are taking a different tack : making nice with the Trump camp.

A U.S. Lawmaker Speaks Out : Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, has emerged as a vocal proponent of U.S. aid to Ukraine in a party that has grown hostile to it. He discussed his recent trip there in a Q. and A.

Hollowing Out a Generation: Ukraine desperately needs new recruits, but it is running up against a critical demographic constraint long in the making: It has very few young men .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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How to enter Russia by land as a tourist in 2023

A woman and a dog are seen on the road for the Verkhny Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border, 2022

EU and U.S. citizens have to obtain a visa to travel to Russia. To acquire it, it’s enough to schedule an appointment at your nearest Russian embassy or a Russian visa center in your country. The process of getting a visa takes approximately a week, but it’s best to clarify the time frames on the consulate’s website or in person, when submitting your documents. There are currently 25 countries whose citizens don’t require a visa; you can check here if your country is among them.

Helsinki (Finland) – St. Petersburg

St. Isaac S Cathedral in St. Petersburg

This is a convenient route for the citizens of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

The price of a bus trip is 5,390 rubles (approx. $60); for young people (from 13 to 18 years old or those who have an ISIC student card) it’s 4,850 rubles (approx. $54). You can depart both from a bus terminal or from Vantaa Airport.

The travel time is about eight hours; sometimes, it can take longer, due to waiting lines at the customs checkpoints. There are also routes from Helsinki to Petrozavodsk and Moscow, but, in any case, you still have to transfer in St. Petersburg.

There are only two bus companies that can take you from Helsinki to St. Petersburg – ‘Ecolines’ and ‘Lux Express’.

Kirkenes (Norway) - Murmansk

Murmansk at sunset

This route is suitable for those who live in the northern part of Norway or Sweden and want to travel to the north of Russia, not its center.

Unlike Helsinki-St. Petersburg buses, which depart every 2-3 hours until 15:00, with also night routes at 23:00, the Kirkenes-Murmansk route departs only once a day. The bus departs at noon from Høybuktmoen Airport and arrives at the ‘Polyarnye Zori’ hotel at 19:30.

It’s possible that the trip won’t be fully booked, but that doesn’t mean that the trip will get canceled. In this case, the bus usually gets swapped for a minivan or even a sedan car. The route is carried out by a few private carriers, whom you can contact in advance by email; you can find additional information on this website .

The price is 6,500 rubles, with no student discounts.

Tallinn (Estonia) – St. Petersburg

Moika River in St. Petersburg

There are only three companies that operate this route: ‘Lux Express’ and ‘Ecolines’, already familiar to you, as well as another one – ‘Baltic Shuttle’. The trip takes approximately seven hours if there will be no long waiting lines at the border.

You can also depart from the Estonian city of Narva; then the trip will only take three hours. Prices can vary – from 2,000 to 3,400 rubles (approx. $22-$38). There are also quite a lot of buses (as from Helsinki to St. Petersburg): at 00:30, 06:30, 07:00, 10:15, 11:15, 15:45, 16:45, 22:00 and 23:00.

Riga (Latvia) - Pskov

Pskov kremlin

This route is carried out only once a day. The bus departs at 19:30 and arrives at 01:30 in Pskov. The transport company is also private; the price is 3,950 rubles (approx. $44).

Pskov is a great city to begin your acquaintance with the history of Rus’ (Pskov is 903 years old). You can have a walk in the Finnish Park and look at all the towers of the local kremlin. Pskov is not as densely populated as St. Petersburg. Only slightly more than 210 thousand people live there. So, it’s a great place to enjoy the sounds of nature, even in the city center!

Vilnius (Lithuania) – Minsk (Belarus) - Moscow

Moscow's Ukraine hotel, one of Stalin's 'Seven Sisters'

The Vilnius-Minsk route is a record holder in terms of the number of buses. Buses from different companies depart every hour – from ‘Ecolines’ to private carriers. You can have a walk in Minsk or visit other Belarus cities, like Brest or Grodno, and then head further to Moscow.

The ‘Lastochka’ express and a regular night train goes to Moscow from Minsk. The first one will take you there in 7 hours, the other will take 10 hours. But, you can have a night’s rest on the longer route – the train cars are equipped with full-fledged sleeping places! The ‘Lastochka’ only has seats.

A ticket from Vilnius to Minsk will set you back 3,300 rubles (approx. $37). From Minsk to Moscow – from 1500 to 7000 rubles (approx. $17-$78).

(UPD on September 26: However, crossing the Belarus-Russia border by land is currently only permitted for people with Russian or Belarus citizenship. The only way to cross it is by flying from Minsk to Moscow or another Russian city)

From 2024, it will be possible to enter Belarus on a Russian visa, since the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus recently ratified the agreement on mutual visa recognition.

Gdańsk (Poland) - Kaliningrad

Kant Island in Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is a unique city of Russia, since Kaliningrad Region is an exclave, a part of the territory of the country fully surrounded by the territory of another country.

Kaliningrad also differs from a regular Russian city by its architecture, still keeping the echoes of its European style. Until the USSR’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kaliningrad was the German city of Königsberg.

Buses from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad depart at 9:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00. The trip will take you only 3 hours and will cost you about 4,000 rubles (approx. $44). From Kaliningrad, you can reach Moscow on a train through Lithuania or on a plane. The train and ferry trips will take a day, a flight will take 2.5 hours – there are also regular flights through Khrabrovo Airport. From Kaliningrad, you can also reach St. Petersburg with the same transport and also by ferry (which also takes about a day).

Tbilisi (Georgia) - Vladikavkaz

Terek river in downtown Vladikavkaz

There are a lot of buses that operate this route, as well; buses depart every day at 00:00, 6:00, 07:25, 9:30, 10:00, 15:00, 17:00, 22:00 and 23:00. Be ready for a ride along hairpin turns.

The route from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz is quite popular; there are also a lot of taxis or you can try to catch a ride. There are different chats in VK and Telegram where people look for passengers. It’s convenient if you don’t want to be bound by a specific time.

The 'Georgian Military Road'

But, this route is also infamous for its waiting lines at the border. The carriers’ website states that the trip will take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours. However, in reality, the trip can take the entire day or even longer – especially in summer, when a lot of people are returning from vacations.

The bus trip cost varies from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles (approx. $25-$44).

Tips for crossing land borders:

Print out all your documents: your tickets there and back, your hotel address and your booking, your insurance and your bank statement. They can ask all of this from you at the border. And, even if they don’t, it’s better to have a paper copy of it all, since the internet doesn’t always work or your phone may run out of battery.
Calculate your journey and the amount of things you need to take along. Sometimes, it’s better to take a backpack and only take necessary things in it, than to bring along a suitcase. During a border check, you often need to take all your bags with you. That takes a lot of time and energy. It’s all much faster with a simple backpack.
Take some food and water; it’s especially relevant for the Tbilisi-Vladikavkaz route. Not every border control checkpoint has a grocery store; and some of the waiting lines take a lot of time.

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Israel's war cabinet, chaired by Benjamin Netanyahu, meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the drone attack launched by Iran.

Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

Iran attack on Israel – live updates
Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , in the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said that Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right. His comments came ahead of a war cabinet meeting alongside Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the country’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Tehran has warned it will strike again with greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike on Israel by more 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. The air raids , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Israeli state, brought a years-long shadow war into the open and threatened to draw the region into a broader conflagration as Israel said it was considering its response.

However, the attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan. An air force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a seven-year-old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two western intelligence sources told Reuters .

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the UN, the council’s president said in a statement.

Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source has told Reuters . The source also said that the US conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be “within certain limits”. These reports come after Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian , said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran that Iran had informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence only.

John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said. News outlet Axios reported that Joe Biden , the US president, had told Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved in Israel’s defence, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack, with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Explosions seen over Israel and West Bank after Iran launches drones and missiles – video

Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher Khasawneh , warned that any escalation in the region would lead to “dangerous paths”, joining a chorus of condemnation from world leaders to the attack. Other countries including the UK, Spain, the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, have called for restraint amid fears of a regional escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the UK , France , and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour news agency reported .

Major airlines across the Middle East, including Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways , announced they would resume some of their operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Israel said it had reopened its airspace as of 7:30am local time on Sunday morning, with Beirut airport also reopening this morning. Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, however, have cancelled flights until Monday.

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Russia Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. September 5, 2023. Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel. O D U T. Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks. Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the ...
Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist right now? (Q&A)
Yes, PCR tests must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before arriving in Russia. The results must be printed in Russian or English (this is required even if you received a Sputnik-V vaccine ...
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Crimea - Level 4: Do Not Travel. The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take ...
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Departing Russia by Air: If you want to leave Russia by air, be prepared to comply with your destination's entry requirements. Direct flights are now operating from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Thailand, India, and other destinations. Departing Russia by Land:
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Several Russian airports are now closed to the public, disrupting internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. The train and bus service between St Petersburg and Helsinki is suspended. ... Severe weather during winter can disrupt travel in Russia. To protect yourself from accidents caused by severe weather: take care when walking in ...
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Citizens of these countries can freely enter and leave Russia subject to visa regulations. That is, citizens of the UK, Tanzania and Turkey need to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Russia.
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If you decide to travel to Russia: * Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. * Familiarize yourself with the information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.
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Avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism. The armed conflict in Ukraine has led to armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border. Drone strikes, explosions, and fires have occurred further into Russia's interior.
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Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Russia travel advice
It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus. If you need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline ...
Coronavirus travel Information. Visit Russia
On the departure to Russia, travelers must show a negative result for a COVID test conducted within 72 hours before arrival English or Russian). Russian citizens arriving without a test result must submit to this test within 72 hours of arrival. Foreign citizens will not be accepted onboard without this test. There is no quarantine upon arrival.
What you need to know about traveling to Russia right now
Natasha Vinogradov, with the passport and visa commercial expediting firm Russian Agency, said that as of now, there are no restrictions for travel to Russia for American citizens. A travel ban ...
Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist in 2023?
Feb 03 2023. Russia Beyond. Sergei Karpukhin/TASS. Follow Russia Beyond on Facebook. Visiting Russia as a tourist in 2023 is possible, but may pose some challenges worth considering beforehand ...
UK citizens are advised not to travel to Russia
28 February 2022. War in Ukraine. Getty Images. UK citizens have been advised against travelling to Russia due to a lack of flights available and economic problems in the country. The Foreign ...
Exclusive: Russia tightens officials' travel rules due to fears over
Russia is making overseas travel harder for some officials due to fears that foreign powers may try to gain access to state secrets during the worst crisis in relations with the West for more than ...
Current situation for traveling to Russia: Ukraine, visa, flights
Despite international sanctions, Russian consulates are issuing visas for travel to Russia for tourism, visiting relatives, etc., as usual. Inaddition, since August 1, 2023 it is already possible to apply for an electronic visa. In summary, the current options are as follows: Option 1. Electronic visa (E-Visa).
Can I Travel to Russia Now That Quarantine Is Over?
More than 15 countries now have direct flights to Russia, but travel restrictions remain in place for most visitors. failure to launch Russia Extends International Flight Ban Due to Coronavirus
What a first-time visitor to Russia needs to know
Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel ...
Russian Federation
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends against all travel to Russia at this time. If you must travel to Russia, we recommend all inbound passengers to check regularly with their travel agent and/or airline, and to check the website of the Russian Embassy in Dublin to make sure they have the most up to date information. ...
Russian Federation
COVID-19. If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.. Do not travel. Do not travel to Russia due to the impacts the armed conflict with Ukraine has had on commercial flight availability and access to financial services. There is also potential for the security situation to ...
How To Get to Russia: Traveling Tips
You can get to Moscow by train from Riga, Latvia. Within Russia, you can (and should, unless you're very tight on time) travel anywhere by train. If you're going to Siberia in the east, you may even have no other choice, as flights can be rare and prohibitively expensive. By Bus: From Riga (Latvia), you can take a cheap bus to St. Petersburg.
Is Russia Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)
Written by Travel Safe Team. Safety Index: 34. * Based on Research & Crime Data. User Sentiment: 77. * Rated 77 / 100 based on 37 user reviews. On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries. This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places ...
How to get to Russia in 2024 (INFOGRAPHIC)
In this case, the length of stay in the country is up to 16 days. We addressed all queries regarding how to do it in detail here and you can find the full list with all countries here. 2 ...
EU sanctions against Russia
In 2014, the EU-Russia summit was cancelled and EU member states decided not to hold regular bilateral summits with Russia. Bilateral talks with Russia on visa matters were suspended. Instead of the G8 summit in Sochi, a G7 meeting was held - without Russia - in Brussels on 4 and 5 June 2014. Since then, meetings have continued in the G7 format.
Russia's Economic Growth to Surpass US, Advanced Economies, IMF Says
Russia's economy in 2024 is expected to grow by 3.2%, outpacing the US, Germany, the UK, and Japan, according to the IMF.
Exclusive-Russia tightens officials' travel rules due to fears over
Ovsyannikov is now on bail in Britain, awaiting trial. Russia has long complained that its citizens, particularly diplomats and officials, are followed and harassed by security services when they travel to the West. Western diplomats face similar treatment in Russia, a Western diplomatic source told Reuters. 'FRIENDLY' COUNTRY BAN
Xi Meets With Russia's Foreign Minister, Reaffirming Ties
China's top leader, Xi Jinping, and Russia's foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, met in Beijing on Tuesday, in a session seen as laying the groundwork for an expected visit to China by ...
How to enter Russia by land as a tourist in 2023
Many foreign tourists used to travel to Russia by plane. But now, due to sanctions, there are not many direct flights left: from Dubai, Turkey, Serbia, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, the CIS countries and ...
Iran missile and drone attack on Israel
Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel, in the Islamic Republic's first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an ...

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