Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Unified E-Visa System
Russia has expanded its electronic visa program for 55 countries, allowing single-entry stays up to 16 days for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes. The e-visa costs around 40-50 EUR and is processed online in 4-20 days—apply via the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at least a month before travel to ensure smooth approval.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Russia, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. Biometric passports are preferred for e-visa applications, and any damage to the passport could lead to denial at the border.
Always carry your passport while traveling within Russia, as random checks by authorities are common in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of select countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Israel can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. However, most nationalities, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, require a visa for any stay.
Visa-free access is limited and often requires proof of onward travel; check the latest list on the Russian embassy website as policies can change due to geopolitical factors.
E-Visa Applications
For eligible nationalities, apply for the e-visa online through the official portal, submitting a digital photo, passport scan, and travel itinerary—no invitation letter needed. The fee is approximately 40 EUR, non-refundable, and valid for 60 days from issuance with a 16-day maximum stay.
Processing typically takes 4 days but can extend to 20; print your approval and present it at designated entry points like Moscow's airports or Sheremetyevo border.
Border Crossings
Entry is possible via 26 international airports, select land borders with neighboring countries like Finland or China, and major seaports. E-visas are only valid at specific checkpoints—verify your entry point matches your application to avoid issues.
Customs checks can be thorough; declare valuables over 10,000 USD and avoid bringing prohibited items like drones without permits, as fines or confiscation are common.
Travel Insurance
Proof of medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR is mandatory for all visa types, including e-visas, and must be valid throughout your stay. Policies should include evacuation and repatriation coverage, especially for remote areas like Siberia.
Recommended providers offer plans starting at 2-5 USD per day; carry a physical or digital copy, as border officials may request it upon arrival.
Registration & Extensions
Foreigners must register with local authorities within 7 working days of arrival if not staying in a hotel (which handles it automatically); hotels provide confirmation slips. For longer stays, apply for extensions at the Federal Migration Service up to 90 days with justification like business needs.
Overstaying can result in fines up to 5,000 RUB or deportation; always keep registration documents handy during your trip.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Moscow or St. Petersburg by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during off-peak seasons like spring or autumn.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at stolovaya canteens or street vendors for hearty meals like borscht or pelmeni under 300 RUB, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Shop at local markets like Danilovsky in Moscow for fresh produce, cheeses, and ready-to-eat items at half the price of supermarkets.
Public Transport Passes
Get a Troika card in Moscow for unlimited metro and bus rides at 50-200 RUB/day, or opt for the high-speed Sapsan train between cities for 2,000-4,000 RUB one-way.
Multi-day passes often include discounts on airport transfers and river cruises, making intercity travel more affordable.
Free Attractions
Explore Red Square, Gorky Park, and the Nevsky Prospect on foot for free, immersing in architecture and street performances without spending a ruble.
Many state museums offer free entry on specific days, like the third Thursday of the month at the State Tretyakov Gallery, and public festivals are abundant year-round.
Card vs Cash
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in cities, but Mir cards or cash are essential in rural areas; ATMs are widespread but notify your bank to avoid blocks.
Exchange USD/EUR at Sberbank for better rates than airports, and use contactless payments where possible to minimize fees.
Museum & City Passes
Purchase the St. Petersburg Card for 1,500-3,000 RUB, granting access to 40+ museums, free transport, and discounts on tours—ideal for cultural explorers.
It covers icons like the Winter Palace and pays for itself after 3-4 visits, with extended validity for longer stays.
Smart Packing for Russia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack thermal layers, wool sweaters, and a heavy coat for sub-zero winters, plus breathable cotton for humid summers—Russia's climate varies wildly from Moscow's chill to Sochi's warmth.
Include modest, conservative attire like long pants and scarves for Orthodox churches and rural areas, respecting local customs to avoid unwanted attention.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), portable charger for long train rides, VPN-enabled devices for unrestricted internet, and a translation app like Google Translate with offline Russian packs.
Download maps and e-guides for spotty Wi-Fi in remote spots; a noise-canceling headset is great for crowded metros and overnight trains.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with cold remedies and altitude meds for Lake Baikal trips, plus any prescriptions in original packaging.
Pack hand sanitizer, face masks for public transport, and mosquito repellent for summer in Siberia—also include water purification tablets as tap water isn't always potable.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with lockable zippers for city exploration, a reusable insulated water bottle to stay hydrated, and a compact sleeping bag liner for budget hostels or trains.
Bring passport copies, a money belt, and wet wipes for on-the-go convenience; a multi-tool knife is handy but declare it at customs to avoid issues.
Footwear Strategy
Choose insulated, waterproof boots for snowy winters and muddy springs, paired with sturdy walking shoes for endless pavement in St. Petersburg's canals.
For Trans-Siberian adventures, pack hiking socks and trail runners; always include shoe inserts for comfort during 10+ hour walking days in vast sites like the Kremlin.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries, high-SPF lip balm and moisturizer for dry winters, and a foldable umbrella or poncho for sudden rains in autumn.
Pack biodegradable wipes and deodorant, as options vary in smaller towns; don't forget earplugs and an eye mask for noisy accommodations and jet lag adjustment.
When to Visit Russia
Spring (March-May)
Melting snow brings milder temps of 5-15°C in Moscow, ideal for early blooms in parks and fewer crowds at sites like the Peterhof Palace fountains.
Avoid mid-April mud season (rasputitsa) in rural areas, but enjoy Orthodox Easter festivals and emerging greenery without summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season with long daylight hours and temps around 20-25°C, perfect for White Nights in St. Petersburg, outdoor ballet at the Bolshoi, and Lake Baikal swims.
Expect higher prices and queues at the Hermitage, but festivals like Maslenitsa extensions and midnight sun hikes make it vibrant—book trains early.
Autumn (September-November)
Golden foliage in 10-15°C weather suits hiking in the Ural Mountains and harvest festivals with mushroom foraging and apple cider tastings.
Lower crowds and rates in cities allow relaxed visits to the Kremlin; pack layers as evenings cool quickly toward Siberian frosts.
Winter (December-February)
Magical snowscapes at -5 to -15°C host New Year's fireworks in Red Square and ice festivals in Irkutsk, with budget deals on saunas and banyas.
Embrace the cold for dog-sledding in Karelia or cozy theater nights; shorter days mean more indoor time, but aurora viewing in the north is unparalleled.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards accepted in cities but cash preferred in rural areas—ATMs common but carry small bills.
- Language: Russian is official; English limited outside tourist hubs—learn basics or use translation apps for menus and directions.
- Time Zone: Multiple zones; Moscow Time (MSK) UTC+3 is standard for European Russia, spanning 11 zones total.
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (Europlug and Schuko)—adapters widely available.
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; 102 for police specifically, 103 for ambulance.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, round up taxis—cash only for small tips.
- Water: Tap water unsafe in most areas; buy bottled or use filters—boil if necessary for remote travel.
- Pharmacies: Apteka signs everywhere; 24-hour options in cities stock international meds but bring specifics.