Traveler support

Most visitors must secure a tourist visa before travelling to Russia. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. On entry, you will receive a migration card. Keep this document safe, as you must present it if authorities ask during your stay and when departing Russia. Hotels usually handle visitor registration, but if you stay in private accommodation, you may need to register with local authorities yourself.

International Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards generally do not work in Russia. To avoid issues, bring cash in US dollars or euros and exchange it for Russian roubles after arrival at banks or authorised exchange offices. Foreign card limits and ATM availability can be unpredictable, especially outside major cities.

You must declare amounts over 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies) at Russian border control. Undeclared funds above this threshold can be subject to fines or confiscation. Some visitors also find UnionPay cards useful if supported by their bank. Local payment system Mir cards work well but require opening an account with a Russian bank.

Connecting to the internet can be challenging for foreign SIM or eSIM users. Many international SIMs and eSIMs will not activate without local registration. The recommended option is to purchase a local Russian SIM card from providers such as MTS, MegaFon, Beeline or Tele2. Passport registration is typically required to activate data and calling services.

Public WiFi is widely available in airports, hotels, cafes and shopping centres, but network quality varies and some networks may request SMS verification with a Russian number.

Russia’s public transport systems are efficient and reliable. Major cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi have extensive metro, tram and bus networks.

For taxis and ride services, apps such as Yango, Wheely work well across most urban centres and have English language options. These apps are generally safer and more reliable than hailing taxis on the street. Train travel is popular and comfortable, especially for long journeys between cities. Booking in advance is advisable, particularly for overnight trains.

Carry valid photo ID at all times. Police checkpoints and transport authorities occasionally ask for identification. Keep your passport or a legally acceptable photocopy with you.

Russia is safe for most travellers when you follow standard travel precautions: stay in well-lit areas at night, secure your belongings, avoid restricted or unauthorised areas, and respect local instructions from officials and transport staff.

Russian culture values politeness, calm behaviour and respect. A firm handshake and eye contact are common greetings, and first names are usually reserved for friends and informal settings. Smiling at strangers is less common than in some other cultures and typically signals genuine friendliness.

Learning a few basic Russian phrases such as “Здравствуйте” (Hello), “Пожалуйста” (Please) and “Спасибо” (Thank you) can greatly enhance interactions. Translation apps are highly recommended, especially outside major tourist centres.

Russia has dramatic seasonal variation. Winters can be very cold, with temperatures well below freezing in many regions. Summers are often warm and pleasant. Pack appropriate clothing for your destinations and the season.

In religious sites such as Orthodox churches or Muslim mosques, modest clothing is mandatory. Women are asked to cover their head and shoulders, and men should avoid shorts.

Russian cuisine is diverse and hearty. Tap water quality varies, so bottled water is commonly consumed. Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, a tip around 10 per cent is typical for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

For visitors from the Middle East, halal dining options are available in major cities and regions with significant Muslim populations such as Kazan, Ufa and Dagestan. Researching halal certified restaurants ahead of time is useful.

Obey local laws and regulations. Russia has strict rules on public behaviour, alcohol consumption in non-designated areas and drug possession. Ignorance of the law is not accepted as a defence, so familiarise yourself with local regulations.

Photography of military, government or law enforcement facilities is prohibited and can lead to serious consequences.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, emergencies and repatriation. Private clinics in major cities offer high quality care for international visitors.

Carry any prescription medication in original packaging with a doctor’s note where possible. The general emergency number in Russia is 112, connecting you to medical, fire and police services.