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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 27, 2024, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia. The Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately.

The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy is operating with reduced staffing, and the Russian government has restricted travel for embassy personnel. Furthermore, all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.

There have been reports of drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine as well as in Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.

Russia may refuse to recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship. Russia has denied consular officers visits to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens. The Russian government has forced citizens with dual nationality to join the Russian military and prevented them from leaving the country. In 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens for its invasion of Ukraine. Military conscription continues.

In Russia, the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech are not always protected. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who joined protests. Moreover, there are many reports of Russians being detained for social media posts.

U.S. citizens should know that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia is nearly impossible.

Commercial flight options are minimal and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in leaving the country, and transportation options may suddenly become even more restricted.

Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy staff generally are not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns. Recently, the FAA downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights in some Russian areas, including 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. Check the FAA's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices for more information.

Country Summary: 

Russian officials have interrogated and threatened U.S. citizens without cause. This includes former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private U.S. citizens engaged in business. U.S. citizens may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.

Russian authorities may not notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen and may delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services also target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges, denied them fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in the following border areas with Ukraine: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. The Russian government may detain foreigners, forcibly relocate residents, and limit public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting "anti-Russian" groups and punished individuals for criticizing the government or military. The Russian government's current "LGBT propaganda" law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics. In November 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the so-called "international LGBT movement" as extremist. This decision effectively made it a crime to support the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Russia.

Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall incident proved they can strike suddenly. Terrorists may target tourist areas, transport hubs, and markets. They may also target government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, events, schools, and airports are also potential targets.  U.S. government employees under Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to those areas.

The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and does not acknowledge Russia’s purported annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea and there is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas. There is intense fighting across these regions and Russian authorities there have abused both foreigners and locals. Authorities have specifically targeted individuals who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv administers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the conflict limits the Embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.

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

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Read the information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in an emergency overseas .
• Consider the risks involved in having dual U.S.- Russian nationality.
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government help. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Follow news for any important events and update your 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). This will allow you 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.

Travel Advisory Levels

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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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The world's largest country offers it all, from historic cities and idyllic countryside to artistic riches, epic train rides and vodka-fuelled nightlife.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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State Hermitage Museum

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Russia and beyond.

15 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Mar 21, 2024

The largest country in the world really has it all–mountains, valleys, frozen lands, and warm sands, and an incredible number of amazing natural destinations to impress any visitor.

Some of the oldest cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg , still retain their imperial splendor–obvious not only in their architecture but also in their majestic parks, shopping centers, and even metro stations.

Other cities and regions–including far-away destinations in Siberia and the Far East –offer a chance to explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights , volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever dream of.

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Russia.

1. Lake Baikal

3. st. peterburg, 6. the russian tundra, 7. peterhof, 8. olkhon island, 9. petropavlovsk-kamchatsky, 10. vladivostok, 12. novosibirsk, 13. the taiga forest, 14. dargavs, 15. kizhi island, best time to visit russia.

When it comes to breaking records, Lake Baikal is hard to beat. This massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world –reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated 25 million years of age. Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake in the world–over 20 percent of the world's freshwater is in this lake.

Although Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world , this is particularly noticeable in winter, where, in some areas, it's possible to see up to 40 meters down into the water–even though much of the lake's surface freezes over for up to five months of the year.

For about a month around August, the lake's water temperature can reach around 16 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for quick dips or short swims. During the rest of the year, however, it usually stays under five degrees Celsius.

In summer, Lake Baikal is a famous destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to discover shorelines and beaches. In winter, when the lake freezes over, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and visit the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.

Since most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it's worth planning your trip so you at least have a few hours to explore the city . Russia's capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by.

Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin , Red Square , and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The shopping mall GUM , with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination–even for tourists who can't afford the luxury brands sold here–and a great place to try authentic Russian food.

Even if museums are not exactly your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth visiting, including The State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial carriages.

The Bolshoi Theater , one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world, is also worth a visit if you can get tickets.

Some of the best things in Moscow require some walking to be properly explored, such as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River Moskva.

Moscow's Metro stations are works of art in themselves, decorated with porcelain relief, crystal chandeliers, and unique mosaic artworks that make these places basically look like subterranean palaces. Mayakovskaya metro station, with its ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns, and Kiyevskaya station, filled with white marble, frescoes and elaborate artworks, are two of the most stunning ones to visit.

Although smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg actually has so much to offer, it's often impossible to see it all in one day. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg feels more European–fine art and exquisite design details mixing in with history around every corner. You can explore it on foot to admire the architecture up close and personal, or hop on a cruise to explore part of the 300 kilometers of canals that cut through the imperial city.

For a stunning overdose of white and gold colors, visit Moika Palace (most famous for being the place where Rasputin was killed) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral , which is actually a Russian Orthodox museum.

The Hermitage Museum , perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous tourist attraction and the second largest art and culture museum in the world , has a collection of over three million items that cover everything from prehistoric art (including articles from the nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great's art collection.

About 25 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, and more than worth the day trip, is Peterhof Palace . Built in the early 1700s as a summer residence for Peter the Great, it greatly resembles the Palace of Versailles in France.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The Altay Mountains in Siberia extend from Russia into China , Kazakhstan , and Mongolia . Traditionally inhabited by different ethnic groups involved in horse husbandry and forestry, it is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers. Together with a number of natural reserves and lakes, the Altay Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

There's a lot of untouched beauty in Altay, where frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attract cross-country skiers and other outdoor lovers in winter, as well as hikers (the area around Aktru Glacier is especially popular for trekking), kayakers, and climbers in summer. More unusual activities, including diving, cave exploring, and herb and mushroom picking, can also be pursued here.

The Denisova Cave in Siberia is particularly significant because of the bone fragments, artifacts, and even prehistoric horses that have been here–some dating back 50,000 years.

The resort town of Belokurikha is a popular starting point for Altay adventures, and many tourism agencies offer organized trips from here.

A summer beach resort town sitting right on the Black Sea , Sochi offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, a summer film festival known as Kinotavr, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to please all budgets and tastes. The longest river in Russia, Mzymta, cuts through Sochi before it empties into the Black Sea, and it's a very popular destination for rafting .

The 3000-square-kilometer Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve , just 50 kilometers from Sochi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard.

The nearby Rosa Khutor ski resort is another favorite destination during winter and a world-class alpine skiing area –the 2014 Winter Olympic Games were hosted here.

The tundra is a unique biome that only exists in or near the Arctic Circle . Here, temperatures are so cold that trees can't grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses can get through the winter. In most places, the tundra is synonymous with permafrost–meaning the ground is permanently frozen. In areas where the top layer of ground does melt during summer, marshes, and streams will form over the land, leading to beautiful patches of colorful icy water.

The Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, gray wolves, and rich birdlife during nesting season. Over the past few decades, ecotourism has become more and more interested in the tundra areas, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can take a number of environmental routes to explore, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.

The city of Murmansk , in the Kola Peninsula, not only offers incredible tundra views, but it's also a great place to catch a tour to see the Northern Lights .

Peterhof might be home to a university and a major Russian watch manufacturer, but this relatively small city's call to fame is the Peterhof Palace . Originally designed and built in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style that resembles the Palace of Versailles, the palace grounds cover an area of almost 4000 hectares.

There are 173 garden fountains around the palace–some, like the Grand Cascade fountains , with special features that activate water jets when people get close. The lower gardens, designed in French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion.

The Grand Palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with majestic colors (there are gold details everywhere), art imported from Asia and the Far East, walls covered in authentic Chinese silk, and a massive ballroom covered in gilded carvings. The palace contains 10 separate museums, which hold art, furniture, and palace items from the 18 th century.

One of the world's largest lake islands , Olkhon is covered in steep mountains, lush forests, and taiga. The island is in Eastern Siberia and has a small permanent population that consists mostly of local Buryats, a Mongolic indigenous group who believes the island to be a powerful spiritual place.

Tourism has become a growing industry on Olkhon Island, with visitors coming over to explore places such as the coastal sand dunes and the abandoned Peschanaya Village and former Soviet labor camp nearby.

This area is also famous for its "walking trees," an unusual phenomenon that causes strong winds to uncover tree roots on the beach and gives them the appearance of a standing person.

There are several semi-urban settlements on the island, with Khuzir being the largest and the one offering homestays for visitors who want to stay over. The village also houses the small but interesting National History Museum of Revyakin , which chronicles life on the island as far back as Neolithic times .

Located in the Russian Far East, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is surrounded by volcanoes (including the active, snowcapped Koryakskaya Sopka volcano) and cannot be reached by road–in fact, the only way to get into the city is to fly in.

Those who take on the challenge and get here, however, will discover an active city center with tons of monuments, squares, and churches. The city lies right against Avacha Bay, a great place for a waterside stroll and to catch a whale watching tour .

Tours to the volcanoes should be at the top of your list if you visit here, but skiing on Krasnaya Sopka mountain and a visit to the world's only Museum of Salmon are also must-dos.

The small but unique Vulcanarium Museum here offers a unique insight into the world of volcanoes and probably your only chance ever to touch lava.

Located near the borders with China and North Korea and just across the ocean from Japan, Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city. A major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route, the city was actually off-limits to foreigners during Soviet Union times and now receives lots of foreign visitors eager to discover it.

The city is home to many parks and public spaces, including Sportivnaya Harbor with its beautiful beach and promenade, and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at the top of a hill.

Vladivostok's Russky Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at 1,885 meters. The bridge connects Vladivostok to Russky Island, where visitors will find Philippovsky Bay and its beautiful sandy beaches , as well as Voroshilov Battery, a military museum.

History buffs will appreciate a chance to explore the WWII C-56 Submarine or visit the Museum Vladivostok Fortress , originally built to protect the city against potential attacks from Japan.

Anapa–perfectly located against the Black Sea and a very popular resort destination for decades–is well known for its sandy beaches, spas, and stunning views from the rocky promontory where Anapa's lighthouse sits. A somewhat more modest destination than Sochi, Anapa also offers plenty of other things to keep visitors entertained besides coastal attractions.

Places worth exploring include The Anapa Archaeological Museum and the single remaining gate of an Ottoman fort that once occupied this area. There's also the archaeological site of Gorgippia, which dates back to the 6th century BCE and was once a busy maritime trade port.

Both the Sukko Valley and the Wildlife Preserve of Bolshoy Utrish are just minutes away from the city and offer plenty of options to explore nature, swim in clear waters, and take to the trails for some trekking.

Located on the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia and the unofficial capital of Siberia –a place where summers are hot enough to swim and sunbathe (Novosibirk has its own man-made beach on the shores of a reservoir), and the winters have temperatures that can reach -45 degrees Celsius.

Home to the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater , a number of universities, and several museums, the city has much to offer visitors. The outdoor Museum for Railway Technology is particularly interesting, as it features many diesel and steam locomotives, electric trains, snowplows, and a number of unusual carriages, such as tank cars, hospital and prison cars, and even fire engines.

The Novosibirsk Trans-Siberian railway station is one of the largest ones in the country and it was once at the epicenter of the transport of prisoners to gulags (Soviet forced labor camps). Today, it is the main departing point for train adventures to nearby cities, including the town of Berdsk , on the shores of the Ob Sea–which is actually a man-made reservoir, not an actual sea.

The Russian taiga is a unique ecoregion that sits between the frozen tundra in the North and the more temperate mixed forests in the South. It's essentially a type of boreal forest where only coniferous trees like pines, spruces, and larches grow.

Parts of Alaska and Canada are covered in Taiga, too, but the Russian taiga brings a level of isolated beauty you won't find anywhere else. Here, temperatures can reach as low as -20 degrees Celsius, though the Siberian taiga can easily see nights of -50°C during the coldest months. In the north of the country, the taiga experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter.

The heart of the taiga is north of Irkutsk city, where dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the northern lights are waiting for you. Extreme tour operations take visitors to the area to spend days outdoors before warming up in a steam bath inside a wooden cabin, a local tradition.

Vodlozersky National Park falls within the Russian taiga. It covers over 4,000 square kilometers and is a popular destination for white water rafting and bird-watching. The park can only be reached via a countryside road from the town of Pudozh, 352 kilometers away. Once at the park, your only connection with civilization is the village of Kuganavolok , which has 500 permanent residents.

The tiny settlement of Dargavs, better known as "the city of the dead," has just over 150 permanent living residents – and at least just as many dead ones. Located near the Georgian border and only reachable after a remote and difficult one-hour drive, this tiny village is famous for its ancient cemetery.

Legend goes, the unusual cemetery – which consists of small stone buildings with serrated roofs sitting on a hill – was created in the 18th century as the final resting place for plague victims. Once infected, families would move into these "homes" with food and some personal items and stay there until (and after) their deaths. Today, visitors arrive here from all over the world to see the eerie but beautiful sight.

The closest major city is Vladikavkaz, an industrial town with plenty of cultural and historical sights that's also worth a visit.

Located in Lake Onega in northwestern Russia, this tiny, six-kilometer-long island has been inhabited since at least the 15th century.

The island's most famous sight is the Kizhi Pogost, an open-air museum with over 80 ancient wooden structures. The two 18th-century churches are especially stunning and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . They're also considered one of the most amazing and tallest wooden structures in Europe.

The main church is home to 22 silver domes (the tallest one being 37 meters) and a massive wooden altar, as well as 102 icons that decorate its walls. It was built using no nails and, legend goes, using only one axe. There is no other wooden structure in Russia built in a similar style.

To reach the island, visitors must take a picturesque ferry from the nearby city of Petrozavodsk. During summer, cruises take visitors around the lake before stopping at the island.

The best time to visit Russia depends on many factors: where you're going within the massive country, what you plan on doing when you land (hiking around Lake Baikal or touring museums in Moscow?) and just how willing you are to experience extreme weather.

If you're after savings, November and early Spring (especially March) are the cheaper months , but both are rainy and on the chilly side, with November feeling more like winter than fall.

Summer months are the most expensive months to arrive in Russia, when hotels are fully booked and flight prices skyrocket. Summer also means very hot temperatures, big crowds, and long lines to access museums or to catch a boat to tour the St. Petersburg canals.

If you plan on spending time outdoors, early fall is usually better than summer . Places like the Golden Ring (an area that extends north-east of Moscow) and Lake Baikal and the Ural Mountains are stunning in the fall, as the trees change color and a red hue takes over the entire region.

Most of the mountain trails are open in Autumn and the weather is perfect for long hikes. Lake Baikal is equally beautiful in winter, and the water looks a deep navy blue under the frozen surface, offering an incredible opportunity to skate right over the world's largest freshwater lake.

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Read our articles and discover Russia’s tourist attractions, ways to learn its traditions and culture, top activities and interesting places, world-famous museums and hidden gems, and much more that’ll inspire you to come and see Russia.

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Russian travel tips: 30 things to know before visiting Russia for the first time

September 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 7 Comments

Earlier this year, I was invited by a Russian friend to spend New Year’s Eve with his family.  I realize that my experience traveling to Russia may be atypical for other travelers as we spent the trip with friends, however I hope that my experience helps you prepare to visiting Russia for the first time.

Seeing Moscow and the surrounding areas with my friend gave me the opportunity to see a side of Russia that many tourists don’t get to see as well as some of the main tourist attractions in Moscow. I’ve included a number of Russian travel tips as well as a few things that surprised me about traveling in Russia.

• 1 You can do independent travel in Russia, but it may not always be easy to find information
• 2 Learn the Cyrillic alphabet
• 3 Learn some useful Russian expressions
• 4 Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but book things online was annoying
• 5 Russian hospitality is out of this world
• 6 Take your shoes off when entering someone’s home. 
• 7 The visa process is not easy for many nationalities
• 8 Checking your coat (during winter) is typically free and you may not be allowed into a museum without taking it off
• 9 The Metro stations in Moscow are worth admiring
• 10 The cities are very large
• 11 Book your tickets in advance for the major tourist attractions
• 12 Say goodbye to Google Maps and hello to Yandex for Maps
• 13 WiFi can be found, but you might not be able to sign on without a non-Russian phone number
• 14 Eating Russian food and other options…
• 15 Most people don’t speak English
• 16 Download a translation app before you go
• 17 People are excited to speak about English and…it can get weird
• 18 Russian architecture is incredible
• 19 Politics are better not discussed
• 20 If you’re visiting a city, you should be able to ask at your hotel for an English speaking guide.
• 21 Tea is more ubiquitous than coffee
• 22 Expect Central European prices in the major cities and things to be cheaper outside of the major cities
• 23 Visit at least one monastery 
• 24 Plan a visit to the flea markets for unique souvenirs
• 25 Be sure to visit a Russian banya and enjoy your bath
• 26 If you want to visit the Christmas markets, remember that Russia is majority Orthodox
• 27 Don’t drink (only) vodka
• 28 Russia is safe, but pickpockets definitely exist
• 29 Winter in Russia isn’t so bad, but different
• 30 Russian holidays to be aware of as it may drive up prices
• 31 Bring some nicer outfits if you’ll be going out to dinner or attending a dinner with a family
• 32 To get the best exchange rate, use a ATM. 
• 33 Standard European plugs are used
• 34 Russia is a huge country, so don’t underestimate your time traveling between cities that seem close on a map
• 35 Buy a Troika card in Moscow
• 36 Ask your Russian hosts for their version of cheers
• 37 Some amazing hotels that have remained intact since Soviet times still exist
• 38 The airports are outside of the city center
• 39 Have you visited Russia? Any travel tips you’d add?

You can do independent travel in Russia, but it may not always be easy to find information

I ended up doing a lot of research before our trip to Russia and it turns out that most people go with a tour.  There’s nothing wrong with doing a tour, especially if you’re not language inclined.  However, if you’re an experienced traveler who has been to a country where you encouraged somewhat of a language barrier and the alphabet was not readable to you, you should be fine.   

Depending on your visa situation, you might need to pre-book your hotels in order to get the visa.  Although not everyone is a big planner, the visa does require a bit of legwork if you intend to travel independently.  I’d recommend making an excel of your intended dates and whether you booked a hotel (with free cancellation) for those dates.

I encourage you to leave the main cities although it will be harder if you don’t speak Russian.  Finding information in English or your native language (that isn’t Russian) may be a bit tricky, however it is out there. 

It is fairly easy to hire a guide and I’ve heard that the Russian Couchsurfing community is very friendly.  I found the Lonely Planet Russia guidebook to be very helpful with giving us great recommendations consistently.

Learn the Cyrillic alphabet

This is my number one tip for traveling in Russia!  Even in Moscow where the Metro steps are announced in English, you need to figure out which direction you’re going in.  Without knowing the Cyrillic alphabet, this will be difficult as most of the establishments that we visited did not have English menus.  I learned the Cyrillic alphabet in about four hours , so it’s very easy–and doable on your plane ride.

Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but book things online was annoying

I tried to book a couple of things in advance before my trip, however my credit card wasn’t always working well or I had to call to unlock it as my credit card company was worried that I had been hacked.  After setting up a travel notice on my account, we arrived in Russia. 

I took out a small amount of cash, however in general, we rarely used cash as almost every single shop took cards.  Basically every card was accepted although I’d definitely recommend a card with a chip.

The only thing that I found a bit strange was nobody ever asked for my signature and/or checked my name on my card against a form of identification.  Usually, staff at the various restaurants showed us the bills, put the card in, and handed it back.  It was that simple. 

Russian hospitality is out of this world

Somehow, Russians have a reputation for being unfriendly and cold.  I can personally attest to the degree of Russian hospitality that we visited and how warm we found the hospitality to be.  To be fair, finding a Russian friend might take a little effort, but you might have luck through different hospitality networks if you’re traveling in Russia.  You might be surprised how friendly Russians are, so expect to attract some attention if people hear you speaking English in public.

Originally, we intended to stay at hotels the entire time, however my friend and his parents refused to let us do this for the majority of our stay.   Prior to our visit, my friend’s parents offered their apartment while they were off on vacation to us to stay at together with our friend.  This was a very thoughtful gesture, but the story continues.

As we walked up to the building, I noticed a lot of signs indicating that there would be wet paint inside the building.  We carefully dodged the wet paint and made a comment about it.  My friend tells us that his mother specifically told the custodian of the building that she would have guests coming from the United States to visit, so the entire apartment building was repainted in time for our arrival.  

Our friend and his family were so generous with us.  They endlessly fed us, attempted to entertain us as much as possible as the language barrier allowed, and also wrapped us in scarves when we looked cold.   Simply, we felt at home almost immediately and I came away with the trip trying to compare it to anywhere else I’ve been.  The closest that I’ve experienced elsewhere was with my own family or with my husband’s parents.

Take your shoes off when entering someone’s home. 

People do not keep their shoes on while inside someone’s house.  Remove your shoes and put on slippers if they’re available.   It’s rude otherwise.

The visa process is not easy for many nationalities

Depending on your nationality, the visa process for Russia might be difficult and expensive.  The visa process for Americans was not easy or cheap, but it was worth it.  My friend encouraged us to go through a secondary agency who may have the ability to speed up the process compared to going to the embassy.

Checking your coat (during winter) is typically free and you may not be allowed into a museum without taking it off

At least for me, it took a bit of getting used to, but most establishments, including restaurants and museums, have a coat rack that is free and available for use.  Most people leave their coats at the door and they’ll look at you funny if they see that you’re trying to enter with your coat on.  While at a museum in Yaroslavl , I tried to keep my coat as I was cold, however the staff would not let me inside with my coat on.

The Metro stations in Moscow are worth admiring

It’s weird to write that you cannot miss the metro stations in Moscow, however the Moscow metro is an amazing historical artifact. It was built during Soviet times and the idea behind many of the early stations was to inspire the population with propaganda.  As a New Yorker, I was shocked at how incredibly clean the Metro lines are in Moscow.   I’d recommend taking a tour of the Moscow Metro to fully appreciate its stunning stations.

The cities are very large

Moscow itself is a sprawling metropolis with over 11.92 million residents.  Really.  It is the largest city on the European continent, so do not underestimate how long it may take to get between two places on the map. 

I recommend paying very close to attention to your hotel’s location.  Ensure that you will be along a metro stop if you’re staying in Moscow or St. Petersburg as the other train system is not as tourist-friendly. 

We stayed mostly on the outskirts of Moscow and ended up dealing with a separate train system: the suburban train system.  This system was very affordable, however buying a ticket can be quite intimidating if you are not well-versed in Russian.   There are faster as well as slower trains that will bring you closer to the city center.  After missing a fast train from one point in the city center, it took over 1.5 hours to return on the slow train…  

Book your tickets in advance for the major tourist attractions

If you intend to visit most of the major attractions, expect major crowds.  If you don’t want to wait in line, you can purchase your tickets ahead with a tour company who will be able to explain the historical or religious significance of what you’re seeing.

Say goodbye to Google Maps and hello to Yandex for Maps

Google did work while we were in Russia, however Google Maps didn’t work as well as Yandex Maps .  Yandex is the homegrown Russian equivalent of Google who has a host of applications that you can download onto your phone.  I found their maps to be far more accurate and actually very intuitive for non-Russian speakers.

WiFi can be found, but you might not be able to sign on without a non-Russian phone number

Although WiFi was generally available and there would be signs for it, many of the Russian WiFi networks require a Russian phone number in order to log on.  A foreign phone number is not possible in many cases.  As a result, I didn’t have WiFi for many of the days that we were there as roaming charges were high.

If you intend to use your phone while in Russia, a Russian travel tip would be to purchase a cheap Russian SIM card, which will probably be cheaper than your home network.  The major Russian phone companies are MTS, Beeline, and Megafon.  Similarly, it will allow you to access the various “free” WiFi networks.  There is free WiFi on the Moscow metro trains if you get desperate…

Most people don’t speak English

Unfortunately, many older Russians do not speak English. With the younger generation, English is becoming more common, but it’s still not widely spoken.  You can find English more widely spoken within Russia’s major cities.

In general, I recommend using caution about what you say in English in public, especially if you are in Moscow or St. Petersburg, as many people in these cities do speak English very well.

Even while we were dining at a local restaurant, a man came up to us after hearing the three of us talking in English after eavesdropping on our conversation for 20 minutes from the next booth after.  He wanted to just mention that he worked in a similar field and ask us where we were from in the United States, so be on your best behavior. You never know.

Download a translation app before you go

Google Translate offline was very handy on my phone as I was able to take a picture of a couple things that I wasn’t sure of and have an instant translation.   Yandex Translate  is slightly better for Russian translations.

People are excited to speak about English and…it can get weird

Many of the people that we met who did speak English were very excited about practicing English with us and to ask where we were from.   Expect Russians to ask you about your hometown or country. 

As Americans, we felt like people were actually very warm towards us.   People certainly would pay attention to us on the street after hearing us speak English and a number of strangers came up to us to talk on the street daily in Moscow.  Even my Russian friend found this bizarre…

All of these conversations were benign, but some interactions took a turn towards the weird side.. While at a train station in Moscow, my husband ordered a drink at a cafe.  A Russian man heard him ordering and introduced himself. He immediately decided to sing the Kokomo song from the Beach Boys with the lyrics messed up with the words, “Bahama, USA.”  He asked Jacob if he recognized it and continued to sing it over and over hoping that it would result in….something.   Another interaction resulted in a hug outside of a bar.

In general, people kept coming up to Jacob to ask where he was from (in English).  In a single day, this happened five separate times while we were in Moscow.  A man on a suburban train who refused to believe that Jacob was from Kentucky, asked to see his passport to verify, then told us everything that he knew about Kentucky.  

Russian architecture is incredible

I was blown away by the stunning architecture that we saw in Russia. In the major cities, you’ll find many streets reminiscent of other European cities with ornate exteriors.  The churches were also incredibly beautiful and unique.  

As someone who grew up in the US, I was also fascinated by the Soviet side of things, so don’t miss the seven sisters in Moscow.  These Stalin-era skyscrapers are incredibly impressive and large.  Even underground, you’ll find the metro stations in Moscow to be incredibly ornate and beautiful. 

Politics are better not discussed

A lot of people are not comfortable discussing politics and it’s generally better not to broach it unless you know the person well or they start the conversation.  

If you’re visiting a city, you should be able to ask at your hotel for an English speaking guide.

Most things outside of major cities are really geared towards Russians, who often travel within Russia.  As a result, not all tour guides will speak English well.  Most hotels will have tour guides available to call who you can hire for the day for an impromptu private tour.  My friend’s parents did this while we were in Yaroslavl and they said it wasn’t very expensive.

Tea is more ubiquitous than coffee

Russian tea culture is incredibly well developed.  You can find tea basically everywhere.  Even if you’re not a big tea drinker, like me, you might be surprised by the variants of the tea that you’ll find, especially at home.  Tea is easy and cheap to buy at booths and cafes all around Moscow.  Western-style coffee shops are still not overly common, but becoming more popular in major cities.

Expect Central European prices in the major cities and things to be cheaper outside of the major cities

Costs in Russia were what you’d pay while traveling in Central Europe.  They weren’t horribly expensive although hotels in Moscow were on the higher side (30-85 euros per night) depending on how nice the hotel is and your timing.  Expect to pay around 45-55 euros for a decent 3-4* hotel that isn’t a international chain. 

Food prices were on par with what you’d expect for Central Europe within Moscow.  At no point was I really shocked at the bill, however I paid around 8-15 euros for a decent meal.   Groceries and alcohol were a lot cheaper, on par with Central Europe. If you’re sticking to slightly nicer restaurants, you’ll spend more, but it’s possible to spend less than this if you stick to local restaurants and typically Russian food (like dumplings). 

Visit at least one monastery 

We visited the Sergiyev Posad monastery outside of Moscow.  The architecture were incredible and a nice change from the major cities.  It’s hard to describe how incredibly large these complexes are and luckily, the Sergiev Posad monastery is fairly tourist-friendly. 

Russian churches expect women to wear skirts that are on the longer side (below the knee) and to cover their head when entering.  Even when visiting Sergiev Posad in winter, I was surprised by how covered up many women were, so bring extra clothing to wear into the churches.  They’re absolutely stunning and worth the extra weight for.

Plan a visit to the flea markets for unique souvenirs

For the most unique souvenirs, head to the flea market.  We ended up visiting the  Izmaylovsky market  in Mosocw, which is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs.  My favorite souvenirs from our trip were our hats and and a decorated tea cup holder with a rare Soviet-era tea glass inside.

Be sure to visit a Russian banya and enjoy your bath

A Russian banya is a unique experience to have while in Russia.  In winter, many people feel that the banya gives them a burst of energy to start off the day with.   I found the banya to be very good for my skin.

Banyas are gender separated in general although it’s okay for married couples to go together if it’s a private banya.  Some Russians even have their own private banya, especially if they have a self-standing house.  You can read more about visiting a banya here.

If you want to visit the Christmas markets, remember that Russia is majority Orthodox

Christmas in Russia is really cool to experience.  Expect to find Christmas markets around the New Year’s period and in early January prior to the 7th. We were lucky enough to be there for the Christmas lead-up and the Christmas markets were a lot of fun to browse. 

I visited one of the main Moscow Christmas markets and ended up finding lots of great souvenirs, including a birch coffee container.  (Birch is considered to be a symbol of Russia.)

Don’t drink (only) vodka

We didn’t have vodka once while in Russia and Russians get annoyed by these stereotypes.  Instead, we drank what our friend and his family drank: some sparkling wine, whiskeys from former Soviet republics, and on occasion, some beers.  The craft beer scene in Russia is growing and I was impressed with the local beer that I tried in Moscow.  

Russia is safe, but pickpockets definitely exist

Russia felt very safe while we were there.  We had no hassle and it’s like any city in the world: there’s crime and you need to pay attention to your surroundings. We were warned by my friend about pickpockets on the Metro, but we didn’t have any issues. In general, I never felt nervous about walking around, even at night when we were virtually alone.

Winter in Russia isn’t so bad, but different

Winter is a nice time to visit Russia as it opens up the opportunity for many more activities in the snow.  Unfortunately, we visited during a  warm winter , so the snow was not deep enough to go dogsledding with the dogs that belonged to my friend’s uncle. However, you can still enjoy hiking as the snow generally freezes over well enough that you can walk on it with a good pair of wool boots.

Dress warmly and in layers.  I ended up wearing my warm jacket with a t-shirt and a sweater underneath as needed with jeans.  This was enough, however I’d recommend a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf.  The wind chill is what often bothered me the most.

In terms of shoes (even in winter), you don’t need snow boots for traveling in Russia in winter if you’re only visiting the major cities as a good waterproof pair of shoes will do the trick.  I wore my waterproof booties, which were fine for Moscow.  I saw a lot of ladies wearing heels or heeled boots out in Moscow, so you’ll feel pretty underdressed if you’re wearing snow boots.

Russian holidays to be aware of as it may drive up prices

Shortly around New Years is a major Russian bank holiday and many people will travel between New Years (December 31st) and Christmas (7th of January).  As a result, expect elevated prices during this time as many people will visit the major cities for shopping. Moscow was incredibly busy when we were there and it also made hotels more expensive….  Another major holiday is Victory Day (May 9th).

Bring some nicer outfits if you’ll be going out to dinner or attending a dinner with a family

To say the least, Russian women know how to dress well.  I chronically felt underdressed, even though I packed a couple of dresses that I’d consider nice by Dutch or American standards.  If you intend to eat out at a nice restaurant as well as go out at a nicer establishment, bring some nicer outfits suitable for a really nice evening out with you.

To get the best exchange rate, use a ATM. 

In general, I recommend using an ATM to get the best exchange rate if you intend to take out cash.    If you need to exchange money, you can do this at a bank in order to get better rates, but I’d recommend minimizing foreign cash as the ruble is the Russian currency. 

Standard European plugs are used

This is a small note, but it’s the same two pronged plug used in the rest of Europe (besides the UK).  If you’re traveling from elsewhere, you might want to buy a European travel adapter for your electronics.

Russia is a huge country, so don’t underestimate your time traveling between cities that seem close on a map

We only had about two weeks and I was in the Moscow area.  I still feel that there’s a lot more to see in Moscow as well as other cities that I didn’t get to visit in the Golden Ring .  For this reason, I’d recommend ensuring that you have enough time to see the cities.

The most popular journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg is an overnight train between the cities that is quite luxurious (according to my friend), however it takes about eight hours.  If you only have a week, plan accordingly as Moscow can easily take up five days.

Buy a Troika card in Moscow

St. Petersburg also has a similar item, however the Troika card is a contactless reusable card used for the Moscow metro.  You can reload the card with ten rides (as we did), which made it easy enough to get around without having to worry about the balance.   The card itself costs 50 roubles and you can reload it at any Moscow Metro station.  It’s worth it, even just to see the stunning metro stations.

Ask your Russian hosts for their version of cheers

When we were staying with my friend, his uncle had his own version from the village near where we were staying.  That was the version that we used for most of our stay, however ask first to see what you host prefers to use. 

Some amazing hotels that have remained intact since Soviet times still exist

While looking at hotels, I ended up finding a few hotels that have barely changed since the Soviet era.  In particular, we stayed at Legendary Hotel Sovietsky, a hotel that has been mostly unchanged since Soviet times.  This hotel commissioned by Stalin himself was built in 1952 and it has marbled-columns as well as wood paneled rooms.  It did not disappoint to say the least.

Its famous Yar restaurant was moved from another location and was the site of a favorite theatre where famous Russian authors would dine in Czarist times….  It has been restored and it was used for party meetings and as well as banquets.  (It’s absolutely stunning if you get the chance to peek inside…)

The airports are outside of the city center

If you have a layover at one of the airports in Moscow or St. Petersburg, be warned that the airports are outside of the cities.  Plan accordingly for the transit time as it took us about 1.5 hours to reach the airport from our accommodation.

Luckily, Moscow has a high-speed train (Aeroexpress) that connects the airport with the city for a reasonable cost.  However, we still lost quite a bit of time navigating to the station where we caught the airport train.  Ensure that you’re heading to the right airport as well. 😉 

Have you visited Russia? Any travel tips you’d add?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

April 13, 2019 at 7:30 am

Very useful information Karen. We are planning a trip to Russia and have started reading blogsites in advance. You have touched on many aspects. Thanks.

June 26, 2019 at 3:45 pm

thank you for your sharing your experience in RZUDSIA. YES, IT IS VERY HELPFUL INFO. AD I AM VISITING RUSSIA SOON.

July 13, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Great article! Thank you for sharing many useful details,. We are going to Russia next week.

October 3, 2019 at 7:59 pm

Thanks Karen! Nice article! We are planning to visit In April and your advice will be helpful.

November 25, 2019 at 7:59 pm

Greetings, Any tour company you recommend? We’re plan to visit without specific dates just doing homework for family 2 adults and 2 kids ages 10 and 14yrs old.

December 9, 2019 at 3:25 pm

I went independently, so apologies as I can’t help here!

[…] friends and really get the most out of these conversations. If you find yourself traveling to Russia in the near future, this is a great way to learn some Russian phrases as well as […]

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the ultimate travel guide to Russia

Awe-inspiriting architecture, free-flowing vodka, hearty cuisine and fairy-tale castles. Sprawling expanses of forest and icy planes. Hip bars, opulent cathedrals and high-end shopping precincts. There’s a reason travellers are becoming increasingly intrigued by a trip to Russia. Welcome to our Russia travel guide.

One of the world’s most mysterious destinations (thanks to that impenetrable Iron Curtain), Russia is starting to pop up on many a travel hot list.

The nation’s capital, Moscow is one of Europe’s great cultural destinations. Among the many drawcards are the magnificent historical and contemporary art galleries, the picturesque Red Square, The Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. On top of that are the incredible parks and churches.

The variety of food on offer in Moscow is also worthy of note. Feast on traditional Russian soups, stews, pelmeni (dumplings), filled pancakes and caviar.

For more than 100 years Hotel National Moscow has witnessed the country’s political transformation, from imperial reign through to communist rule and the fall of the Soviet Union.

It’s a hotel that perfectly matches the city’s fascinating history.

St Petersburg is a culture capital as riddled with tales of Russia’s turbulent history as it is with artworks and canals.

Thanks to its extreme northerly position, from 11 June to 2 July St Petersburg becomes an insomniac’s dream as the sun never sets. Known as the season of the midnight sun, it’s celebrated with the White Nights Festival. This showcases classical ballet and opera and culminates in the traditional Scarlet Sails celebration.

St Petersburg’s legendary State Hermitage Museum or the Winter Palace, was historically the main residence of the Russian Tsars. Today it presents something of a quandary – do you view the three million (no, that’s not a typo) artworks spanning the Paleolithic to the present day, or the grand architecture housing the art – the splendid confection of the Winter Palace with swathes of gold on walls, columns and ceilings?

According to those in the know, if you spent a minute looking at each exhibit, you would need 11 years to see them all.

Part of the Golden Ring of quaint towns some 200km north-east of Moscow, Suzdal was the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality in the 12th century. It’s a quaint little town with a very rich history. Having avoided the industrialisation that blighted much of Russia during the Soviet era (it was bypassed by the Trans-Siberian railways in the 19th century despite lobbying by locals), the town is dotted with stunning historic Russian architecture, including blue-domed churches (the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral), monasteries, and its very own 10th-century Kremlin.

You may like to venture further afield and explore the icy beauty and rambling forests of Siberia .

Perhaps a trip on the iconic Trans-Siberian railway appeals. It’s the longest railway line in the world (9289 kilometres of track) travelling through the wilds of Siberia taking six nights to travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, and also branching off along the way into the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian railways from where you can travel to Beijing, China, and then by connecting train to Vietnam and even Singapore if you are patient.

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The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

Home to eleven time zones and a border spanning two continents, Russia, the world's largest country, is truly a world of its own. As a country that has seen the rise and fall of great empires and unions, its history only adds to its distinct identity. With vast and immensely beautiful landscapes in Siberia and the Kamchatka Peninsula, culturally rich heritage sites in the North Caucasus, and pulsating cities such as Moscow, Russia makes for a destination worth a visit for travelers of all kinds.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is known as Russia’s cultural capital, and rightly so. Home to more than 200 museums, such as the spectacular Hermitage, the city’s links to heritage from the past can also be seen in several buildings such as the opulent Catherine Palace and the magnificent Church of Saviour on Spilled Blood. St. Petersburg additionally can be a delightful destination for book lovers, with spots to explore Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky’s legacy. Further, book lovers can visit old bookstores and several libraries in the city, such as the National Library of Russia, are open to the public through pre-arranged tours. A final reason why St. Petersburg is a top destination in Russia is the exciting nightlife of the city, which one can start exploring in and around the Nevsky Prospekt.

The capital city of Moscow is definitely among the top places to visit in Russia, for its variety of experiences on offer: art museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery, high-end restaurants such as the White Rabbit to the impressive ballet culture, most prominently in the Bolshoi Theatre.

While the Red Square is a vital part of the city to see the essentials such as The Kremlin and Lenin’s mausoleum, other places in the city, such as the Izmailovo flea market, are also worth a visit.

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

The vast Russian territories on the Arctic Circle hangs as the crown of country, marked by Tundra and snow. As the northern edge of the world, this region attracts those looking to go stargazing and, if lucky, to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the largest city in the Arctic circle, Murmansk, from where you can head to villages such as Teriberka close by for views of the vast sky and a boat graveyard, beaches at the northern edge of the world, making for a thoroughly surreal experience.

Murmansk is also home to the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship turned museum. A visit to a husky farm near the city where one gets to interact with the royal, adorable Huskies in their natural habitat is also recommended.

Capital of Tatarstan region, Kazan is one of the most aesthetically delightful cities in Russia that is home to the Islamic heritage of this part of the country while also incorporating Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of Kazan is thus its heritage architecture, which displays both colorful orthodox Christian churches as well as stunning mosques such as the Khul Sharif mosque.

Other must-see buildings include the Suyumike tower and the Temple of All Religions, an eclectically styled prayer complex where several faiths can go to pray.

Kamchatka Peninsula

A peninsula full of vast volcanoes, stunning natural formations such as Valley of Geysers and a habitat of bears, a visit to Kamchatka is a real immersion into Russia’s natural beauty. There are several trekking and camping tours available inside the numerous bio-reserves located in the valley, making it ideal for those who want to disconnect with the outside world and dive deep into nature.

The city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky can be made a base to further explore the region, where once can sample some of the seafood delicacies such as Kamchatka crabs.

A resort town by the black sea, Sochi is surrounded by stunning snowcapped mountains, which form a backdrop to beaches. Among the most popular summer destinations within Russia, this city, however, this city also makes for an excellent place to try out winter sports activities such as skiing.

Besides lounging around the beaches, the city is a good place to try out adventure sports such as bungee jumping, and one can also head to the SkyPark Sochi for rollercoasters and other adventure activities with stunning views.

Republic of Dagestan

A somewhat offbeat destination in Russia for tourists, the culturally unique and naturally stunning region of Dagestan, which translates to The Land of The Mountains, can be a top choice for those looking to explore the diversity of the world’s largest country. While Dagestan is perceived by many as a dangerous place to visit owing to political movements in the area, visitors to the region attest to the fact that prior planning and taking general safety measures can make for a rewarding experience.

The city of Derbent, with the Caspian Sea on the coast, owing to its old-world charm and stunning mosques, is one prominent place to visit and to explore the heritage and culture of the region.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is a vast region full of villages around the lake that make for excellent summer holidays and comes highly recommended for visitors looking to unwind and relax. The famous trans-Siberian railway route passes through this vast water body, which can be navigated after making a base in the city of Irkutsk.

While there are several villages and spots such as Olkhon Island where you can rent a Dacha and proceed to kayak, boat, or simply lounge around the lake, a recommended place to visit is the Peschanaya Bay, which is a stunning beach-like landscape with slanted rocks to form a backdrop.

Nizhny Novgorod

Marked with history and home to several heritage monuments, Nizhny Novgorod is a top choice for Russian history lovers. Once known as ‘Gorky,’ this city was also considered an important center for the production of military equipment, but these days, the highlight of the city is its architecture.

Places to explore include the city’s Kremlin, with its 13 towers, and the historic Rozhdestvenskaya Street. Other activities to indulge in include watching the sunset over the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, which can be viewed set against the city’s Kremlin.

Vladimir and Suzdal

The two cities of Vladimir and Suzdal, located very close to each other, are part of a cluster among the "Golden Ring" cities around Moscow. While Vladimir was once the capital of the Russian empire, the adjacent Suzdal extends the sense of history and heritage through the numerous churches to be found here. Wooden houses with ornate window panels, large church and monastery complexes, and charming markets delight visitors.

Lena Pillars

Spectacular, awe-inspiring rocks that go up to impressive heights and nicknamed Mountains of Rising Gods among locals form the Lena Pillars Natural Park. A one-of-a-kind landscape that's worth a visit in Russia's Yakutia, Lena Pillars can be accessed from Yakutsk. River cruises around the park offer a spectacular view, but one can also opt for a helicopter or air tour of the area.

A winter wonderland located on the banks of the Kama River, Perm can be a surprising delight for those looking to visit ice caves such as Kungar Ice Caves in the nearby region. In itself, the city also has an impressive ballet scene as well as other cultural activities. Visitors can also take a day trip to the Memorial Complex of Political Repressions, Kuchino, Permsky Krai, also known as the Perm 36 Gulag Museum, which was once a forced labor camp.

Vladivostok

A stunning city in the Far East of Russia, Vladivostok is a port city located close to both China and North Korea. The beauty of this city, marked by mountains and bays, is most prominent in its Golden Horn Bay. Meanwhile, the city's Eagle's Nest Hill is one of the best places to get views of the cityscape.

As a big city, Vladivostok has several notable museums, with the S-56 Submarine Museum, a World War II museum located inside a submarine, being a unique choice for visitors.

Kizhi Island, Karelia

Russia’s wooden architecture is among the many things unique to the county, and the Kizhi Island, located in the Karelia region, is an open-air museum of these detailed and classic structures. Kizhi Island is increasingly becoming a popular site for visitors, with ancient structures such as the Church of Transfiguration as well as an arranged display of rural life. The island, which houses the oldest wooden church in Russia, can be visited from Petrozavodsk and can only be visited for a day trip.

Yekaterinburg

A large industrial city in the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is among Russia’s crucial spots with a significant history in the Russian Revolution: it is where Russia’s last Tsar and his family were executed. Exciting for history and culture enthusiasts, this city is home to a thriving theater and dance scene. Further, Yekaterinburg also houses over 30 interesting museums.

Those in the city can also plan day trips to fascinating spots close to the town, such as the quirky Kirillov’s House in the Kunara village or opt for a nature trip to the mountains.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Russia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, russia - avoid all travel.

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. The impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine could also include:

• partial military mobilization
• restrictions on financial transactions
• increasingly limited flight options

If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available. If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service.

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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.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required for stays in commercial accommodations (exceptions apply) Guest visa: required for stays in private accommodations Business visa: required Student visa: required Transit visa: required (exceptions apply) Exit visa: required

You must be submitted your visa request online to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Foreign visitors must leave Russia once the visa validity period has ended. To extend a visa, a foreign national must arrange with the territorial units of the migration service authorities prior to the validity end date to start the extension process.

Embassy of the Russian Federation

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 Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

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.

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FAQ: How to travel to and from Russia right now

A girl holds a kitten in her arms in one of the terminals at Vnukovo international airport

Who can enter Russia

At the time of writing, Russia has opened its borders for citizens of the following countries:

• Great Britain

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. As for Abkhazia and Belarus, Russia has a visa-free regime with these countries.

People near an information board at Terminal B at the Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow during the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), july 21,2020

Additionally, on August 2, 2020 Russia opened its borders for Swiss nationals, but international flights to and from Switzerland will only resume on August 15. Flights will be operated once a week on the Moscow-Geneva-Moscow route.

Nationals of other states can also enter Russia if they:

• are family members of Russian citizens (family members include spouses, parents, children, carers and guardians). Grandparents and siblings are not included on the list. When applying for a visa, you will need to provide documents showing proof of kinship;
• have permanent residency in the Russian Federation. A temporary Russian residence permit is not accepted;
• are travelling to attend the funeral of a close relative. To enter the country, they will need to provide the death certificate and documents showing proof of kinship;
• are travelling to look after close relatives. To enter the country, they will need medical certificates and documents showing proof of kinship;
• are travelling to Russia for medical treatment. To enter the country, they will need to provide a certificate issued by a Russian state-run or private clinic. The document must state the date of the medical appointment, the patient’s full name, the name of the procedure and also the particulars and stamp of the medical organization.

There are several categories of foreign nationals to whom Russia has not prohibited entry. They include:

• Employees of consular establishments in the Russian Federation;
• Truck drivers delivering goods to Russia;
• Members of official delegations and persons who hold official visas;
• Aircraft crews, sea and river vessel crews and train and locomotive crews of international railway services.

In all other cases, crossing the border of the Russian Federation will be regarded as illegal. People violating this law can be fined up to 200,000 rubles (approx. $2,668) or face compulsory labor or imprisonment for up to two years.

No travel without a certificate

Passengers queue for rapid COVID-19 testing launched at Vnukovo International Airport with the use of testing kits developed by the Russian-Japanese joint venture Evotech-Mirai Genomics. The results are issued in 60min in Russian and English, August 7,2020

On July 27, 2020, Anna Popova, the head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor), signed an instruction under which all foreigners coming to Russia must, on boarding their flight, have a certificate confirming they have tested negative for Covid-19.

The certificate must be issued no more than three days prior to arrival in Russia and the document can be printed in either Russian or English.

There is no longer a mandatory two-week period of self-isolation on arrival in Russia - Popova lifted that requirement from July 15, 2020.

Traveling out of Russia

People who have arrived from New York City on an Aeroflot - Russian Airlines flight, carry their luggage at the arrivals area of Sheremetyevo International Airport. June 17.2020

The following categories of citizens can also travel out of the country:

• Persons with dual nationality; 
• Persons with permanent residency in another country; 
• Citizens in possession of a work visa or a visa issued for medical treatment in another country. 

Resumption of air travel and flight cancellations

Despite the lifting of restrictions on travel to and from Russia, Russian passenger airlines have started to experience problems with international flights.

From early June, the Russian flagship carrier Aeroflot was selling tickets for flights from Moscow to dozens of cities, including Frankfurt am Main, Paris, London, New York, Rome, Seoul and Tel Aviv.

Another large airline, S7, is also operating flights from Moscow to Alicante and Nice, and promised to resume flights to Turkey from August 10.

Aeroflot was suspected of illegally selling tickets to countries with which air links remain restricted. This was pointed out by the Federal Antimonopoly Service.

As a result, on August 6, 2020, Aeroflot announced the cancellation of practically all of its international flights. A full list of cities to which the airline will not be operating flights up untilAugust 31 has been published on the air carrier’s website. 

A stewardess wait outside the Sheremetyevo A.S. Pushkin international airport following the easing of the coronavirus restrictions, outside Moscow, Russia

According to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency’s (Rosaviatsiya) website, the majority of Russian airlines are primarily planning to resume flights to Turkey, which is a popular summer vacation destination among Russians. 

“The number of regular and charter flights to Turkey is to be significantly increased from August 10. Russian carriers Sibir, Ural Airlines, Royal Flight, Nordwind Airlines, Azur Air, Rossiya Airlines and iFly are all planning to commence flights,” the air regulator’s website says. Flights to Moscow by international air carriers Turkish Airlines and British Airways are also expected to resume.

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50 Important Tips for Traveling in Russia

So you are planning a visit to my Motherland? This truly makes me happy. As a person who was born in Russia and knows about its beauty, historical and cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, I often feel frustrated by the lack of interest to my home country around the world. Ok, I’ll rephrase that. There’s a great deal of interest and curiosity, but very few people end up satisfying that interest at the source. I don’t mean you. You are already planning a trip… unless you are some kind of weirdo who reads tips for traveling to foreign countries in your spare time.  

What I am trying to say is kudos to you for choosing my home as your next destination! I hope you will have a great experience, and I am here to help with a few travel tips for Russia. Being Russian is both an advantage and a disadvantage in writing this post. On the one hand, I know my country better and on a deeper level that travelers who come for a few weeks. On the other hand, I cannot experience Russia as a foreign visitor who can’t speak the language, doesn’t know Cyrillic alphabet, and has never eaten kholodets.  

To bring the best of the two worlds, I asked my foreign friends who had been to Russia what they wish they knew before the trip. Below is a mix of Russia travel tips from me and my friends.  

50 Tips for Traveling in Russia

What to See in Russia

• I am going to sound banal, but start with Moscow and Saint Petersburg. First, you cannot go to Russia and not see those cities, it just doesn’t make any sense. The amount of historical and cultural sites in Moscow  is mind-blowing. And  Saint Petersburg with its beautiful churches,   hidden courtyards , and majestic palaces is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. You can spend a month in each city and still not cover all the attractions. And second, these are the two cities easiest to explore if you don’t speak Russian. Street signs, metro map and stations names, menus in restaurants are all translated into English.
• Don’t limit yourself with Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Just think of it: Russia is THE largest country in the world and takes up 1/6 of the land mass. There is innumerable amount of beautiful towns and villages, forests and mountains, lakes and rivers to explore.  Some of the places on my personal wish list are the Golden Ring of Russia, Sochi, Kazan, Lake Baikal, Altai region, and Kamchatka. Also, consider visiting my home of Yekaterinburg .
• If you are doing the full length of Trans-Siberian train journey,  make breaks and go out to explore cities on the way. I know it’s a dream for many people traveling to Russia, but I have to say, no Russian ever dreamed of traveling by train for seven days (which is how long it takes from end to end) just for the sake of it.  When a foreigner asked me for the first time if I had done the full length of Trans-Siberian, my answer was genuine “why would I do that?” That is not to discourage you, I just find it funny.

Weather, Time Zones, and the Best Time to Visit

• Russia is divided into eleven time zones which means when you travel from region to region it’s important to check in which time zone you are. Daylight saving time is not observed.  
• Contrary to what you might have heard, there is such a thing as summer in Russia. And no, it doesn’t snow in summer. Russia is a large country, so climate changes from region to region. But, overall, the weather is warm and enjoyable from May to September which is when you should visit. On average, the temperature in summer is around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• If you are looking for adventurous and memorable vacation, visit Russia in winter. As Siberians say, “A Siberian is not the one who isn’t afraid of cold, but the one who dresses up properly”. Yes, it will be cold and you’ll have to wear layers and layers of clothes, but you’ll get to do all the fun winter activities: ice skating, skiing, making a snowman, tobogganing, and so on. And you can’t imagine what a satisfying feeling it is to have a cup of hot tea with varenie (jam) after a long day outside.  
• The one season I wouldn’t recommend for a trip is early spring (March-April). This is the time when snow starts melting, creating huge dirty puddles on the road. Overall, it’s grey, grimy, and depressing.  
• Plan you trip around holidays if you want to celebrate with Russians. The two holidays we love and celebrate big are New Year (31st of December) and Victory Day (9th of May). Spending New Year in Moscow is one the coolest things you can do (and you might as well stay for Russian Orthodox Christmas on the 7th of January) .

• Packing, of course, depends on the season. I assume, you’ll figure out what to take for summer? For winter, pack layers. Make sure to take tights, a hat, a scarf, mittens (no leather gloves!), sweaters, a really good warm jacket. As for winter shoes, Russians opt for boots made of genuine leather with genuine fur inside (faux leather and fur are considered very low quality and will not keep you warm). Next one is funny, but I have to say it. Russians are very stylish, especially girls. So even in winter, with all the layers, people still think about how it will all look together.  
• The single most important clothing item in your luggage should be comfortable shoes. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are made to be explored on foot. You’ll end up walking for 6-8 hours a day on average. Pack something comfy, that won’t make a walk around the city a struggle.  
• Pack a shawl and a skirt for those days when you are planning to visit churches. Women have to wear skirts below the knee and put on shawls on their heads when entering a church, men have to remove any hats/caps. Some of the most touristy churches and temples have skirts and shawls you can borrow at the entrance.
• If you are planning to go out in the evening, pack something nice. As I mentioned above, Russians like to dress up. You won’t see a girl wearing tights and a hoodie, with no make up on going out and about. Special occasions, like a theatre play, a dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a night out in a club require some dressing up.

• Local currency is Russian Ruble. It’s best to exchange money in banks. The most famous and trustworthy bank in Russia is Sberbank. Other well-known banks include VTB, Alfa-bank, Bank of Moscow, VUZ bank. They sometimes have a slightly better exchange rate than Sberbank.
• Take the most perfect newest banknotes on your trip. Make sure there are no torn parts and no marks. Don’t fold them. A lot of banks in Russia charge a commission to exchange US dollars or Euros into Rubles if the banknotes are not “picture-perfect”. Sometimes even the tiniest crease can be a cause to charge you extra. This is infuriating, but is a common practice. I noticed that banks in Moscow and Saint Petersburg do this less often than banks in smaller cities.
• Credit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets (even in smaller towns). However, you might encounter problems with paying by credit card online, for example, for internal air tickets or hotels. I personally had trouble booking flights from Moscow to Ekaterinburg and buying tickets to Bolshoi Theatre with a card issued by a US bank. It’s always worth trying to book your tickets directly first, but if the payment doesn’t go through, the best way is to book through a third party. I used Expedia to book my internal flights. If you have a friend in Russia you can ask them to book tickets for you and refund the money later.  
• In comparison with USA, where tips usually constitute a major part of a waiter’s salary, in Russia, tips are seen only as a way to show appreciation. Generally, we leave 10% tip in restaurants. We don’t normally tip taxi drivers, hair dressers, nail specialists.  
• Unless you are at a Chinese market (you’ll be surprised, but we have one in almost every big Russian city), bargaining is not a thing. Probably, another exception would be souvenir vendors near all major attractions in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but I wouldn’t recommend buying from them anyways.  

• If you are traveling from USA, bring an adapter. The power sockets in Russia are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V; standard frequency is 50 Hz.
• If your phone is unlocked, get a local sim-card — it will save you a lot of money. The major carriers in Russia are Megafon, MTS, Beeline and Tele2. In Russia, you get a sim card for a particular region. If you are traveling outside of your region, you’ll be in roaming mode. If you are planning to visit several regions of Russia, explain it to the salesman when buying a sim card. A passport is required to get a sim card.
• The easiest way to refill your phone balance is by using a Qiwi machine. These machines are somewhat like ATMs, only they are meant for payments. You can pay with cash or credit card. The machines are spread out across cities. Usually, you can find one in supermarkets.
• Wi-Fi is everywhere: in restaurants, cafes, hotels, even in Moscow metro and buses.  

Public Transport in Cities

• Public transportation system is well developed all around Russia and especially in big cities. You can get around without a car easily. Some of the main types of public transport include metro, buses, street cars, trams, and marshrutka (a privately owned van for about 12-15 people).
• In Moscow, buy a card called Troika that will allow you to automatically pay for metro, bus, and street car. Not only is it comfortable, but it’ll save you money too. You can buy it at any metro station or in special kiosks near bus stops. You can refill the card when the balance is low.
• In Saint Petersburg, the same type of card is called Podorozhnik. It will allow you to use three types of public transport without having to deal with cash and tickets every time.  
• If you need taxi, use Uber app or a local app called Yandex.Taxi  

• I consider Russia a safe country to travel, but I recommend to take the same precautions as you would in any other country. Don’t hang out late at night in some shady little streets, don’t walk around with your bag wide open, don’t flash money, be especially careful around train stations and touristy attractions.  I always recommend to get a travel insurance, especially if you are traveling to a new and unknown country. I always use World Nomads in my travels. Give it a try!
• Hate to say it, but if your skin color is not white, you’ll have some extra attention in Russia. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything bad, but people are curious about what they haven’t encountered and they will stare. You won’t feel it much in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, where locals are used to tourists from all over the world. But the further away you travel from big cities, the more attention you’ll draw.  

• Politics is politics, and people are people. Despite everything that is going on in the world right now, despite the tensions between Russia and the Western world, Russian people are generally nice, friendly, and welcoming. That is not me praising my nation, that is what my foreign friends who have been to Russia shared with me.  
• The notorious “no smiling rule” in Russia. I can’t explain it, but it’s true that Russians don’t smile much in the streets. We joke and laugh a lot in a company of friends, but smiling at strangers is regarded a little weird. I’ve even read somewhere that looking at someone for more than two seconds is considered rude, that is bs. You can smile all you want — checking out people’s reaction is priceless.
• We don’t do small talk. It makes us feel awkward.
• Because Russians don’t smile and don’t do small talk, we often come off as aloof and cold. In reality, Russians are some of the most kind and generous people once you get to know us. We don’t pretend to like anyone, we don’t smile at strangers, we can be blunt to the point of being rude, but if you make a Russian friend, he will “give his last shirt away” to help you. One thing I really love about my people: we don’t pretend. If someone actually smiles at you, they mean it.
• Russians have a loooot of superstitions. Don’t whistle inside the house — you’ll have no money. Don’t keep a handbag on the floor — again, no money. Don’t sit on the corner of the table — you won’t get married. Don’t keep an empty bottle on the table — no idea what will happen, just don’t. Sit down before going on a long journey — it will bring luck.
• Russian men are galant and courteous around women. Opening a door, giving up a seat in public transport (this one is becoming less common these days), and helping with a heavy bag are fairly common. A man usually pays the bill if he invited a woman out, even if it’s not a date.  
• We have a saying in Russia “Theatre starts with a cloakroom”. Walking into a theatre wearing an overcoat is rude. Leave it at the cloakroom where a surprisingly fast babushka will take it from you. Similarly, there are cloakrooms in art galleries, museums, cinemas, and restaurants in Russia.  
• If you are planning a night out in a club, dress up! Apart from “dress code”, there’s also so called “face control” in Russian clubs. I know how ridiculous it sounds. The bouncers don’t really check whether your face is pretty enough, they estimate whether you are able to spend money inside. So if you want to get in, you have to look fancy AF.  
• If you are invited into someone’s house, bring something “k chayu” — sweets to have with tea. Usually when Russians invite you home, it means a big meal, so the least you can do is bring a dessert or a bottle of wine.  
• Remove shoes at the entrance when coming into someone’s home. It’s considered rude to leave the shoes on.

• English is not very widespread in Russia. Nevertheless, younger generation can usually communicate on a basic level. If you are looking for help, stop someone in their twenties. Language-wise, Moscow and Saint Petersburg are the easiest cities in Russia to visit. All of the street names, metro maps, the names of the stations, menus in restaurants are translated into English.
• The further away from big cities you travel, the less people will know English. Use Google Translate or Yandex.Translate to help you communicate.  The latter is developed in Russia and tends to  do a better job.
• Majority of my foreign friends who have been to Russia said that knowing Cyrillic alphabet helps a ton when traveling around the country. It’s worth investing some time in learning the alphabet before the trip in order to feel more confident once you are in Russia.
• Some useful words in Russian include: privyet – hello, paka – bye, spasiba – thank you, pazhalusta – please, izvinite – excuse me, pryama – straight, naprava – to the right, nalyeva – to the left. Counting form one to five: odin, dva, tree, chetirye, pyat’. Ya ne piyu – I don’t drink. The last one is a joke, you got that, right?

Food and Drink

• In Russia, eat what Russians do : lots of soups, mayo filled salads, potato and cabbage in all possible forms, add a slice of bread to everything, and don’t forget about baked goods and pastries. Also, drink lots of tea. By lots I mean six cups a day. If you want to learn more about the way Russians drink tea, read this article . And to learn how to eat like a Russian — read this .  
• Apart from Russian food try Georgian, Armenian, and Uzbek cuisines. Food of the former Soviet republics is very popular in Russia and is so incredibly good! Also — but don’t laugh ok? — try Japanese rolls. They are probably nothing like what you’d find in Japan, but so delicious! Philadelphia roll is a must.
• If you are looking for a cheap meal, check for stolovaya — canteen. Canteens were a popular dining option in Soviet times and are still a great way to have a good affordable meal. If you want a nice setting, look for a restaurant that offers “business lunch”. Many restaurants and cafes offer lunch at lower prices than their normal menu.
• Not all Russians drink vodka. We don’t start our day by having a shot. We don’t drink every single day. We don’t drink to warm up in winter.   We do drink when there’s a special occasion. If you want to drink vodka like the Russians, have a shot and follow it up with a pickle or by sniffing on a slice of rye bread.  
• There’s no “Cheers!” in Russian language. Instead, we say a toast before every drink. It can be something as simple as “Let’s drink to love/friendship/your health!” or an elaborate story with a moral lesson. Whatever you say, do not say “na zdorovie!” I’ve no idea how this stereotype spread out, but a lot of foreigners think “na zdorovie!” is Russian for “cheers!” It is not. You can say “za zdorovie!” which means “to your health!”, but Russians wouldn’t say the same toast over and over again. Be creative!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I can’t emphasize enough how important travel insurance is when you are planning a trip to a foreign country! So many things can go not exactly as planned (like that time I got food poisoning and  got robbed of all my luggage  in San Francisco).

I use  World Nomads  in my travels. You can buy and claim insurance online (even if your trip has already started). And their service is impeccable: fast and polite. You can get a customized quote for your trip below!

Hope these Russia travel tips were helpful! If you are a first-time traveler, try to forget all the stereotypes you have heard and keep an open mind. If you have any questions, comment below!

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32 Comments

Great tips and I love your pics. I’ve been only once to Russia and I can recommend to everyone – much to see there.

Thank you, Jane! Glad you found the tips helpful! Which cities did you visit in Russia?

Privet Yulia! I loved this post on Russia! My fiance is from St. Petersburg and I visited Russia (SPB, Moscow and Kazan) for the first time last June and I absolutely fell in love with it. That is, of course, after I was super offended by the no smiling and being pushed around and glared at on the metro, lol! I am so lucky that because my fiance’s family lives there, I got a way more local perspective and I would say that 100% of what you write is spot-on true! My family-in-law are some of the nicest and most generous people I’ve ever met in my life. I absolutely love Russian hospitality. They’re basically always asking “have you eaten?” and “drink more!” lol. I am learning Russian language and our goal is to live in Russia for three months next year so that I can become conversational in the language because when we have kids, we want to raise them speaking both languages fluently! I am going to go check out your other blog articles now! I also wrote several articles on Russia on my blog, http://www.culturalfoodies.com .

Dasvidanya and Aloha from a fellow travel & foodie blogger in Hawaii! – Lisa

Hey Lisa! Sorry it took me a while to reply, I have been trying to spend more time offline recently. So nice to meet someone who’s excited about exploring Russia and learning Russian language! I always feel that my country is really under appreciated as a tourist destination, so nothing makes more excited than meeting people who love my Motherland 🙂 Kudos for trying to learn Russian by the way, as I once tried to teach someone Russian as a foreign language I can imagine how hard it must be to learn it! Hope we can get a cup of coffee sometime or share a meal in Saint Petersburg! My last article is actually about Cococo. Hope you tried it on your last trip!

No worries, good on you for trying to disconnect! I struggle with that as well as a blogger; we’re nearly always on some sort of device, taking photos or notes! I’ll check out your article on Cococo now! 🙂

Tell me about it! With all the pictures, stories, videos, tweets, FB posts, it’s like you are never really offline enjoying the moment. Can’t complain, though, I love blogging and it gives me so much in return, including encounters like this one! 🙂

OMG I just opened up six different windows to read about your Russia blog! It makes me miss my second “home” so much! By the way, I’d like to “follow” your blog so that I’m notified when a new post comes out, but I can’t find on your page where to do that! Could you please tell me?

Lisa, in the end of every article there’s a form you can fill out to receive my newsletters (I usually send them twice a month). Thank you so much for your following and support! I appreciate it! 🙂

Hello Yulia, I’ve just discovered your blog and I love this post. I’ve lived in Moscow since 2007 but I’m originally from Australia. What you say about Russian people is so true – they’re so warm, with beautiful souls, although you wouldn’t think it by looking at them in the metro! I’m going to read the rest of your blog (or as much as I can!), it looks really interesting. Thank you for sharing such positive information about Russia, it truly is a wonderful place and I feel very privileged to be able to live here.

Hey Cheryl! It makes me really happy that you find Russia a great place to live and Russian people warm and hospitable! I know how we may look rather guarded and unfriendly at first sight. Do you speak Russian? Have you traveled around the country much? I have to say that although I am from Russia, I didn’t get to see much of my own country. Hope to change that soon!

Hello! My name is Nox and I recently found your blog. I am originally from Russia (I now live in America) and I just want to say that your posts are spot on! This one is particular is a must-read for anyone that wants to visit Mother Russia (non-Russians say Mother Russia a lot, I’m not actually sure why haha). And yes, learning the Cyrillic alphabet makes things a lot easier, according to my boyfriend. And for anyone traveling to Russia, please learn some words! Believe it or not, the entire nation does not cater to your missing knowledge and not everything is translated, so at least learn the basics. Duolingo is good, and free! And yes, Russians are very very white so if you are not, traveling to more remote areas will definitely get you some stares. People aren’t necessarily trying to be rude, they’re just curious. Anyways, thank you for the wonderful blog and to any prospective travelers, I hope you have a wonderful trip ) P. S. Obviously, English is not my first language and I’m still learning, so please excuse any mistakes

Thank you! I am glad you found my blog!

“Russians are very very white” hahaha that’s what my husband says too, he’s from Sri Lanka 🙂

Hi, My name is Indrawati Halim from Indonesia I 59 Years old I did travelling 2-3 times in a year. Thank you for the tips it will very useful while I plan to visit Russia Sept 2019.

Hi Indrawati! I am happy these tips were helpful! Hope you’ll enjoy your trip to Russia!

I’m so in love with Russia – amazing country and so many things to see. St Petersburg is just magical. Thank you for bringing out lovely memories with your post.

thank you for the kind words, I am so glad this post revived happy memories in you. Saint Petersburg is definitely one of my favorite cities in the world!

I’m here because I’m going to visit Russia next month and am worried af. So I googled some travel info and found this lovely guide, and have fun with your interesting tips. Thank you so much to save a nervous soul!

You are some welcome, Chiao! I am happy my article helped to calm you down before this big trip. I am sure it’s just the nerves before going to a new, less explored country. I hope you will have a great experience there. Eat some pelmeni and borsch for me 🙂

Hi Yulia, thank you for telling about Russia. I’ve visited Russia This month after my reading your article. I was in S.Petersburg, but I used one day shore excursion. It was amazing trip in my life, I want to come back Russia in the future. Thank you!!!

Hey Sophie! I am happy that my article was useful in preparing for your trip and especially that you loved Russia! Hope you’ll be back soon 🙂

I’m going to visit Moscow in July. Thank you so much for all the tips in the post.

My pleasure! I hope you have a great time in Russia, Patrick!

What a beautiful and helpful article! I’m so excited to travel to Moscow and SPB in May/June. Can you tell me a little bit more on what to wear? I admit it’s hard for me to not think big puffy coat Also- when visiting the churches, what kind of head wrap do you recommend? I’m nervous because I don’t speak the language, but I’m working on learning the basics. Not smiling at strangers will also be hard for me- I’m from Texas! Thanks again for your tips!

Hi Christine! I am sorry my reply comes way past your trip to Russia and my answers are too late. I’ve been on a break from blogging for the past 3 months and didn’t keep up with comments or emails. I hope you trip to Russia went wonderful and language wasn’t too much of a barrier. I’d be happy to hear about your impressions of my homeland 🙂

Hi Yulia, I’m glad I found this page. I’m thinking of a trip to Moscow/ St Petersburg in the near future. I’ve travelled on business to Japan so many times, and the best experiences there, for me was being able to appreciate the cultural differences while understanding the similarities. I’m sure that I can have those same experiences in Russia. I’m just starting to plan our trip and this page was a good start!

Hi Tom! I am so sorry it took me forever to reply. I’ve been on a 3-month vacation from blogging and didn’t keep up with comments or emails. I am happy my post was helpful in planning your trip. I actually just returned from Russia yesterday after visiting Moscow, Saint Petersburg, the Kola Peninsula and the Urals, so a lot more posts are coming up! By the way, Japan is in my top 3 countries I want to visit!

Hi Yulia Thank you very much for all the info! We are from South Africa and are coming to SPB and Moscow in June! Looking so forward to it. We are doing the waterways-cruise between SPB and Moscow. Any tips fot that?

Hi Hannes! I am sorry it took me forever to reply, I was on a break from blogging for the past 3 months. I haven’t heard of the water-ways cruise. I usually travel between Moscow and Saint Petersburg by Sapsan train. I hope you enjoyed your time in Russia in June! Would be happy to hear your impressions!

Thanks for the tips I will use Uber and metro and buy the card for metro and taxi. Reaching soon. About SIM card, thanks for tips too.

Hey Sandy! I am glad this post was helpful! Have a great trip to Russia! 🙂

Hi Yulia, Lovely article. I am going to visit St. Petersburg soon and these tips are extremely helpful. Thanks for the information. Really looking forward for my 1st trip to Russia.

Hey Mrunmayi! So happy these tips were helpful! Enjoy your trip to Saint Petersburg, it’s one of my favorite cities in the entire world. I am planning to write a mini-guide to the restaurants I love in St. Petersburg, so maybe come back in a week or two to check that out 🙂

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European Russia stretches from the borders of Belarus and Ukraine to the Ural mountains, over 1000km east of Moscow; even without the rest of the vast Russian Federation, it constitutes by far the largest country in Europe. Formerly a powerful tsarist empire and a Communist superpower, Russia continues to be a source of fascination for travellers. While access is still made relatively difficult by lingering Soviet-style bureaucracy – visas are obligatory and accommodation usually has to be booked in advance – independent travel is increasing every year, and visitors are doubly rewarded by the cultural riches of the country and the warmth of the Russian people.

Where to go in Russia

Russian for beginners, russian red tape.

Moscow, Russia’s bustling capital, combines the frenetic energy of an Eastern city with the cosmopolitan feel of a Western one. With its show-stopping architecture – from the tsarist palaces of the Kremlin and the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, through the monumental relics of the Communist years, to the massive building projects of today – and the impersonal human tide that packs its streets and subways, the metropolis can feel rather overwhelming. By contrast, St Petersburg, Russia’s second city, is Europe at its most gracious, an attempt by the eighteenth-century tsar Peter the Great to emulate the best of Western European elegance in what was then a far-flung outpost. Its people are more relaxed and friendly, and its position in the delta of the River Neva is unparalleled, giving it endless watery vistas. Visible – often ostentatious – but uneven wealth creation in both cities has made them twin figureheads for Russia’s recent high-speed renaissance.

Top image © Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Russia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Russia

• How to get to Russia
• Culture and Etiquette in Russia
• Eating and drinking in Russia
• Getting around Russia: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Russia
• Travel Tips Russia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Russia

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updated 26.04.2021

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Japan's first new banknotes in 20 years use holograms to defeat counterfeits

Japan began circulating its first new banknotes in 20 years on Wednesday, featuring three-dimensional portraits of the founders of financial and female education institutions in an attempt to frustrate counterfeiters.

Russia's S7 Will Decommission Its Airbus A320/1neo Planes Due To Sanctions

• S7 Airlines could ground its Airbus A320neo family aircraft due to the sanctions making it harder to maintain the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine powering its A320neo and A321neos.
• The head of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency warned that the carrier's decision to ground its A320neo family aircraft fleet could impact the whole Russian aviation system.
• Reports have indicated that the airline has also been seeking approval to export its A320neo and A321neos outside of Russia.

According to Dmitry Yadrov, the head of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Федеральное агентство воздушного транспорта, FAVT, or Rosaviatsiya), S7 Airlines will be forced to ground its Airbus A320neo family aircraft due to the mandatory engine repairs of the PW1100G, which has become increasingly difficult due to the sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Affecting the whole Russian aviation industry

Yadrov told reporters that Russia’s passenger air traffic could fall by almost 7% year-on-year (YoY) to 98.1 million passengers, according to reports by the Russian news agency TASS . The head of Rosaviatsiya detailed that while the number was planned and the number of passengers during the first five months of the year has grown by 8% YoY, the summer could determine the final number of passengers transported by Russian airlines.

However, Yadrov emphasized that a lot will depend on what S7 Airlines decides to do with its A320neo family aircraft that are equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines. The executive stated that they carry a significant volume of passengers, but they now require maintenance, something that airlines around the world have complained about, Yadrov added.

Overweight & Late: Russia's MC-21 Expected To Be 6 Tons Heavier

The aircraft will have significantly reduced performance when eventually enters production.

Circumventing sanctions with the help of Iran

In addition, sanctions have made it impossible to repair and service these engines. In a separate report by Kommersant , S7 Airlines is planning to reduce its upcoming winter schedule by between 10% and 15% due to aircraft maintenance, with a Rosaviatsiya source telling the Russian publication about S7’s difficulties maintaining the PW1100G.

Kommersant also cited another source, which told the outlet that servicing the Pratt & Whitney engines could not be done either at S7 Technics, S7 Airlines’ maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) subsidiary, or in Iran, which traditionally deals with older-generation aircraft and engines.

Furthermore, another Rosaviatsiya insider told the publication that S7 Airlines has sought ways how to get rid of the Airbus A320neo family aircraft, with the carrier potentially looking for approval from the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation (Министерство транспорта Российской Федерации, Минтранс России) to export the A320neo family aircraft abroad, with at least 22 jets being involved in the ordeal.

According to ch-aviation data, S7 Airlines has 101 aircraft in its fleet, with the airline operating 31 A320neo (15 inactive) and eight A321neo (all inactive) aircraft. However, while the ownership of 26 A320neo family aircraft was unknown, 13 were owned by S7 Airlines, meaning that potentially, no foreign lessors are affected by the airline's woes with its A320neo family aircraft.

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Some of S7 Airlines' former crew members have already been hired by Aeroflot and its low-cost arm, Pobeda.

Expanding its fleet

However, in May, S7 Airlines announced that it had added three Airbus A321 aircraft to its fleet, beginning the flights with the three jets during the upcoming summer season. The three A321s, registered as RA-73310, RA-73689, and RA-73693 are owned by the State Transport Leasing Company ( Государственная транспортная лизинговая компания, GTLK ).

Before S7 Airlines took ownership of the trio, another Russian airline, Yamal Airlines, had operated the A321s. Two, namely RA-73310 (delivered in May 2003) and RA-73689 (delivered in April 2003), were previously operated by Lebanon-based Middle East Airlines, while Airbus originally handed over RA-73693 (delivered in November 2004) to Aeroflot.

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