Russia is a vast country with diverse cultures and landscapes. You can encounter the Arctic Sea to the north and the warm Mediterranean climate to the south.
CapitalMoscow
Population146,000,000
Official language(s)Russian
CurrencyRuble
Time zoneUTC+3
Public transport can be complicated, so it's best to familiarize yourself with it in advance.
Russia allows visa-free or e-visa entry for tourists from many nationalities, but the permitted stay and requirements vary by passport. Check your own nationality’s visa rules and length of stay before departure. Russia does not have a universal pre-travel authorization system like ESTA or K-ETA, and it also does not usually require an advance online arrival card for standard tourist entry. In some cases, a paper migration card and customs declaration may still be required, and cash declaration thresholds can depend on the situation and total currency carried, so check airport guidance on arrival.
Check entry documents
First make sure your passport, visa or e-visa approval, and accommodation details are ready. In some cases, the airline or border officer may ask briefly about your purpose of visit and length of stay.
Receive and fill out the migration card
Depending on the case, you may be given a paper migration card and must fill in your passport details and planned stay accurately. If told to keep it until departure, store it safely with your passport.
Decide whether to declare customs items
Declare goods that exceed duty-free allowances, items that may look commercial, or restricted goods. Cash may be subject to a declaration threshold, so use the red channel if you are carrying a large amount of cash or travelers’ checks.
Pass border control
At immigration control, officers may verify your passport, visa status, and purpose of stay. Re-taking biometrics such as fingerprints or a face photo is not usually standard, but follow the instructions given on site.
Prepare departure documents
If you were given a migration card to keep until departure, make sure you have it with you, and check any required accommodation or stay records. If it is lost, you may be asked for additional verification at the airport.
Check export customs rules
If you are carrying gifts, electronics, valuables, or cash, check whether any of them are restricted or need to be declared. Keeping receipts for expensive items bought in Russia can help during customs checks.
Exit passport control and board
At exit control, your passport and stay records may be checked, so present any documents you received on entry. There is usually no separate departure tax to pay, but airport charges or fees included in the ticket follow the airline’s rules.