Russia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Russia's visa policy requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before travel. The country offers several visa categories including tourist, business, student, work, and transit visas. An electronic visa system is available for citizens of certain countries for short stays.
Very limited visa-free access to Russia for most nationalities
Visa-free access is very limited. Most major Western countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) are NOT included. Citizens of CIS countries may have different arrangements. Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 14 days. Always verify current status as agreements can change.
Simplified electronic visa available for citizens of eligible countries for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes
Cost: Free of charge (as of 2024)
E-Visa is single-entry only and valid for specific purposes (tourism, business, humanitarian). Not valid for work or study. Can be used at most major airports, seaports, and land border crossings. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens currently require traditional visas, not eligible for e-Visa. Check official website for current eligible nationalities as the list is expanding.
Standard visa application through Russian embassy or consulate required for most nationalities
US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens must apply for traditional visas. Tourist visas require proof of accommodation for entire stay and tour operator confirmation. Invitation letters needed for private visits or business visas. Fees vary by nationality (US citizens pay higher fees due to reciprocity). Consider using authorized visa agencies to simplify the process. Multiple-entry visas available but require additional documentation.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Russia, travelers proceed through immigration control where passports and visas are checked, followed by customs inspection. The process is generally straightforward but thorough, and having all documentation readily available is essential.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Russian customs regulations are comprehensive and strictly enforced. Travelers must declare certain items and are subject to inspection. Both upon entry and exit, customs officers may examine luggage and verify declarations. Penalties for violations can be severe, including fines, confiscation, and potential criminal charges.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances - strictly illegal with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and licenses
- Explosives and flammable materials - including certain types of fireworks
- Counterfeit currency and securities - subject to criminal prosecution
- Materials containing extremist content or propaganda - broadly interpreted
- Certain publications and media - those deemed to threaten Russian security or public order
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants without CITES permits
- Certain food products - fresh meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables from many countries due to sanctions and regulations
Restricted Items
- Medications - prescription drugs require doctor's prescription in English or Russian. Narcotics-based medications require special permits. Carry only reasonable quantities for personal use.
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old require expert evaluation and export permit from Ministry of Culture. Applies to artwork, books, coins, religious items, etc.
- Precious metals and stones - require certification and declaration. Commercial quantities need special permits.
- Radio transmitting devices - certain frequencies restricted; satellite phones and powerful radios may require permits.
- Encryption devices and certain technology - some electronics with encryption capabilities may be restricted.
- Drones and UAVs - require registration and permits for use; may be confiscated at customs.
- Large amounts of currency - over $10,000 equivalent must be declared; amounts over $100,000 may require proof of origin.
- Caviar - limited to 250 grams per person for personal export; commercial quantities prohibited without permits.
Health Requirements
Russia does not currently require specific vaccinations for most travelers, though health precautions are recommended. Medical insurance is mandatory for visa applications and strongly recommended for all travelers.
Required Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are routinely required for entry to Russia for most travelers
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, influenza) should be up to date
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
- Rabies - for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
- Tick-borne encephalitis - recommended for travelers visiting rural or forested areas, especially in spring and summer
- Typhoid - for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Health Insurance
Medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 (or equivalent) is mandatory for visa applications and must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Russia. The insurance must cover emergency medical care and repatriation. Proof of insurance may be checked at immigration. Even for visa-free or e-Visa travelers, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs can be very high. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as healthcare standards vary significantly across Russia.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport and visa (if required). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents need a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), translated into Russian. If traveling with only one parent, carry the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. Single parents should carry documentation proving sole custody if applicable. Divorced parents should carry custody documentation. Russian authorities are strict about child travel documentation to prevent parental abduction. Adopted children should travel with adoption papers.
Pets require: international veterinary certificate (Form 5a or equivalent) issued within 5 days of travel; rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior); microchip identification (ISO standard 11784/11785); and treatment for parasites. Some breeds of dogs are restricted or prohibited. Contact Russian veterinary service (Rosselkhoznadzor) for current requirements. Pets must enter through designated ports with veterinary control. Additional documentation may be required for certain species. Airlines have separate requirements for pet transport.
Tourist visas typically allow stays up to 30 days and cannot be extended within Russia. For longer stays, apply for appropriate visa type before arrival: business visa (up to 1 year, multiple entry), work visa (requires invitation from Russian employer and work permit), student visa (for duration of study program), or private visa (for visiting family/friends, up to 90 days). Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. Residence permits available for long-term stays. All foreign nationals staying over 7 business days must register with migration authorities. Overstaying visa validity results in fines, deportation, and entry bans.
Russia does not recognize dual nationality for its own citizens. Russian citizens, even with another passport, must enter and exit Russia using their Russian passport. Former Russian citizens who have not formally renounced citizenship may be considered Russian citizens and required to use Russian documents. Those born in Russia or to Russian parents should verify their citizenship status before travel. Entering Russia on a foreign passport when Russian citizenship has not been formally renounced can cause serious legal complications.
Professional journalists and media workers must obtain journalist visas, not tourist visas. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in detention, deportation, and equipment confiscation. Journalist visas require accreditation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Carrying professional camera equipment on a tourist visa may raise suspicions. Filming in certain areas requires permits. Foreign media organizations must register correspondents. Penalties for violations include imprisonment.
Transit without visa possible if: staying airside in international transit area, connecting flight within 24 hours, and holding valid documents for final destination. Some nationalities may obtain transit visas for stays up to 72 hours. Leaving the airport requires appropriate visa. Check with airline and Russian embassy as requirements vary by nationality. Some airports have specific transit facilities and requirements.
Cruise passengers visiting Russian ports (St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc.) for up to 72 hours may be visa-exempt if part of organized shore excursion through cruise line. Must remain with organized group and return to ship. Independent exploration requires appropriate visa obtained in advance. Verify current rules with cruise line and Russian authorities. E-Visa may be option for some nationalities for independent port visits.