Europe
Russia
Vast and culturally rich, but at war: foreign cards don't work, flights route via third countries, drones close airports and foreigners risk arbitrary detention. Most Western governments advise against all travel.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa63 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyRUBUS$1 ≈ ₽83.50Details
- Price level32%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterFilter or boilCity water is treated but pipes are old; locals boil or filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalHostile.Details
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 IDP plus your licence. Fuel shortages and quotas hit some regions; police spot checks are frequent.
Where to go in Russia
13 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoscowCapital city | 2/5 | $2,040–3,350 | May–Jun, Sep | 5/100 |
| Saint PetersburgCity | 2/5 | $1,560–2,630 | Jun–Aug | 14/100 |
| KazanCity | 2/5 | $1,200–2,040 | May–Sep | 36/100 |
| SochiCity | 2/5 | $1,500–2,510 | May–Sep | 21/100 |
| KaliningradCity | 2/5 | $1,260–2,160 | Jun–Sep | 29/100 |
| IrkutskCity | 2/5 | $1,020–1,800 | Feb–Mar, Jul–Sep | 46/100 |
| YekaterinburgCity | 2/5 | $1,320–2,280 | Jun–Sep | 24/100 |
| VladivostokCity | 2/5 | $1,320–2,280 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 29/100 |
| MurmanskCity | 2/5 | $1,260–2,160 | Sep–Mar | 26/100 |
| NovosibirskCity | 2/5 | $1,080–1,680 | Jun–Sep | 48/100 |
| Nizhny NovgorodCity | 2/5 | $958–1,500 | May–Sep | 57/100 |
| Olkhon IslandIsland | 2/5 | $958–1,560 | Feb–Mar, Jul–Sep | 51/100 |
| Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCity | 2/5 | $1,440–2,280 | Feb–Mar, Jul–Sep | 21/100 |
When to visit Russia
June–July for St Petersburg's White Nights; May–September for Moscow and the Golden Ring; February–March for Lake Baikal ice. Winters are severe.
Good to know
Entry
- Unified e-visa for listed nationalities: single entry, up to 30 days, valid 120 days; apply 4–86 days ahead at evisa.kdmid.ru.
- Medical insurance valid in Russia is required. Fingerprints and photos are taken on arrival; questioning and phone checks can last hours.
- Keep your migration card and registration (hotels register you within 7 working days); both are checked when you leave.
- No flights from the EU, UK, US or Canada, and the Finnish border is closed. Fly via Istanbul, Dubai, Yerevan, Baku or Belgrade.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Criticising the army or sharing 'fake' war news, including social posts, can mean up to 15 years.
- Rainbow flags and LGBT symbols are treated as 'extremist' symbols.
- Carry your original passport, migration card and registration; copies aren't accepted.
Etiquette
- Avoid discussing the war or politics in public or online
- Take shoes off in homes; odd numbers of flowers (even is for funerals)
- Dress modestly in Orthodox churches; women may need a headscarf
Tipping
About 10% in sit-down restaurants, in cash for visitors. Round up taxis; not expected at counters.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Russia
- Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.