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RussiaTravel guide

Explore Russia visa rulesCommon scams in Russia

Russia is the world's largest country. It has historic cities, rich cultural traditions and vast areas of wilderness. Russia is at war, and travel near Ukraine is dangerous; drone strikes have also reached Moscow and other regions.

Why go

  1. Moscow has Red Square, the Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral and a beautiful underground railway.

  2. Saint Petersburg has the Hermitage Museum, the Mariinsky Theatre and grand royal palaces.

  3. The Golden Ring is a group of ancient cities northeast of Moscow, known for churches, monasteries and other historic buildings.

  4. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs for more than 9,000 km from Moscow to Vladivostok.

  5. Lake Baikal is the world's deepest lake.

  6. Kamchatka has active volcanoes, wildlife and remote wilderness.

Getting there

By air

  • International flight routes have changed because of restrictions. Direct flights mainly connect Russia with former Soviet countries, the Middle East, Serbia and Asia, plus some countries in Africa and Latin America.
  • Moscow's international airports include Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo. Saint Petersburg's main airport is Pulkovo.
  • Other international airports include Yekaterinburg Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Tolmachevo, Kazan, Vladivostok Knevichi and Mineralnye Vody. Flight schedules change with the season.

By land

  • Russian Railways runs long-distance services connecting Moscow and, to a lesser extent, Saint Petersburg with destinations abroad.
  • If driving from the European Union, check the situation at your chosen border crossing. The source says the Finnish border is closed, and your car insurance may not cover Russia.
  • Buses connect Russia with several neighbouring countries. Lux Express, Ecolines and Baltic Shuttle serve Saint Petersburg from Tallinn or Tartu through Narva and Ivangorod.

By sea

  • Summer ferries connect Sochi with Trabzon in Turkey.
  • Vladivostok has a scheduled vehicle ferry to Busan and services to Japanese ports. Many focus on transporting used cars rather than tourists.

Customs

  • Some areas, including Chukotka, Norilsk and many border regions, require special permits for foreign visitors.
  • A local sponsor is usually needed for these permits. Some package-tour companies arrange the permits for their guests.

Getting around

  • Navigation

    Distances are enormous, and journeys can take days. Consider flying when a destination is farther away than an overnight train ride. Yandex Maps has an English version and public transport information; 2GIS is another option. Google Maps and Apple Maps may be outdated. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is often jammed in Central, Volga and Southern Russia, including Moscow. Satellite navigation may fail, and occasional jamming happens elsewhere too.

  • Train

    Trains link nearly every city and town. They are generally a convenient choice for overnight journeys. Long-distance and local commuter trains often have separate ticket-selling areas at stations. The Trans-Siberian Railway takes about a week for the full journey and passes through spectacular scenery.

  • Bus

    Buses can help when train times do not suit you. Some places, including Suzdal, have no train service. Ask where your bus leaves from, as private services may use stops near train stations rather than the main bus station. Some private buses leave only when full, and payment is usually made to the driver. Luggage normally needs a separate ticket. Bus information is spread across different operators and regions. Check the bus station or operator as well as timetable services.

  • Car

    Driving is on the right. Roads outside towns may be poorly maintained, and signs are usually only in Russian. Independent driving can be difficult and dangerous if you do not understand Russian or local road conditions. A licensed private guide may provide a car and local knowledge. If you are the driver in a collision, do not move your car or leave before a traffic inspector records the accident and you sign the plan. Some roads charge tolls of 20–60 rubles. Use branded filling stations, as fuel quality can be poor in some regions.

What to see and do

  • Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral

    These are among Moscow's main historic sights.

  • Moscow Metro

    The city's underground railway is known for its beautiful stations.

  • Hermitage Museum

    This is one of Saint Petersburg's best-known visitor attractions.

  • Royal palaces near Saint Petersburg

    The former rulers' grand palaces stand in the city's suburbs.

  • Golden Ring

    These ancient cities have Russian architecture from the 12th to 18th centuries, including monasteries, cathedrals and churches.

  • Lake Baikal

    The world's deepest lake is known for its clear water.

Food and drink

  • Pelmeni

    Meat-filled dumplings, especially popular in the Urals and Siberia.

  • Bliny

    Pancakes made with wheat or buckwheat flour. They may be thin or thick.

  • Pirozhki and belyashi

    Pirozhki are small baked or fried pies with sweet, vegetable or meat fillings. Belyashi are fried buns filled with ground beef.

  • Soups

    Try cabbage soup called schi, beet-and-cabbage borscht, or cold okroshka made with kvass or sour milk.

  • Golubtsy

    Cabbage rolls are a Russian speciality.

  • Ikra

    Sturgeon or salmon caviar is available, but it can be extremely expensive.

Money

Russian ruble (RUB), divided into 100 kopeks.

  • Most foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Russia, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Japan's JCB cards. Do not rely on them for cash withdrawals.
  • The source says transfers between foreign and Russian bank accounts are not possible. Bring enough physical cash for your stay.
  • Bring clean, newer US dollar or euro notes to exchange. Other foreign currencies are less widely accepted and may get poor rates.
  • Payments must be made in rubles. Banks are generally more trustworthy for exchanging money, though their rates may be worse than exchange offices.

Tipping: A restaurant tip of about 10% is reasonably generous; no extra tip is expected if a service charge is included. Do not tip at self-service cafeterias, and tipping taxis is not customary.

Typical costs

  • Basic food and public transport within a city or town need at least 1,500–2,500 rubles per day.
  • A three-course lunch at a stolovaya cafeteria may cost as little as 350 rubles.
  • Petrol costs 50–70 rubles per litre in the source.
  • Hotels in major cities and tourist areas can be expensive. Remote northern areas and some inhabited islands can also cost much more.

Language

  • Russian is the main language and is spoken by most citizens.
  • English is the most popular foreign language, but it is not widely spoken, even in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
  • Russia has more than 150 indigenous and ethnic minority languages.
ресторан — restoran
Restaurant.
автовокзал — avtovokzal
Bus station.
банкомат — bankomat
Cash machine.
столовая — stolovaya
Cafeteria.
чай — chay
Tea.
баня — banya
Russian steam bath.

Staying safe

  • Russia is at war, and areas near Ukraine are dangerous. Drone strikes have also hit Moscow and regions farther from the border.
  • Activism, including journalism, may receive harsher treatment during the war.
  • Male Russian citizens, including dual citizens, risk being called into military service and sent to fight. Dual citizens should not expect their other country's embassy to intervene if this happens.
  • The source reports restricted fuel supplies in various regions as of June 2026, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Tatarstan.
4 common scams in Russia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Learn some basic Russian courtesy phrases and the Cyrillic alphabet. Even limited Russian can impress local people and help you read signs.
  • If someone switches to English, accept that they may be trying to help you understand.
  • In mixed-gender banyas, it is common to cover the genitals with a towel.

Don't

  • Do not bring your own drinks into bars or clubs.
  • Do not assume someone is fluent in English simply because they know a few words.
  • Do not tip at self-service cafeterias.

Staying healthy

  • Avoid drinking tap water or having ice in drinks. Bottled water is widely available where food is served.
  • Winters bring persistent cold and snow across nearly all of Russia. Summers can be warm or hot in the interior.
  • Very cheap beer may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
  • Cheap ready-mixed alcoholic drinks may contain large amounts of caffeine and taurine and can cause a bad hangover.

Phone and internet

  • Some cafés in Moscow and Saint Petersburg also serve as internet cafés.

Where to stay

  • A recommendation from someone you trust can help when choosing a hotel. Hotel quality and service vary widely.
  • Chain hotels generally offer better service than independent hotels. Major cities and tourist areas can be expensive.
  • A room in a private home can be an option if you speak some Russian. Breakfast is usually prepared by the host.
  • Short-term flats usually include a kitchen, bathroom, bed linen and basic kitchen equipment. Expect to provide identification and receive a bill and rental agreement.

Outdoor adventures in Russia

Russia has vast forests, volcanic landscapes, Lake Baikal and a warm Black Sea coast. Outdoor options include walks near Sochi, island cycling near Vladivostok and winter skiing near Nizhny Novgorod. Russia is at war: areas close to Ukraine are dangerous, and drone strikes have also hit places elsewhere in the country.

  • Lake Baikal

    More to doSiberia

    Travel arrangements and specific outdoor routes are not described.

  • Kamchatka

    More to doRussian Far East

    Travel arrangements and specific routes are not described.

    • The region has active volcanoes and bears.

  • Mount Akhun, Agurskoe Canyon and Eagle Rock

    HikeKhosta district, Sochinear Sochi

    2–3 hours to walk up Mount Akhun from Sputnik bus stop

    A car or taxi is the suggested way to reach the area. Alternatively, take bus 110 from Central Sochi to Sputnik and walk uphill. A trail descends from Mount Akhun to Agurskoe Canyon. Tours can be arranged through hotels or tourist areas in Sochi.

    • Permit: A Sochi National Park entrance fee may apply.

  • Russkiy Island southwest coast

    HikeRussian Far Eastnear Vladivostok

    Take bus 29d from Izumrud bus station in central Vladivostok to the Bukhta Voyevoda terminus. Walk the dirt roads along the southwest coast and catch the return bus at the Park Patriot entrance.

    • Cost: Bus fare: 23 RUB, listed in November 2018.

  • Komi Virgin Forests and Yugyd Va National Park

    More to doKomi Republic, Northwestern Russia

    Specific access arrangements are not described. This is a remote area that is hard to visit.

    • The area is profoundly remote.

  • Yew and boxtree wood

    HikeKhosta district, Sochinear Sochi

    Go by car or taxi, or take minibus 122 from Central Sochi to Khosta-most. Walk along Samshitovaya Street to the turn and sign for the wood.

  • Vorontsovka Caves

    CaveVorontsovka village, Khosta districtnear Sochi

    Visit the cave complex at Vorontsovka village independently or with a guided group. Sochi hotels and tourist areas can arrange tours to major outdoor sights.

    • Permit: A Sochi National Park entrance fee may apply.

  • 33 Waterfalls

    HikeLazarevskoe district, Sochinear Sochi

    Spring, when rain and melting snow bring more water

    Take a taxi or join an organised tour. The waterfalls are on Dzhegosh stream near Bolshoy Kichmay, about 11 km from the coast and regular public transport.

    • Permit: A Sochi National Park entrance fee may apply.

  • Akhtyrshskaya Cave

    CaveAdler district, Sochinear Sochi

    Take bus or minibus 106 to its final stop at the Trout Farm. Cross the street and head towards the tunnel. Turn right near the tunnel and descend towards the Mzymta River and footbridge. Before the bridge, turn left and walk uphill to the cave.

    • Permit: A Sochi National Park entrance fee may apply.

  • Khabarskoye sport club

    SkiingKhabarskoye village, near Bogorodsknear Nizhny Novgorod

    Winter

    Go to the sport club at 1 Nagornaya Street in Khabarskoye village, roughly 30 km beyond the city boundary. Detailed transport instructions are not given, and access is described as difficult.

    • The downhill slopes are on steep hills above the Oka River.

  • Schelkovsky Khutor and Ankudinovsky forest

    SkiingUpper city, Nizhny Novgorodnear Nizhny Novgorod

    Winter, with lasting snow cover

    Use the cross-country ski tracks in Schelkovsky Khutor and the adjoining Ankudinovsky forest. Ski rental is available in the basement of school 135 at 22 Koreyskaya Street, through the rear entrance.

    • Most tracks have no lighting. It starts getting dark around 15:00.

  • Dubravy forest

    SkiingSormovo, Nizhny Novgorodnear Nizhny Novgorod

    Winter, with lasting snow cover

    Use the cross-country ski tracks in Dubravy forest in the outer Sormovo area. Ski rental facilities are not widespread.

    • Most tracks have no lighting. It starts getting dark around 15:00.

  • Sportivnaya Harbor beach

    BeacheVladivostoknear Vladivostok

    Head to the beach at Sportivnaya Harbor for swimming.

    • Use Sportivnaya Harbor for swimming rather than Golden Horn Bay, where the Pacific Fleet is based.

  • Sochi seaport boat tours

    More to doSochinear Sochi

    1 hour May–October

    Join a regular sea boat tour organised by Sochi seaport, departing from Sochi port. The listed operating hours are 11:00–21:00.

  • Seven Feet Yacht Club sea trips and fishing

    More to doVladivostoknear Vladivostok

    Arrange organised fishing or a daily sea trip through Seven Feet Yacht Club, office 24, 17 Leitenanta Shmidta Street.

  • Trout Farm pond fishing

    More to doKazachiy Brod settlement, Adlernear Sochi

    Visit the Trout Farm at 45 Forelevaya Street. Bus or minibus 106 runs to the Trout Farm terminus. Visitors can fish in the ponds.

  • Great Arctic State Nature Reserve

    More to do

    Nature reserves can be visited independently with the required paperwork. Dersu Uzala is named as an agency specialising in Russian nature tourism; trips to this particular reserve are not specified.

    • Permit: Required paperwork must be in order. The exact documents are not specified.
    • Ticks in natural areas can spread serious diseases.

  • Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve

    More to do

    Nature reserves can be visited independently with the required paperwork. Dersu Uzala is named as an agency specialising in Russian nature tourism; trips to this particular reserve are not specified.

    • Permit: Required paperwork must be in order. The exact documents are not specified.
    • Ticks in natural areas can spread serious diseases.

  • Ilmen State Reserve

    More to do

    Nature reserves can be visited independently with the required paperwork. Dersu Uzala is named as an agency specialising in Russian nature tourism; trips to this particular reserve are not specified.

    • Permit: Required paperwork must be in order. The exact documents are not specified.
    • Ticks in natural areas can spread serious diseases.

  • Gorky Park ice skating

    More to doMoscownear Moscow

    Go to Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure for ice skating. Transport and rental details are not given.

  • Luzhniki ice skating

    More to doMoscownear Moscow

    Visit the Luzhniki skating rink, also called Kristall. Transport and rental details are not given.

  • Chernoe Ozero ice skating

    More to doTatarstannear Kazan

    Go to Chernoe Ozero on Dzerzhinskogo Street. Skates are available to rent.

    • Cost: Free entry; skate rental 230 RUB, listed in January 2024.

  • Trud Stadium ice skating

    More to doNizhny Novgorodnear Nizhny Novgorod

    Roughly late October–early April; public skating on Friday–Sunday evenings and holiday evenings

    Go to 30 Yubileyny Boulevard and cross the small river by the access bridge. Check public skating times before going. Skate rental, changing rooms and a cloakroom are available.

    • Cost: Entry 150 RUB; skate rental 100 RUB per hour.
    • The rink can become overcrowded.
    • Ice quality gets worse through the evening; arrive early for better ice.

  • Dinamo Stadium ice skating

    More to doNizhny Novgorodnear Nizhny Novgorod

    Winter, once daytime temperatures stay below freezing; public skating almost every evening

    Go to 53 Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street. Enter through the arch to the left of October cinema. Skate rental, a cloakroom and a changing hall are available.

    • Ice quality can be poor, especially when temperatures rise towards freezing.

Airports, metros and trains in Russia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ABAAbakan International AirportAbakanMain international airport
  • GRVAkhmat Kadyrov Grozny International AirportGroznyMain international airport
  • KEJAlexei Leonov Kemerovo International AirportKemerovoMain international airport
  • NSKAlykel International AirportNorilskMain international airport
  • ASFAstrakhan Narimanovo Boris M. Kustodiev International AirportAstrakhanMain international airport
  • UUDBaikal International AirportUlan UdeMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • KazanKazan Metro11 stations16.8 kmsince 2005
  • MoscowMoscow Metro251 stations541.9 kmsince 1935
  • Nizhny NovgorodNizhny Novgorod Metro15 stations21.8 kmsince 1985
  • NovosibirskNovosibirsk Metro14 stations15.9 kmsince 1986
  • Saint PetersburgSaint Petersburg Metro66 stations131.3 kmsince 1955
  • SamaraSamara Metro10 stations12.7 kmsince 1987
  • YekaterinburgYekaterinburg Metro9 stations12.7 kmsince 1991

Trains

Rail network
92,000 km
Electrified
48,000 km
High-speed lines
650 km
Top speed
250 km/h

People and safety in Russia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian73%
  • No religion16%
  • Muslim10%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • The law allows death penalty.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #75 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

61% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 70 of 198 countries can visit Russia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required70
  • eVisa57
  • Visa required70
  • Admission restricted1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas27 of 35 countries
  • Asia25 of 50 countries
  • Oceania5 of 14 countries
  • Europe7 of 45 countries
  • Africa6 of 54 countries

Questions

Is it safe to visit Russia?

Russia is at war, and areas near Ukraine are dangerous. Drone strikes have also reached Moscow and other regions, while activism and journalism may receive harsher treatment.

Will my foreign bank card work?

Most foreign cards do not work, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Japan's JCB cards. Bring enough cash, preferably clean US dollars or euros to exchange.

Can I get by with English?

English is not widely spoken, even in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Basic Russian and learning the Cyrillic alphabet will help.

How should I travel between cities?

Trains are generally convenient for overnight trips. Consider flying for longer distances, and use buses where trains do not run or their times do not suit you.

How much should I budget each day?

The source gives a minimum of 1,500–2,500 rubles a day for basic food and local public transport. Accommodation costs extra, and remote areas can be much more expensive.

Can I drink the tap water?

The source advises avoiding tap water and ice in drinks. Bottled water is widely available where food is served.

What is a stolovaya?

It is a cafeteria serving traditional food quickly and usually cheaply. A three-course lunch may cost as little as 350 rubles.

Do I need to tip?

About 10% is a reasonably generous restaurant tip, unless service is already included. Tipping is not customary in taxis or self-service cafeterias.

What accommodation can I choose?

Options include hotels, mini-hotels, private rooms and short-term flats. Chain hotels generally offer better service, and a trusted recommendation can help you choose.

Does Russia have one time zone?

Russia has eleven time zones and does not change clocks for summer. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC.

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