Reminder for tourists traveling to Russia

Before departure

Check the availability of the necessary travel documents:

Documents for hotel check‑in

Accommodation in a hotel is possible only with the originals of the following documents for each tourist:

Travelling with children

When travelling within the country with children, each child must have an identity document — passport, visa (for citizens requiring an entry visa to Russia) and migration card.

For pregnant women

Before the flight, we recommend familiarising yourself with the airline’s rules regarding the need to provide written consent from a doctor for the flight, as well as other documents required for air travel. Airline staff have the full right to deny boarding or require a medical examination at the departure airport in case of rule violations.

When packing luggage

We recommend placing all valuables, documents and money in your carry‑on luggage and taking them with you on the plane.

Pack all sharp and cutting metal objects (nail scissors, nail files, pocket knives, etc.), as well as any liquids, gels and aerosols (except for baby food and medicines if necessary) — carrying such items in carry‑on luggage is prohibited.

Do not forget to pack and bring a first aid kit, which will help with minor ailments and save time searching for medications.

At the departure/arrival airport

Before heading to the airport, obtain additional information about possible changes in departure conditions by using the website of the airline operating the flight or by calling their information service.

We recommend arriving at the passenger check‑in area in advance, no later than three hours before departure, to complete the required check‑in procedures, baggage handling and comply with the control measures established by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

Customs regulations

A tourist can import the following into the Russian Federation duty‑free:

The following are prohibited for import and export:

The following must be declared:

Electrical voltage

European‑type sockets. Voltage: 220 V, current frequency: 50 Hz.

Tipping

In restaurants and cafes in major cities, it is customary to leave a tip of 5–10 % of the total order amount.

Shopping and souvenirs

Antiques can be purchased in specialised stores, such as vintage jewellery, paintings, tableware and more. To export antiques outside the Russian Federation, you must have an official certificate from the Russian Ministry of Culture stating that the item is not of cultural value and can be exported. You must also independently clarify the customs regulations for importing antiques into your country.

Animal skins (bear, wolf, fox) should be purchased exclusively in specialised stores where you can obtain official permission to export them outside the Russian Federation. You must also independently clarify the customs regulations for importing animal skins into your country.

Traditional Russian souvenirs (matryoshka dolls, wooden and plush toys, shawls, trays, fur hats, linen products, etc.) can be purchased in specialised souvenir shops, hotels or markets. As a rule, these items are not of historical value and can be exported outside the Russian Federation without restrictions.

Bank cards & currency

Due to temporary restrictions on the use of foreign bank cards in the Russian Federation, payment with your bank card cannot be processed. We recommend bringing cash in the following currencies — US dollars, euros, yuan, Swiss francs, British pounds — which you can exchange for Russian rubles at any bank in Russia.

Import of foreign currency into Russia: The import of cash foreign currency into Russia by individuals is allowed without restrictions. Cash foreign currency must be declared if the amount exceeds the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars per person.

Currency exchange: Currency exchange is available at arrival/departure airports or at bank branches during their operating hours. We recommend bringing the following foreign currencies into Russia, which can be exchanged at any bank — US dollars, euros, yuan, Swiss francs, British pounds.

Bank & store operating hours

Bank branches: On weekdays (Mon–Fri) from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on Sundays. During national holidays, bank branches are closed. ATMs of various banks are located in bank branches, large shopping centers and hotels and operate 24/7.

Store hours: Grocery stores are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Souvenir shops are open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. Large shopping centers are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.

Internet & mobile communication

Mobile communication works well, with national and domestic roaming available throughout Russia, except for Crimea. Check with your mobile operator for the cost of outgoing calls, SMS messages and mobile internet. Be prepared that in remote areas you may find yourself outside network coverage. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offer free Wi‑Fi, but the speed and quality of the connection may vary.

Dress code & regional specifics

Casual attire: In cities and on excursions, you can wear comfortable clothing. In Russia there is no single strict dress code for tourists, but it is better to avoid revealing outfits, too short shorts or skirts, as well as transparent fabrics.

Footwear: For city walks, comfortable sneakers or sandals are suitable, while for visiting religious sites or hiking in the mountains, closed‑toe shoes are recommended.

Religious sites: In churches and mosques, strict rules usually apply: for women — covered shoulders, a long skirt or a dress, a headscarf; for men — trousers and shirts or T‑shirts with sleeves.

Regional specifics: In some regions, especially in the Caucasus (Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia), it is advisable to avoid open and tight‑fitting clothing. Women are advised to wear long skirts, trousers and shirts with sleeves, while men should wear trousers and T‑shirts or shirts with sleeves.

General recommendations

Always bring comfortable clothing suitable for walking and cool weather. Do not forget a hat, especially on hot days or in the mountains.