Russia

Government advisories

• ☐ United States: level 4/4 — Level 4: Do Not Travel
• ☐ United Kingdom: level 4/4
• ☐ Canada: level 4/4 — Avoid all travel

Health notices

• ☐ Global Measles (level 1)

Entry requirements

☐ The visa policy of Russia deals with the requirements of foreign nationals to enter Russia.

Practical

• ☐ Plug type C/F, 230V — bring an adapter if yours differs
• ☐ Drives on the right
• ☐ Emergency (police): 102 or 112
• ☐ Emergency (ambulance): 103 or 112
• ☐ Emergency (fire): 101 or 112
• ☐ Money: Throughout its history Russia has had various versions of the ruble (рубль), which is divided into 100 kopeks (копеек). The latest manifestation, whose ISO code is RUB (replacing the RUR), was introduced in 1998 (although all notes and first issues of coins bear the year 1997). All pre-1998 currency is obsolete. The ruble is sometimes symbolised using ₽, but Wikivoyage will use руб to denote the c
• ☐ Tipping: While tipping was traditionally frowned upon in Russia it has been emerging after the fall of socialism. Tipping is not necessary, but expected. A tip exceeding 10% would be unusual. Some restaurants may include service into the amount, but that is very rare; if a service charge is included then a tip is not expected. Round up when paying your bill at a restaurant, particularly if it happens to be

Laws that could get a tourist arrested

• ☐ Mandatory Passport Carriage — You must carry your passport at all times while traveling. Police may demand to see it to verify your registration status.
• ☐ Registration Requirement — Travelers must be registered within seven business days of arrival. Staying in a hotel provides automatic registration and a confirmation paper.
• ☐ Metro Security Inspections — Guards at metro stations conduct random inspections of carry-on items and backpacks. They may require you to boot your laptop or show your phone screen.

Before you go

General trip-prep, not specific to Russia — the same short list applies anywhere.

• ☐ Register with your embassy's traveler program if one exists
• ☐ Check your passport's validity and blank-page requirements on your destination's official entry-rules page
• ☐ Photograph/screenshot your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents
• ☐ Download offline maps for your destination
• ☐ Confirm your bank/card issuer knows you're traveling
• ☐ Check whether your phone plan needs a travel add-on or a local SIM