Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Russia with the exception of: 

travel to within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts.

all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai.

all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area). 

There are on-going armed clashes, kidnappings, seizure of buildings and other violent incidents in the Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkiv oblasts of Ukraine bordering Russia. The picture remains volatile and uncertain. However, it is clear that a number of border crossing points are insecure, and fighting is taking place across the border. You should remain vigilant throughout regions of Russia bordering Ukraine, and avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings.

 

Most visits to Russia are trouble free avoiding the above areas.

 

 

Crime

 

Most visits to Russia are trouble-free, but petty crime does happen in cities. Be alert to the possibility of mugging, pick pocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Be wary of groups of women and children who beg.

 

Drink-spiking leading to robbery, violence and/or abuse does happen. Unconscious victims are often left outside, which can be life threatening in the winter months. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times.

 

In St Petersburg there have been reports of street crime where tourists have been specifically targeted. These crimes are carried out by well-organised gangs. Be aware of pickpockets in the main tourist areas and around the main railway concourses. Bogus police officers have harassed and robbed tourists. If you are stopped always insist on seeing identification.

 

Avoid openly carrying expensive items, or anything that might easily identify you as a tourist. Avoid walking about late at night alone. Incidents of violence in major cities are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed against foreign visitors.

 

Look after your passport at all times, especially in major transport hubs and busy areas. Passports have been reported stolen or lost from British nationals when in the airports in Moscow. Be particularly vigilant when passing through the airports, particularly in the baggage collection area and outside the arrivals hall.

 

Racially motivated attacks

 

Although most visitors experience no difficulties, racially motivated attacks do occur in Russia. If you are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent you should take extra care. Attacks tend to increase around 20 April, the anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s birthday.

 

Scams

 

Take care if you are using a dating service. A number of foreign nationals have been the victims of fraud. Be wary of sending money via untraceable transfer services. There have been instances where  foreign nationals have lost money by sending money to an unknown recipient without checking they were genuine.

 

Local travel

 

The North Caucasus remains an unstable and potentially dangerous region. The Russian authorities take a particularly strict attitude towards security and compliance with visa and registration rules. Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations. These are publicised at very short notice, if at all. Cross-border traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan is also subject to restrictions.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive a car in Russia using your EU driving licence. If possible get a notarised Russian translation.

 

In order to drive a vehicle into Russia you will need to provide the following documents:

 

car registration

valid insurance document

your driving licence

passport

You will need to declare the vehicle with the customs authority at the port of entry. You can bring a vehicle into Russia without paying import taxes for a maximum period of 1 year.

 

Contact the Russian Embassy in your home country if you have more detailed questions about bringing a vehicle in to the country. 

 

Road conditions are often poor, especially outside the major cities. The standard speed limit for built-up areas is 60km/h (37mph), outside built-up areas 90km/h (55mph) and 100km/h (62mph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for less than 2 years must not exceed 70km/h (43mph). It is common practice for traffic police to stop motorists for spot checks. There is a zero tolerance policy towards drink-driving.

 

Road safety is poor. According to statistics published by the Russian Main Directorate for Road Traffic Safety (GIBDD - in Russian) there were over 198,000 road traffic accidents in Russia in 2014, causing over 26,000 deaths and over 250,000 injuries. You should be vigilant when driving, take account of weather conditions, and consider limiting or avoiding driving at night.

 

Official looking taxis can be unlicensed. Don’t share a taxi with strangers or flag down what may appear to be an official taxi. Where possible ask your hotel to get a taxi for you, or ask for the telephone number of a reputable taxi company. You should agree the fare before getting into the taxi.

 

Rail travel

 

If you are travelling by overnight train in a sleeping compartment, store valuables in the container under the bed or seat. Don’t leave your sleeping compartment unoccupied as some compartments only have a simple lock on the sliding door. On some trains there may be an additional security device, which can be attached to the fitted handle/lock unit. There may also be a steel switch at head-height on the door panel which, when pulled down, prevents the closed door from being slid open.

 

Don’t agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.

 

Air travel

 

The volume and quantity of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams or pastes you can carry in your hand luggage when going through airport screening facilities throughout Russia is limited. For more information, please refer to the Federal Air Transport Agency website 

 

Travel by helicopter is often used in more remote areas of Russia. In 2013 and 2014 there were helicopter crashes with multiple fatalities. Be aware of the increased risk of travel by helicopter and satisfy yourself of your tour operator’s safety record.

 

In 2008, an audit of the Russian Federation’s Civil Aviation Authority by the International Civil Aviation Organisation found that the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in the Russian Federation was above the global average.

 

Cruise ships

 

According to the Russian Migration Service, around 88,000 British nationals visited St Petersburg on sea cruise ships organised by foreign tour companies. Volga river cruises between St Petersburg and Moscow are also popular. Use recognised cruise operators with established safety records.

 

Political situation

 

Political rallies may occur in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other places across Russia. Check media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with drugs. You can expect a long sentence for possession of even small quantities of drugs, regardless of whether they are ‘hard’ or ‘soft’

 

You must carry your original passport at all times. A copy will not be sufficient. If you can’t produce your passport when asked, you will be fined.

 

Homosexuality is legal in Russia, but there is still intolerance among some sections of the population. Be careful about public displays of affection. In June 2013 a law banning the promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ entered into force, but the definition and scope of prohibited activity is vague. Foreign nationals convicted under this law could face arrest and detention, fines and deportation. There have been reports that instances of harassment, threats, and acts of violence towards the LGBT community have increased following the introduction of the law.

 

Photographing any military establishment or site of strategic importance (including airports) is banned. You are likely to be detained for questioning or arrested if you are caught.

 

Money

Most major high street banks and currency exchange providers  can pre-order Roubles (Russian currency). If you plan to buy roubles in Russia, you should take US dollars or Euros to exchange. Only change money at banks, hotels and airport exchange bureaux. It is an offence to change money from street traders.

 

Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards. There are ATMs in most major cities. Consider informing your bank before you travel to Russia to avoid having a temporary stop on your card. Travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted.

 

It is illegal to pay directly for general transactions with dollars or Euros.

 

Terrorism

Previous attacks have targeted transport infrastructure, including airports, buses, trains and Metro systems. Further attacks are likely, and could take place anywhere in Russia. Major attacks in the past have included hostage crisis incidents in a school in Beslan in 2004 and at a Moscow theatre in 2002.

 

On 5 October 2014 a suicide bomber detonated explosives in Chechnya’s capital Grozny, and further attacks took place there on 5 December. There were 3 suicide bombings targeting public transport in the city of Volgograd during the last 3 months of 2013. At least 30 civilians were killed.

 

The main terrorist threat in Russia comes from Islamist separatists in the North Caucasus region. There have been increased attacks against local and federal forces in the republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria, but attacks could also take place elsewhere in the North Caucasus and throughout Russia. Most of these attacks are likely to have been carried out by separatists from, or linked to, the Caucasus Emirate, also known as Imarat Kavkaz. This group remains focused on fighting the Russian government and aims to establish a pan-Caucasian Islamic Caliphate. In January 2011 the group attacked Domodedovo airport in Moscow killing 37 people, including a foreign national.

 

The threat from terrorism could rise quickly in relation to any escalation of violence in the North Caucasus.

 

Kidnaps

 

There is a history of kidnapping in the North Caucasus region and westerners have been particularly vulnerable.

 

Health

A reciprocal healthcare agreement operates between the EU| and Russia. This entitles EU nationals to free treatment in a Russian state hospital. However, any treatment you receive is likely to be limited and you should therefore make sure you have suitable travel insurance.

 

Air quality in Moscow varies and can worsen in certain weather conditions. You should monitor local media, and the Moscow Emercom website (in Russian) for more information.

 

112 is the single emergency number for any emergency service in Russia.

 

Natural disasters

There are occasional occurrences of flooding in southern regions, and forest fires, mainly in the far eastern areas and Siberia.

 

Small earth tremors are recorded throughout the year without consequences. 

 

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

To enter Russia you’ll need a visa before travel - make sure you apply for the correct type and duration of visa. During periods of high demand, you should apply for your visa well in advance. From 10 December 2014 Russian diplomatic missions and the visa application centres will collect biometric data (scanned fingerprints) from visa applicants above the age of 12. This applies to each Russian entry or transit visa application. For further information see the  Russian Embassy website and the website of VFS Global who manage Russian visa applications on behalf of the Embassy. Tourist visa applications can take 10 working days to be processed, and longer during busy periods.

 

On receiving your visa you should check the details of the visa including the validity dates and passport number carefully to ensure they are correct. Before you travel to Russia make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions attached to your visa, for both entry and exit. Please note that you should carefully adhere to the validity and conditions of your visa. Overstaying your visa without authorisation from the Federal Migration Authorities can result in a delay to your departure from Russia, fines, court hearings and possible deportation and a ban from re-entry. You should arrange an extension of your visa before it expires.

 

According to Russian law, cruise or ferry passengers can stay in Russia for 72 hours without visas only if they have booked tours through the companies officially licensed by the Russian government. These companies will supply you with a tour ticket, which is called a blanket visa or booking confirmation, and let you pass the customs/immigration offices without any other documents except your valid passport and the migration card that you will be given onboard.

 

This visa-free exception applies only to those who travel within an organised group and who don’t intend to explore the cities on their own. Cruise passengers are free to use any authorised local travel agencies (not only cruise ship tour companies) for visa-free shore tours.

 

Russia’s port cities where travellers won’t need a visa for up to 3 days are:

 

St Petersburg

Kaliningrad

Vladivostok

Sochi

Vyborg

Korsakov (Sakhalin Island)

Novorossiysk

If your passport has been lost/stolen while ashore and a replacement ETD is issued, or you would like to continue your journey by air or land, you must get a visa to leave Russia

 

Registration

 

If you’re staying for more than 7 working days you must register with the local branch of the Federal Migration Service. Most major hotels will do this automatically. If you’re staying in private accommodation the owner of the property must do this for you.

 

Passport validity 

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expiry date of your visa.

 

The Russian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, landside transit and exit from Russia only if they contain a valid Russian visa

 

Migration cards

 

All foreign nationals entering Russia must sign a migration card, which is produced electronically at passport control in the major airports. Some airports may still require you to complete the migration card manually. The card is in two identical parts. One part will be retained by the Immigration Officer on arrival. You should keep the other part with your passport; you will need it when you leave Russia and if you are stopped by the police for an ID check during your stay. There are many hotels and hostels that will not check in guests if they don’t have the stamped white immigration card with them. You must complete a new migration card each time you enter Russia, even if you have a multiple entry visa. If you lose the second part of the card you will be fined, and your departure from the country could be delayed. 

 

Travelling with children

 

Children born overseas and added to their parents’ Russian passports may now have to get their own passport to exit Russia. Check with the Russian Embassy or Consulate before travel to ensure you have the necessary paperwork.

 

Transit through Belarus

 

If you intend to travel by train on popular routes such as Warsaw-Moscow or St Petersburg-Kiev you will need to get a transit visa for Belarus before travelling.

 

Dual nationality

 

Under international law, your embassy can’t formally intervene with the Russian authorities on behalf of dual Russian/foreign nationals.

 

Legislation came into force on 4 August 2014 regarding Russian nationals who are also citizens of other countries. Russian passport holders must inform the Russian authorities of the other passports they hold. If you hold both foreign and Russian citizenship you should take legal advice and/ or contact the relevant Russian authority (the nearest Russian Embassy if you are not in Russia or your local Migration office if you are in Russia) to find out how the legislation might impact you. See the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian only) for more details.

 

If you come to Russia to renew your Russian international passport, it may take up to 4 months for a new passport to be issued. You will not be able to leave Russia on your foreign passport if you entered Russia on your Russian passport, and will therefore have to remain in Russia until your new Russian passport is issued.

 

Customs

 

You can import up to 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent) into the country and export foreign currency up to the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars from Russia without declaring it.

 

If you import over 10,000 US dollars or certain categories of goods like electrical items, jewellery, antiques and valuable musical instruments, you must complete a customs declaration form.

 

If you wish to import certain advanced electronic items (e.g. Global Positioning System instruments), you must get an operating licence from the Russian authorities before you travel. Check with the Embassy of the Russian Federation before your departure.

 

If you complete a declaration make sure the form is stamped by a Customs official at your port of entry, otherwise your foreign currency and non-declared items may be confiscated when you leave Russia and you may be fined.

 

There are strict regulations governing the export from Russia of antiques, icons, medals, artwork and other items of historical significance. This includes modern art and even posters if they are particularly rare or valuable. You must get approval from the Ministry of Culture.

 

For further information visit the website of the Russian Federal Customs Service.