Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Russia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for RussiaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 102
- Ambulance
- 103
- Fire
- 101
Currency
- Name
- Russian Ruble
- Code
- RUB
- Symbol
- ₽
International cards (Visa/Mastercard) do not currently work in Russia due to sanctions. Russian-issued MIR cards or cash in RUB only.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
11 time zones from MSK (UTC+3) to Kamchatka (UTC+12)
Moscow is UTC+3 and does not observe daylight saving. Russia spans 11 time zones end-to-end — more than any country on earth.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early autumn is the comfortable window for European Russia. Siberia is best in July–August. Winter is severe but spectacular (-20°C to -40°C in parts).
Major Airports
- SVO
Sheremetyevo International Airport
Moscow · largest in Russia; main hub for Aeroflot
- DME
Domodedovo International Airport
Moscow
- LED
Pulkovo Airport
Saint Petersburg · main international gateway to Saint Petersburg
Tipping Customs
Often added as a service charge in Moscow/St Petersburg
For porters
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Often added as a service charge in Moscow/St Petersburg |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
| Hotels | RUB 100–200 per bag | For porters |
Dress Code
What "modest dress" usually means
Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).
- Smart casual in cities; Russians dress carefully in public
- Modest dress in Orthodox churches — headscarf for women, no shorts
- Heavy warm layers essential outside summer
Social Etiquette
- Russian is the official language; English is limited outside major cities and tourist areas
- Shake hands firmly; never through a doorway (bad luck)
- Take off shoes when entering someone's home
- Toasts are formal and expected at dinners; look the toaster in the eye
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Carry your passport (or a certified copy) at all times — ID checks are routine
- Photography of government, military, airports, bridges and metro infrastructure is restricted
- 'LGBT propaganda' and 'extremism' laws are broad and enforced — travellers should be aware
- International payment cards do not work — bring cash in a currency convertible on arrival
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal) | Здравствуйте / Zdravstvuyte | ZDRAHST-vwee-tyeh |
| Hello (informal) | Привет / Privet | pree-VYET |
| Thank you | Спасибо / Spasibo | spa-SEE-ba |
| Yes / No | Да / Нет / Da / Nyet | da / nyet |
| Please / You're welcome | Пожалуйста / Pozhaluysta | pa-ZHAL-sta |
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