Travel Tips
Russia
Vast distances, imperial palaces and Red Square define Russia, but check current government travel advice before considering any trip.
- Capital
- Moscow
- Currency
- Russian ruble (RUB)
- Language
- Russian
- Best overall
- May to September
- Emergency
- 112
- Electricity
- 220V, plug types C and F
Top Destinations
Most visitors need a visa arranged in advance. Many governments currently advise against travel to Russia. Check your government's advice first. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Summer is the most comfortable season, including the White Nights in St Petersburg. Winters are very long and cold.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Moscow
Red Square, the Kremlin and grand metro stations.
St Petersburg
Canals, palaces and the Hermitage.
Lake Baikal
The deepest lake in the world, in Siberia.
Kazan
A city where Tatar and Russian cultures meet.
Golden Ring
A group of historic towns near Moscow.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 4 Moscow
- Days 5 to 6 Golden Ring
- Days 7 to 10 St Petersburg
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Trains link the main cities, and very long distances may require flights.
- Consular help may be very limited. Check the current position before you travel.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Many foreign bank cards do not work in Russia, so check how you would pay before going.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Borscht: beet soup.
- Pelmeni: meat dumplings.
- Blini: thin pancakes.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Read your government's travel advisory first, and take its guidance seriously.
- Check whether your travel insurance is valid there.
Planning a trip to Russia?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.