|
Before You Go
Russian Entry Requirements for US Citizens:
Passport & visa. Travellers without passport or
entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements, &/or
immediate departure by route of entry (at own expense). Visa issuance, other
than for transit purposes, based on support from Russian individual or organization
- sponsor. Important to know sponsor & how he/she can be contacted, as Russian
law requires sponsor apply for replacement, extension or changes to visa. US
Embassy cannot act as sponsor. Must have exit visa to depart. For short stays,
exit visa issued along with entry visa. For longer stays, exit visa obtained
by sponsor after arrival. All travellers staying more than 3 days must register
visa thru hotel or sponsor. Visitors who overstay visa's validity, even for
1 day, or neglect to register, may be prevented from leaving. Errors in dates
or information on visa occur, so have someone who reads Russian check visa before
departing USA. Have all points of entry & all itinerary points in Russia
printed on visa, to avoid potential difficulties in registering visas &
lengthy delays in travel. Due to random document checks by police, carry original
or copies of passports & registered visas. Failure to provide proper documents
can result in detention &/or heavy fines. For visa for stay of more than
3 months must present certificate showing HIV negative. Certificate must contain
applicant's passport data, length of stay, and blood test results for HIV infection,
including date of test, signature of doctor conducting test, medical examination
results, diagnostic series & seal of hospital/medical organization. Certificate
must be in Russian & English & valid for 3 months from date of medical
examination & blood test. Contact: Russian Consular Division, 1825 Phelps
Place, NW, Washington, DC. 20008. (202) 939-8918, or consulates in NYC, SFO
or
Seattle.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For UK and most EU Citizens
Do not visit Russia without first obtaining visa. During periods of high demand,
especially during the summer holidays, we recommend that visa applications are
submitted well in advance. An exit visa is included with the entry visa. Loss
of exit visas may prolong stays while sponsors are contacted and replacements
issued. Do not attempt to leave the country without an exit visa.
Visitors should register their visas within
three working days of arrival in Russia with the local branch of the Ministry
of Internal Affairs. Most major hotels will do this automatically. It is not
necessary to register a visa if the visit is for only two to three days.
Entry to Russia may be refused and airlines
may not carry passengers holding passports with less than six months validity.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth updated
travel advisory for Russia. Updated 31st October 2002.
On the evening of 23 October 2002 a group of
armed individuals took several hundred theatregoers hostage in South East Moscow.
The siege was ended on 26 October. While we have no specific intelligence indicating
that further attacks in Moscow are likely, visitors should continue to maintain
vigilance when in crowded places. However, we are not advising against travel
to Moscow at the present time.
Terrorist incidents continue to take place
intermittently in southern Russia. These include the hijacking of a bus in Stavropol
Krai July 2001, and a number of bomb explosions, most recently in Kaspysk, Dagestan
in May 2002, which killed over 40 people and injured more than a hundred. British
nationals, residents and visitors throughout Russia should therefore exercise
increased vigilance in public places particularly where access is not controlled
- eg open-air events, markets etc. Immediately report anything of a suspicious
nature, including bags or other objects, to the police.
Because of the heightened tension in the Middle
East, we believe there is an increased threat to British interests from terrorism
in those areas to which we strongly advise against travel.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
As with most large cities, Russian cities have their fair share of petty crime.
Visitors should be vigilant and keep money and valuables out of sight.
Beware of groups of women and children who
beg and pickpockets around the main railway concourses and who sometimes target
tourists.
Recent incidents of robbery and/or violence
involving British citizens have reinforced the need for visitors (to Moscow)
to take care and exercise caution when drinking with or meeting casual or new
acquaintances in bars, restaurants or night-clubs. Drinks, where possible, should
not be left unattended as they may then be drugged.
Incidents of armed violence in major cities
are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed
against foreigners.
Racially motivated attacks do occur in Russia.
Individuals of Asian and African descent have suffered attacks by "skinhead"
groups. Visitors, particularly those of Asian and African descent, are urged
to exercise caution in crowded places frequented by "skinhead" groups,
including open-air markets in all cities.
LOCAL TRAVEL
We strongly advise against travel to the Chechen Republic, Ingushetia, Dagestan
and North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus
area) and to eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai, particularly where
it borders Chechnya and North Ossetia. Kidnapping for financial gain is common
and Westerners are particularly vulnerable: four Western hostages including
three Britons, were murdered in December 1998 and a Dutch aid worker was reported
kidnapped in Dagestan in August 2002. Those who travel to these parts of Russia
despite this advice are taking serious risks, and must accept that the ability
of the FCO and the British Embassy in Moscow to render assistance is severely
limited.
Use officially marked taxis and do not share
them with strangers.
When travelling by train, store valuables in
the compartment under the bed/seat. Do not leave the compartment empty. Ensure
the door is quite secure from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong
cord.
Safety on regularly scheduled Russian internal
and external civilian flights is now broadly in compliance with international
norms. This is not the case for some charter flights.
Cross-border traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan
is subject to restrictions.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Visitors should not become involved with drugs. Penalties are severe. Russian
law provides for very long sentences for those found in possession of even small
quantities of drugs, regardless of whether these drugs would be classed elsewhere
as "hard" or "soft". There have been recent instances of
charges carrying severe penalties being laid, including against foreign visitors
and transit passengers.
Visitors should not drink and drive – the Russian
police enforce a zero tolerance policy.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Do not visit Russia without first obtaining visa. During periods of high demand,
especially during the summer holidays, we recommend that visa applications are
submitted well in advance. An exit visa is included with the entry visa. Loss
of exit visas may prolong stays while sponsors are contacted and replacements
issued. Do not attempt to leave the country without an exit visa.
Visitors should register their visas within
three working days of arrival in Russia with the local branch of the Ministry
of Internal Affairs. Most major hotels will do this automatically. It is not
necessary to register a visa if the visit is for only two to three days.
Entry to Russia may be refused and airlines
may not carry passengers holding passports with less than six months validity.
Customs
Under current regulations you must, upon arrival
in Russia, declare any amount of foreign currency that you are carrying and
may wish to take out of the country on your departure.
Certain other items, such as some electrical
goods and jewellery/antiques should also be declared on arrival. In addition,
operating licenses for some electrical items (ie GPS instruments) have to be
granted by the Russian authorities prior to these items being imported. If you
have any doubt whether you should declare an item or need an operating license
we advise that you check with your nearest Russian Embassy before your departure
for Russia.
Declaration forms can be obtained at all ports
of entry. If you complete a declaration form you must ensure that it is stamped
by a Customs official at your port of entry or it will not be valid.
Failure to either complete a declaration form
on arrival or to get it validated by Customs officials can lead to the confiscation
of foreign currency and non-declared items on your departure from Russia. An
additional fine may also be imposed by the authorities for failure to comply
with customs regulations.
HEALTH
A Reciprocal Health Care Agreement is in operation between the UK and Russia.
This entitles UK citizens to free treatment in a Russian hospital. However,
it is advisable that travellers take out full insurance cover for medical treatment
and accidents.
Private medical treatment can be expensive.
GENERAL
Carry ID at all times. However, when passports are retained by government bodies
and sponsors, copies should be carried.
As a result of the Foot and Mouth outbreak
in the UK all imports from the UK/EU (excluding countries with no reported cases
of Foot and Mouth) to Russia of meat (including poultry), fish products and
dairy products (including UHT treated products) have been banned. Visitors arriving
in Russia from the UK may have their hand luggage checked for the presence of
meat containing products.
We advise visitors to arrive with cash in US
dollars. All dollar notes should be in pristine condition. Given exchange rate
uncertainties and fluctuations we advice that only small amounts of dollars
are changed at a time. Money should only be changed at banks and recognised
exchange kiosks. It is an offence to change money from street traders.
It is illegal to settle accounts in dollars
cash. Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops still accept credit cards. However,
credit cards are not accepted by smaller retail outlets.
It is essential that travellers take out full
insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents and it is advisable to have
cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport
or luggage.
You can drive a car in Russia whilst holding
an international driving license. For further information on driving restrictions,
visitors are advised to check with an international driving organisation.
We advise all British visitors and residents,
particularly those visiting remote parts of Russia, to register with the Consular
Sections of the British Embassy, Moscow and the British Consulates-General in
Ekaterinburg and St Petersburg.
For current Russia travel advisory updates
visit the UK
Foreign and Commonwealth Office website
Health: Medical facilities usually far below Western standards, with
severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to quality facilities
in major cities requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. US Embassy
& consulates maintain lists of such facilities & English-speaking doctors.
Many resident Americans travel to West for all medical needs; such travel very
expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Take out supplemental
coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travellers & those with
existing health problems at particular risk. Cost of medical evacuation
from Russian Far East can be $50,000/£35,000. If going to east & central
Siberia, contact your doctor well in advance to learn about precautions for
typhoid & polio. Malaria risk, exclusively in benign vivax form, exists
throughout year in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, & other Central Asian countries.
Crime& Security: Crime against foreigners is a problem, in
major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults & robberies occur day & night.
Most vulnerable areas include underground walkways & subway, overnight trains,
stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants & hotel rooms
& residences even when locked or occupied. Groups of children known to assault
& rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who
have been drinking especially vulnerable to assault & robbery in/around
nightclubs or bars, or on way home. Robberies occur in taxis shared with strangers.
Safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies, as solo travellers
more vulnerable to crime. Extortion & corruption common in business environment.
Criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities & demand protection
money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services
which improve overall security, although no guarantee. Small businesses particularly
vulnerable. Over past years, several US business people attacked, kidnapped
& even killed. Report all extortion attempts to authorities & inform
Embassy or nearest consulate. Travel to Chechnya & immediate surrounding
regions extremely dangerous due to continued political tension. Public gatherings
& demonstrations occur frequently, particularly in Moscow. Although such
demonstrations usually peaceful, exercise caution in areas where large groups
gathered.
Money: Ruble (R) only legal tender. Illegal to pay for goods & services
in US$, except at authorized retail establishments. Old or very worn US$ bills
often not accepted at banks & exchange offices, even though also violation
of currency laws. Traveller’s cheques & credit cards not widely accepted;
credit cards only accepted at establishments catering to Westerners. Major hotels
or Amex in Moscow or St. Petersburg suggest locations for cashing travellers
checks or obtaining cash advances on credit cards. Western Union agents in Moscow,
St. Petersburg, & some other large cities disburse money wired from USA.
ATM or Credit Card Advance machines in Moscow centre & most accept PLUS
or Cirrus ATM networks, plus Visa, MasterCard & Amex. Depending on Russian
bank that maintains cash machine may be charged 1 - 4% fee, over charges. Check
Universal
Currency Converter for current exchange rate.
Weather: Coldest month: Jan.avg low 21F (-13C), while warmest month,
July avg. high 82F (28C). See Monthly
temps. throughout Russia.
Advice & Tips for Russia:
Air Travel:Air travel within Russia often unreliable, with unpredictable
schedules & difficult conditions, including deteriorating quality of service.
Russian based airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards
than domestic-only air carriers, yet they also fly to most domestic destinations.
Best to Bring with You: Toiletries & pharmaceuticals. Suitable boots
or shoes. Umbrella. Travel alarm clock. Clean, crisp, new bills. Travel money
holder/concealer. Photocopy of passport & visa. Warm hat, coat, clothes
& gloves in winter. Camera & film. Heavy locks for luggage.
Traffic Safety: Bad weather & lack of routine maintenance make road
conditions highly variable. Exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which
are commonplace. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines",
and bandits occasionally prey on travellers.
Customs Regulations: Regulations complicated & highly discretionary.
30% duty required to export personal item(s) worth over $10,000/£7000. Moreover,
export duties imposed on any items determined by customs officials to be
of commercial use. All items which may appear to have historical or cultural
value - icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc. - may be taken out of Russia only with
prior written approval of the Ministry of Culture & payment of 100% duty.
Certain items, such as caviar, medications, jewellery, precious or semi- precious
stones or metals & fuel may be exported duty-free in limited amounts. Computers,
electronic notebooks & related hardware must be presented to customs officials
at airport for scanning at least 2 hours prior to departure. Failure to follow
customs regulations may result in penalties ranging from confiscation &/or
imposition of fines, to arrest & imprisonment. Present customs declaration
upon arrival with amount of currency brought into country declared & items
of value listed. Ensure declaration officially stamped by customs officials
on entry to prevent difficulties in taking currency & valuables out. Outdated
rule, enforced sporadically, prohibits export of floppy disks unless contents
approved at customs 24 hrs in advance.
Electricity & Voltage: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. To use US electrical
equipment, bring converter & adapter.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS): Importation & use of GPS
& other radio electronic devices subject to special rules & regulations.
In general, mapping & natural resource data collection activities associated
with normal, commercial, & scientific collaboration may result in seizure
of equipment &/or arrest of user. Penalty for using GPS device in manner
determined to have compromised Russian national security can be prison term
of 10 to 20 years. In Dec. 1997, US citizen imprisoned in Rostov-na- Donu for
10 days on charges of espionage for using GPS device to check efficacy
of newly-installed communications equipment. Don't import or use GPS equipment
in any manner unless properly & fully documented in accordance with instructions
of Glavgossvyaznadzor (Main Inspectorate in Communications) & declared in
full on customs declaration at point of entry. All radio electronic devices
brought into Russia must have certificate from Glavgossvyaznadzor - including
all emitting, transmitting, & receiving equipment such as GPS devices, cellular
& satellite phones, & other kinds of radio electronic equipment. Excluded
from list consumer electronic devices such as AM/FM radios.
Cellular Telephones: To obtain permission to bring in cell phone, agreement
for service from local cellular provider required. That agreement & letter
of guarantee to pay for service sent to Glavgossvyaznadzor with request for
permission to import phone. Based on these documents, certificate issued. Procedure
reported to take 2 weeks. Without certificate, no cellular phone can be brought
in country, regardless of whether or not meant for use in Russia. Permission
for above devices may be required from State Customs Committee of Russian Federation.
Computer Equipment: State Customs has stated that there are no
restrictions on bringing laptop computers into Russia for personal use. Software,
however, can be inspected upon departure; & some equipment & software
confiscated because of data contained in them, or due to software encryption,
standard in many programs.
Public Holidays: Jan 01 & 07; Mar 8; Apr15; May 01-2; May 9; Jun
12; Aug 22; Nov 7.
Airports
Moscow, Sheremetyevo Airport
By Taxi:
Get somebody to meet you! Taxis extremely expensive & sometimes dangerous.
By Car: 35 kms/16 miles from downtown.Ride time 45 mins. Longer in rush
hours - 10 am - 2 pm & 4 pm -7 pm!
By Public Bus:From airport to metro. Not advisable as inconvenient &
expensive. Bus #13 in front of central office building. 2 stops. From nearer
Arrivals, in 10-15 mins to Moskovskaya Metro Station, stopping near Pulkovskaya
Hotel (Ploschad Pobedy 1) en route. From stop nearer Departures, to nearby suburb
of Aviagorodok before returning to airport & continuing to Moskovskaya Metro
Station. Metro is not last stop, but most people will get off bus here. (1st
stop after large square with monument.)
DO NOT trust strangers trying to help you carry your luggage at airport unless
uniformed airport personnel. DO NOT share car with a stranger.
Terminal 1: Domestic flights.
Terminal 2: International.
Arrivals: Map.
Departures: Map.
Inter-Terminal: No regular shuttle bus between terminals. Taxi
recommended. Approx. fare - RUR 115,410.
Luggage Carts: Not many & expensive. Rental desk to right
after Passport Control.
Now You’re There
Regions and Cities
Russian Federation covers almost
twice area of USA, & reaches from Moscow in west over Urals & vast Siberian
plains to Sea of Okhotsk in east. Border between European Russia & Siberia
(Asia) formed by Ural Mountains, Ural River & Manych Depression.
European Russia extends from North Polar Sea across Central Russian Uplands
to Black Sea, Northern Caucasus & Caspian Sea.
Siberia stretches from West Siberian Plain across Central Siberian Plateau
between Yenisey & Lena, including the Sayan, Yablonovy & Stanovoy ranges
in south to East Siberian mountains between Lena & Pacific coast including
Chukotskiy & Kamchatka peninsulas.
Eating Out
Russian food that visitors
will eat from day to day depends on which city & time of year.
Moscow: Restaurants with international cuisines throughout city, although
primarily clustered near centre. Styles range from fast food/take out (McDonald's,
Taco Bell, KFC, Russky Bistro, Kombi's deli) to pizza (Pizza Hut, Jack's Pizza)
to casual dining (Patio Pasta, 24-hour diner) to extremely elegant. For nicer
restaurants, make reservations. Be prepared to pay much more than in US or Europe.
Tipping: In some restaurants, 10-15% added to bill. If not, leave same
as tip.
Local Food: Breakfast often similar to Scandinavian - cold meats, boiled
eggs & bread served with Russian tea. Kasha (porridge) staple breakfast
dish, made with milk & oats, buckwheat or semolina.
Midday & evening meal, often more tradition depending on region. Borshch,
beetroot soup served hot with sour cream, & sister dish of akroshka served
cold. Beef stroganov, bliny, aladyi & especially ikra or krasnaya
ikra (black & red caviar). Local chicken kiev not to be confused with
Western imitations. Tsipleonok tabaka, chicken dish roasted on spit.
Whole roast suckling pig & roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, roast duck
stuffed with apples and shashlik (shish kebab) served at parties &
for special occasions. Vegetable variant of shashlik. Local dishes worth
trying include kotlyety po Pozharsky (chicken cutlets), pirozhky
(fried rolls with different fillings, usually meat), prostakvasha (yoghurt),
pelmeni (meat dumplings), rossolnik (hot soup of pickled vegetables)
and shchi (cabbage soup). Stuffed cabbage leaves & sweet peppers
filled with boiled rice & minced meat. Mushrooms in sour cream very popular.
Great variety of salads includes winter salad & vinaigrette (diced vegetables).
Desserts: morozhenoye (ice cream), ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts)
& vareniki (dumplings with fresh berries, cherries or jam).
In tourist meal vouchers widely acceptable & increasing number of hotels
& restaurants in Moscow accept foreign currency, as do some bars.
Entertainment
Moscow theatre, circus, concert & variety performances are main
evening entertainments. Tickets available in advance or from ticket booths before
performances. Repertoire of theatres provides change of program almost nightly.
In course of month, 30 different productions may be presented by Bolshoi Opera
& Ballet Company. Details found in Friday editions of Moscow Times
& Moscow Tribune English-language newspapers, available free in hotels
& restaurants or ask hotel. Performances begin at 7 pm. Sat & Sun matinees
at noon. Russians dress up for these performances. Coats must be checked - free.
No photos! Tickets cost less than $10. Going through tourist agencies, western
ticket offices or middlemen increases price significantly.
Dancing in many in-tourist restaurants & night bars,
as well as in main local restaurants.
Moscow alone boasts 69 casinos, including Cherry Casino
& Gabriella.
Discotheques include Night Flight & Arlekino, which
also has restaurant.
Russkaya Troika restaurant in Orlenok Hotel has cabaret
show.
Shopping in Russia
Russian tourist centres
have foreign currency shops & most consumer goods available in Moscow &
St Petersburg. Wide range of goods such as watches, cameras, wines & spirits,
furs, ceramics & glass, jewellery and toys may be bought for foreign currency
only (cash or travellers checks) at favourable prices. Most tourist shops closed
Sunday.
Although few ordinary shops accept hard currency, most take payment in Roubles
only. System of queuing used in local shops for choosing goods, for payment
& for collection, so allow time for souvenir hunting.
Palekh & Kholui lacquered boxes make attractive souvenirs. Traditional
& satirical Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls) widely available.
Khokhloma wooden cups, saucers & spoons painted gold, red & black. Dymkovskaya
Igrushka are pottery figurines based on popular folklore characters.
Engraved amber, Gzhel porcelain, Vologda lace and Fabergé eggs & jewellery
are highly sought-after.
Antiquities, valuables, works of art & manuscripts other than those
offered for sale in souvenir shops may not be taken out of CIS without export
licence. 30% duty required to export any personal item(s) worth over $10,000.
Moreover, export duties may be imposed on any items determined by customs officials
at point of departure to be of commercial use. All items appearing to have historical
or cultural value - icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc. - may be taken out of Russia
only with prior written approval of Ministry of Culture & payment of 100%
duty. Certain items, such as caviar, medications, jewellery, precious or semi-
precious stones or metals & fuel may be exported duty-free in limited amounts
only.
Have you been to Russia and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
Add a Russia highlight > >.
|
