Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
DO NoT Travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia. The State Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[7] (495) 728-5000; US Embassy Moscow, Bolshoy Deviatinsky, Pereulok No. 8, Moscow 121099, Russian Federation; MoscowACS@state.gov; https://ru.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
7
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Russia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast
Currency (Code)
Russian rubles (RUB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Russian, Tatar, Chechen
Major Religions
Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other Christian
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Russia has 11 time zones, the largest number of contiguous time zones of any country in the world; in 2014, two time zones were added and daylight saving time dropped
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Moscow (includes Kremlin & Red Square, Saint Basil Cathedral); Suzdal; Lake Baikal; Saint Sophia Cathedral (Veliky Novgorod); Kizhi Island; Valley of Geysers; Mount Elbrus; Saint Petersburg (includes Hermitage Museum, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Peterhof Palace)
Major Sports
Soccer, ice hockey, handball, basketball, tennis
Cultural Practices
Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that your host has provided ample hospitality.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip between 10-15% of the bill at restaurants. A porter or bellhop should receive 30-90 rubles or $1-3 (USD) per bag to carry luggage to a room. Hotel housekeeping would appreciate between 60-120 rubles per day. Tipping taxi drivers is not necessary.
Souvenirs
Matryoshka nesting dolls, Soviet-era memorabilia, amber jewelry, lacquer boxes, Faberge egg reproductions, hand-painted icons
Traditional Cuisine
Pelmeni — bite-sized dough dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients including pork, beef, fish, spices, mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables and boiled; typically served with sour cream
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, June 28, 2024
