WHO CAN TRAVEL TO RUSSIA IN 2021? #

In accordance with Annex №1 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation №635-R of March 16, tourists from the following countries may come to Russia:

 

1. Abkhazia
2. Austria
3. Azerbaijan
4. Albania
5. Andorra
6. Armenia
7. Bahrain
8. Belarus
9. Belgium
10.  Bulgaria
11.  Great Britain
12.  Hungary
13.  Venezuela
14.  Vietnam
15.  Germany
16.  Greece
17.  Denmark
18.  Djibouti
19.  Dominican Republic
20.  Egypt
21.  India
22.  Jordan
23.  Iraq
24.  Ireland
25.  Spain
26.  Italy
27.  Kazakhstan
28.  Qatar
29.  Kenya
30.  Cyprus
31.  Kyrgyzstan
32.  China
33.  Colombia
34.  Korea
35.  Cuba
36.  Kuwait
37.  Lebanon
38.  Liechtenstein
39.  Luxembourg
40.  Mauritius
41.  Morocco
42.  Maldives
43.  Malta
44.  Mexico
45.  Moldova
46.  New Zealand
47.  UAE
48.  Peru
49.  Portugal
50.  Saudi Arabia
51.  Northern Macedonia
52.  Seychelles
53.  Serbia
54.  Singapore
55.  Syria
56.  Slovakia
57.  USA
58.  Tajikistan
59.  Tanzania
60.  Turkey
61.  Uzbekistan
62.  Finland
63.  France
64.  Croatia
65.  Switzerland
66.  Sri Lanka
67.  Czech Republic
68.  Ethiopia
69.  South Africa
70.  Japan

Citizens of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Ukraine residing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are also allowed to visit Russia.

There are 2 main rules for travellers who are going to visit Russia: #

— You must be a citizen of these countries or have a residence permit (or any other document proving the right of permanent residence).

— You have to enter Russia by plane and only from the territory of your country.

As for other countries, there are certain categories of citizens that can enter Russia. See the full list on the Federal Security Service website (available in Russian).

These categories are:

— diplomats and their family members;

— drivers, captains and pilots of international flights;

— foreign nationals who are family members of Russian citizens

— citizens who need to take care for their closest relatives (e.g. husbands, wives, children, mothers and fathers);

— citizens who have a residence permit for Russia;

— migrants who participate in the governmental programme;

— citizens who come for medical treatment (the documents should be issued by the Ministry of Health);

— citizens entering due to death of a close relative (death certificate and a document confirming the degree of kinship are required);

— highly qualified specialists. See the instructions for such specialists on the Federal Agency for Tourism website (available in Russian);

— residents of Baikonur and employees of companies working in the space industry.

 

What documents are needed for entry to Russia? #

1. Negative COVID-19 PCR test — provide it at the customs. You must make it no earlier than 72 hours before departure.
   You do not need to stay in quarantine if you have a negative test result.
2. A passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel.
3. Application form for those who are on flights to the Russian Federation for border crossing. It is to be completed prior to arrival in Russia.
4. Visa (citizens of 58 states are eligible for visa-free travel. See the list of these countries at the Federal Agency for Tourism website).
   You must apply for it at the nearest visa application centre of your country: electronic visas to Russia are temporarily suspended.
5. Visa application form.
   Sample for British nationals.
   Sample for citizens of other countries.
6. Medical Insurance (Russian abbreviation: DMS). It must be valid across the whole territory of Russia and cover possible COVID-19 infection.
7. Proof of accommodation. Required for citizens who are nor eligible for visa-free travel to Russia.
8. Tickets.

 

Things you need to foresee before travelling to Russia #

You need to be tested for COVID-19 in 72 hours before your arrival. The fastest way to get a test result is to do express tests. Keep in mind that they might be more expensive. The certificate must be in English or Russian. You may request a Russian translation at the clinic.

If you will show signs of fever or any other symptoms of an illness, you may be asked to re-do the test upon arrival. Set aside some cash on that — on average, the test costs 3,000 rubles (approximately 34 EUR). If the result is positive, you will have to stay for treatment.

Rules and recommendations you should follow while travelling in Russia #

— be sure to wear gloves and a medical mask in public places: shops, transport, public institutions and museums;

— maintain at least 1,5 meters between yourself and people around;

— avoid crowded places;

— take a taxi instead of public transport.

 

How not to get COVID-19 — basic rules #

Precautions The World Health Organization advises to follow:

— wash your hands thoroughly with soap, use alcohol-based hand rubs;

— wear a mask and gloves in public places. The mask must cover your nose and mouth;

— cover your mouth with a tissue if you feel like sneezing or coughing. After that, dispose the tissue immediately;

— avoid touching your face.

Visit the World Health Organisation website for more advice.

Stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, call 103 immediately.