How to Travel to Russia in 2024
Summary
“How to Travel to Wartime Russia in 2024: Finances, Visas, and Border Interrogations,” created by Jonny Tickle.
This podcast offers practical advice and insights on navigating the complexities of travelling to Russia in the wake of the 2022 conflict by an American there. The speaker covers key considerations, including travel logistics, accommodation, finance, visa requirements, and the evolving border security procedures, emphasizing the challenges faced by Western travellers in light of sanctions and increased security measures. The video aims to equip viewers with the knowledge and resources needed for a smoother and more informed journey to Russia.
Travelers can either book directly through a hotel’s website or use Russian platforms like Ostrovok and Sutochno.ru.
Flight options for reaching Russia from Western countries
Direct flights from the UK, EU, and USA to Russia have been halted. Travelers from these regions will need to book connecting flights. Popular connection points include:
Istanbul, Turkey (especially for UK travelers)
Dubai, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Belgrade, Serbia
Consider using Avia Sales or Travel Up for booking flights, or check the airline’s official website directly. Land border crossings are also possible, for example, from Estonia or into Kaliningrad.
How can I book accommodation in Russia now that platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb are unavailable?
Two recommended options for booking accommodation are:
Ostrovok: This domestic platform has become a primary resource for finding hotels and apartments across Russia.
Sutochno: Similar to Ostrovok, Sutochno offers a wide variety of accommodation choices.
Booking directly through the hotel’s website is also an option. Consider choosing well-known Western hotel chains for a familiar experience and consistent quality.
Mastercard and Visa cards issued outside of Russia are not functional within the country. Therefore, bring sufficient cash (USD or Euros) to cover your expenses. You can exchange foreign currency for rubles at banks, hotels, and bureaux de change.
While you can import up to $10,000 or equivalent without declaration, exceeding this amount requires a declaration. Exporting foreign currency is limited to $10,000.
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia, and what is the application process like?
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Many South American countries enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days. Citizens of the EU, India, Japan, and others can apply for an e-Visa online.
Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand need to apply for a visa in person at a Russian visa center. This involves submitting your passport and required paperwork. Check the Russian visa center website for specific requirements based on your nationality.
- What can I expect at the Russian border in terms of security checks?
Border security has been heightened, and foreign nationals, especially from Western countries, may face thorough security checks. These can involve:
Extended waiting periods
Questioning about your travel purpose, occupation, family, political views, and any connections to Ukraine
Photographing and fingerprinting
Inspection of your mobile phone (including messages, photos, and contacts)
How long do border interrogations usually take, and is there a risk of being denied entry?
Border interrogations can cause significant delays, often lasting several hours. While intimidating, these procedures are generally routine. Denials of entry are rare unless there are serious concerns or discrepancies in your application.
Is it safe to travel to Russia at the moment?
Yes it is. Only western media says it’s not safe to discourage people from seeing how life really is in Russia.
- What additional advice is given for smoother travel to Russia?
Inform any traveling companions, especially Russian citizens, about potential delays at border control.
Be prepared for a cash-based economy.
Research and book accommodation in advance.
Stay informed about current events and potential travel disruptions.
Be respectful of local customs and laws.
Learn some basic Russian phrases for easier communication.
Travelling to Russia in 2024: A Guide for Westerners
Source: Excerpts from “How to Travel to Wartime Russia in 2024: Finances, Visas, and Border Interrogations”
- Travel Logistics
Direct Flights: This section explains the lack of direct flights from the West to Russia since 2022 and recommends alternative routes via connecting flights through Turkey, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Serbia. It also suggests using specific flight comparison websites like Avia Sales or Travel Up due to major sites no longer listing flights to Russia.
Land Border Crossings: This section explores the option of crossing into Russia via land borders, particularly from Estonia to mainland Russia or into Kaliningrad, highlighting the cost-effectiveness but potential time consumption of this method.
Accommodation: This section covers the unavailability of Western booking websites like Booking.com and Airbnb in Russia, advising travellers to book directly through hotel websites or use Russian platforms like Ostrovok and Sutochno.ru. It also recommends opting for well-known Western hotel chains for quality assurance.
- Financial Considerations
Cash Dependency: This section stresses the importance of bringing cash to Russia due to the inability to use Western cards like MasterCard and Visa since 2022. It explains the limitations of opening Russian bank accounts for short-term visitors.
Currency Exchange: This section clarifies the regulations on importing and exporting foreign currency, with a limit of $10,000 without declaration. It also recommends exchanging currency at banks, hotels, or bureaux de change, particularly highlighting Liova Exchange in St. Petersburg for its favourable rates.
Sanction Awareness: This section cautions Westerners about potential legal repercussions of opening accounts in sanctioned Russian banks, urging them to research their country’s sanctions and make informed decisions about compliance.
III. Visa Requirements
Visa-Free Travel: This section details the visa-free travel options available to citizens of numerous countries, particularly in South America, for stays up to 90 days.
E-Visas: This section explains the availability of e-visas for citizens of the EU, India, Japan, and other countries, allowing for stays up to 16 days and obtained through a streamlined online process.
Visa Application Process for Western Nationals: This section outlines the process for obtaining a Russian visa for citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, involving visiting a Russian visa centre in person, submitting paperwork, and choosing from various visa types like tourist, business, and work visas. It assures readers that despite the process, obtaining a visa is generally straightforward.
- Border Security and Interrogations
Enhanced Security Measures: This section describes the stricter border security procedures implemented since 2022, including thorough security checks for foreign nationals, particularly Westerners.
Interrogation Procedures: This section details the typical interrogation process, involving being directed to a separate waiting area, potentially for several hours, before being questioned about the purpose of visit, occupation, family details, political views, and interactions with Ukrainians. It also mentions potential photographing, fingerprinting, phone inspection, and the recording of IMEI numbers.
Managing Expectations: This section acknowledges the potentially intimidating nature of the interrogations, particularly for Westerners accustomed to privileged passport treatment. However, it reassures readers that while the process is lengthy and inconvenient, arrests are rare and most interrogations are straightforward, as long as travellers are honest and follow common sense. It advises informing travel companions, especially Russian citizens, about potential delays to manage expectations and avoid unnecessary worry.
A Practical Guide for Western Travellers
This briefing document summarises key information from the YouTube video “How to Travel to Wartime Russia in 2024: Finances, Visas, and Border Interrogations” aimed at Westerners planning a trip to Russia.
Key takeaways:
Travel is more complicated: Direct flights from Western countries are unavailable, requiring connecting flights via hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. Land border crossings are possible but time-consuming.
Western financial systems are unusable: Visa and Mastercard are not accepted, necessitating carrying sufficient cash. Exchange bureaus are recommended for converting foreign currency to Rubles.
Visa processes remain relatively straightforward: While Westerners need to apply in person at a Russian visa center, approval rates are high for those with genuine intentions.
Border security has intensified: Expect thorough security checks and questioning, particularly for British and American citizens. Be prepared for delays, potential phone inspections, and inquiries about political views.
Travel Logistics:
Flights: “Since 2022 traveling from the West to Russia has become significantly more challenging…these direct connections are no longer available.” Utilise Avia Sales or Travel Up for flight bookings.
Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are unavailable. Use Ostrovok.ru or Sutochno.ru for booking, or book directly through the hotel’s website.
Land borders: Crossing by land is possible but may involve longer processing times.
Finances:
Cash is king: “Western cards including MasterCard and Visa issued outside of Russia have not worked inside Russia since 2022.” Bring sufficient cash ($10,000 can be imported without declaration).
Exchange: Utilise banks, hotels, or exchange bureaus (bureau de change) to exchange currency. “Liova exchange” in St. Petersburg is highly recommended for competitive rates.
Visas:
Visa requirements vary: Visa-free travel is available for some nationalities. E-visas are available for citizens of the EU, India, Japan, and others.
Westerners need in-person applications: Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand must apply for a visa at a Russian visa center.
Approval is generally straightforward: “Obtaining a Visa for Russia remains today to be relatively easy and straightforward unless there is a significant reason for rejection.”
Border Interrogations:
Increased scrutiny: “Many foreign Nationals including westerners particularly Brits and Americans are often subjected to thorough Security checks.”
Expect questioning and delays: “The process typically involves… being directed to a separate waiting area potentially for an extended period multiple hours before being called for questioning.”
Questions cover various topics: Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of visit, occupation, family details, political views, and any interactions with Ukrainians.
Delays are common: Inform any accompanying individuals about potential delays at passport control due to the extended security procedures.
Important Note: While the video source suggests that border interrogations are generally “fine” and arrests are rare, it’s crucial to remain respectful and truthful during questioning. Be prepared for potential privacy intrusions like phone inspections. Always check the latest travel advisories from your government before traveling to Russia.
