How to Travel to Russia
Your complete guide for arrival: flight routes, entry formalities, customs and the important migration card.
Your complete guide for arrival: flight routes, entry formalities, customs and the important migration card.
A trip to Russia requires a bit more planning than other destinations, but don't worry. With our step-by-step tutorial, you'll be well prepared. From visa application and flight booking to arrival at the airport, we guide you through the entire process.
The first step for your trip to Russia is applying for a visa. Depending on the purpose of your trip, there are different visa types:
For vacation, sightseeing and cultural visits. The classic entry point.
For business trips, conferences and professional appointments.
Digital visa for short stays. Quick and uncomplicated online.
Due to current restrictions, there are fewer direct flights from Europe. Popular transfer options are:
Frequent connections to Moscow and St. Petersburg
Modern hub with many connections
Good connections, nearby
Premium service to Moscow
Book your flight early as capacities are limited. Check baggage regulations carefully, for connecting flights, different rules often apply for checked baggage.
Upon arrival, you must go through passport control. Have the following ready:
The migration card is an important document for your stay in Russia. Keep it safe!
Don't lose your migration card! In case of loss, you must apply for a costly and time-consuming replacement. Keep the card together with your passport in a safe place.
What can you import? What must be declared?
Drugs and drug paraphernalia, counterfeit goods, pornographic material, extremist literature, food with meat or dairy from the EU (due to sanctions), as well as certain electronic devices with built-in radio modules without certification.
Choose the appropriate visa type and apply at the Russian consulate or online (E-Visa). Plan 2 to 4 weeks lead time.
Book your flight with connecting flights via Istanbul, Dubai, Belgrade or Abu Dhabi. Check connection times carefully.
Passport (valid min. 6 months), invitation, travel insurance and passport photos. Secure digital copies of all documents.
Upon arrival, you will receive the migration card. Fill out both parts and keep your copy safe.
Within 7 business days you must register. Hotels do this automatically; for private accommodations, the host is responsible.
Everything done. Discover the diversity of the country, from metropolis to nature, from culture to cuisine.
Depending on arrival time and airport, between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Peak times are mornings (6-10 AM) and evenings (6-10 PM). Plan sufficient buffer time for connecting flights.
In case of loss, you must apply for a replacement at the immigration authority (FMS). This costs time and fees (approx. 50-100 EUR). Therefore, keep the card especially safe.
For hotel stays, the hotel handles registration automatically. For private accommodations, your host is obligated to register you within 7 business days. Ask for a registration confirmation.
Yes, with EU pet passport, current rabies vaccination and health certificate. Entry via designated border crossings. More details can be found in our tutorial "Entering with a Pet".
The main arrival airports are Moscow-Sheremetyevo (SVO), Moscow-Domodedovo (DME) and Moscow-Vnukovo (VKO) as well as St. Petersburg-Pulkovo (LED). All offer modern facilities and good connections to the city center.
Still have questions about entry? We're happy to help.