From entry to registration: These are the papers you must have ready at all times.
Russia is a bureaucratic country. Correctly prepared documents, translations, and notarizations are key to a stress-free stay, whether you are traveling as a tourist or planning to relocate.
Ensure your passport is undamaged and has enough empty pages. Check the validity of your driver's license as well.
For official procedures (e.g., RVP application, marriage), foreign certificates (birth, marriage) require an apostille. This must be obtained in your home country.
It is best to have documents translated directly in Russia by a certified translator. Translations made abroad are often not accepted.
In Russia, copies and translations often need to be notarized. This is a standard process and usually quick to complete.
Scan all important documents (front and back) and save them securely in a cloud accessible without your phone.
A slip you receive at the border. More important than the visa! Never lose it. It is surrendered upon exit.
Must be done within 7 business days. Hotels do this automatically. For private stays, you must visit the MFC or post office with your host.
Russia requires you to carry ID. Keep at least a copy of your passport, visa, migration card, and registration with you at all times.
Never laminate official documents yourself. This often invalidates them as their authenticity cannot be verified.
| Service | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Notary Certification | 10 – 20 EUR |
| Translation (per page) | 15 – 30 EUR |
| Passport Photos | 5 – 10 EUR |
| Service | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Apostille (abroad) | 20 – 30 EUR |
| Visa Fee | from 40 EUR |
| Health Insurance | from 15 EUR/week |
Go to large, established translation agencies. They often have attached notaries, saving time ("One-Stop-Shop").
Ensure your name is spelled exactly the same (in Cyrillic) in all Russian translations.
Always carry a few current passport photos. You need them surprisingly often for various passes or applications.
Report the loss to the police immediately, then go to your consulate for a replacement document. Copies make this much easier.
No, the passport is an international document. You need apostilles for birth and marriage certificates.
Usually yes for short-term tourists. However, a notarized translation or International Driving Permit is highly recommended.
Copy shops ("Kserokopiya") are found in every city, often in shopping centers or photo stores.