Visit Russia
Tourism and business trips, cities and culture.
Russia stretches across Europe and Asia, from Moscow and St Petersburg to the Volga, the Urals and Siberia. Our guides help you choose where to go, understand local customs and prepare the practical side before you leave: the right visa, cash instead of foreign cards, and a way to stay connected. Read them early, because some things work differently from what you may expect.
In this section
Tourism and business trips
Which visa fits a holiday or a business trip to Russia, how to apply at a consulate, what to do when you arrive, and what to expect in business meetings.
5 min read
Cities
What it is like to live and study in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, the Urals, Siberia, the Far East and the south of Russia.
5 min read
Culture and events
Public holidays and seasons, museums and theatres, everyday manners and religious life in Russia: what to expect and how to take part.
6 min read
Student visas and arrival
Which Russian visa you need, how to apply at an embassy, what to do in your first 30 days, and how to plan your journey to Russia.
6 min read
Practical tips
Money and bank cards, SIM cards, transport, winter clothes, plugs and the emergency number: practical tips for arriving and living in Russia.
5 min read
Guides for your country
Frequently asked questions
See all questionsCan I visit Russia with an e-visa?
Only if your country is on the list on the official e-visa website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The unified e-visa is for tourism, private and business visits and some events; it is single entry, valid for 120 days from issue, for a stay of up to 30 days. Citizens of many countries, including Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Nigeria and Senegal, are not eligible and need a regular visa from a Russian consulate. The e-visa never covers study.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring and summer, roughly May to September, are the easiest months, with long days and mild to warm weather. In June, St Petersburg has its famous white nights, when it barely gets dark. Winters are long, cold and snowy, and they can be beautiful if you bring really warm clothes.
Can I use my bank card in Russia?
Not if it is a Visa, Mastercard or Maestro card issued abroad: these cards do not work in shops, online or at cash machines. Foreign UnionPay cards are accepted in some large shops and hotels, but not everywhere. Bring enough cash in US dollars or euros, and if you stay longer, open a Russian bank account with a Mir card after you arrive.
Is it easy to get a Russian SIM card?
Not as easy as before. Since 1 January 2025, foreigners can only get a SIM card in person at a mobile operator's office, with a verified Gosuslugi account, a SNILS number and biometric data. For a short trip, plan to use Wi-Fi and ask your home operator whether roaming works in Russia. If you stay longer, take these steps soon after you arrive, because a Russian number is often needed to open a bank account.
Do I need to register when I arrive?
In most cases, yes: you must be registered with the migration authorities within 7 working days of arrival. In a hotel, the hotel does it for you within one working day; in a private flat, your host does it. Keep the proof of registration with your passport.
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