Russia Holidays
Black Sea resorts at Sochi, Baltic beaches at Kaliningrad, and vast Pacific coastlines in the east. Get flights, travel tips, and info for Russia.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Russia
Tue
Wed
Thu
SPF level in Russia
Autumn
SPF 15
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Russia
You must get a visa before you travel to Russia.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date your visa expires.
You must sign an immigration card at passport control every time you enter Russia and keep your half to show when you leave.
You must register with the local authorities if you are staying anywhere for more than 7 working days, and your hotel will do this automatically.
You may bring cash and travellers' cheques into or out of Russia without declaring them if their combined value does not exceed the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.
Good to know:
You can only cross the land border between Russia and Belarus by road through a limited number of authorised crossing points.
Children under 18 years old must carry a notarised travel permission from one of their parents or legal guardians if they are travelling out of Russia without their parent or legal guardian.
Safety in Russia
Russia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your original passport, as copies are not accepted during random checks.
Keep valuables close in busy areas, stations, airports, vehicles and hotels.
Buy your own drinks, keep them in sight and avoid bootleg alcohol.
Use a registered taxi app or have your hotel call one; do not flag taxis down.
Do not photograph military, secure or official sites, including airports.
Bonus tips:
Avoid illegal drugs, as even small amounts can mean heavy fines and long jail sentences.
Do not post or share unverified military or attack information, as prison sentences can apply.
Saily eSIM for Russia
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off. Plans start at around €3 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land
200+ destinations
Code ATOBEACH at checkout
Driving in Russia
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Russia for up to 6 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Russia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Russia
As a British tourist, your EHIC/GHIC card is not valid in Russia. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before you travel. Check the policy covers all activities you plan to do.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the latest health advice and recommended vaccinations for Russia. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. Medical facilities may be limited outside major cities. Carry a basic medical kit.
Cards & payments
Acceptance varies. Major hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities generally accept cards, but smaller establishments and rural areas may only accept cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Russia
Tipping in Russia is not always mandatory, but it's becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas. It's a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included. Check the bill first, as some restaurants automatically add a service charge.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common. For exceptional service, you can tip 5-10%.
Hotel Porter
50-100 RUB per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 RUB per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Russia. Rates can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
30 GB for 1200 RUB (~£15)
Network coverage
4G/LTE, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Russia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces in major cities.
Average speed
30 Mbps
WiFi is generally accessible in urban areas, but speed and reliability can vary. Mobile data is a good backup. Many hostels, hotels and cafes offer free wifi.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Russia
Country code
7
To call Russia from abroad, dial 7 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10, Moscow, 121099, Russia
Phone
+7 495 956 7200
Website
Sheremetyevo International Airport
Pulkovo Airport
Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Vnukovo International Airport
Sochi International Airport
Novosibirsk International Airport (Tolmachevo)
Recent updates
Safety
Ongoing drone attacks and Russian air-defence activity may increase risks to civilian aviation.
Airspace use and airport operations may be restricted at short notice.
Russian authorities may confiscate a British passport held by a Russian national and may not return it.
Travel Disruption
Flight disruptions caused by drone attacks now apply to flights in and out of Russian airports, not only airports in European Russia.
Airspace closures can cause frequent, unpredictable flight delays, diversions and cancellations.
Airlines flying over or near conflict regions conduct their own regular safety and security risk assessments.
Beaches in Russia
Baklan
Beaches in Kurortny District of Saint Petersburg
Berdiansk spit
Bursakovskiy perekat beach
Chayka swimming pool
Chushka Spit
Dolgaya Spit
Fedotova Spit
Khalaktyrsky Beach
Krylataya
Lazurnaya Bay
Obytichna Spit
Peregradnaya
Petrushin Spit
Russkaya Koshka
Samara embankment
Styag
Sunny Beach
Tuzla Spit
Uchkuevka Beach
Vistula Spit
Yagry
Yasenskaya Spit
Yashmovyi beach
Yeysk Spit
Zashchitnaya Spit
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.