£1 RUB 98.32
Today
6:54 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
The country is involved in a major military conflict, leading to drone attacks, cancelled flights, and a high risk that you could be detained even for minor reasons like a social media post.
Weather & climate
Weather in Russia
Russia
22°
Slight rain
Wed
13°
22°
Thu
13°
20°
Fri
12°
21°
Sat
13°
22°
Sun
14°
25°
Mon
17°
27°
Tue
17°
28°
SPF level in Russia
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Russia
What British travellers need to know
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
Tips when travelling
Russia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport as ID as police carry out random checks and you could be fined or detained without it.
Be alert to mugging, pickpocketing, and theft in tourist areas, at railway stations, and in vehicles, and do not leave your bags unattended.
Drink spiking can lead to robbery or violence, so always buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
Avoid unregistered taxis by using a local app or getting a number from your hotel, and agree the fare before the journey.
Possession of even small quantities of drugs can result in a long jail sentence and heavy fines.
Bonus tips:
Be wary of fake police officers who may harass and rob tourists, and always insist on seeing identification if stopped.
There have been deaths from methanol in counterfeit alcoholic drinks, so seek urgent medical help if you show signs of poisoning after drinking.
More information
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 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.
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
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
00 7 495 123 4567 (Moscow number)
The country code for Russia is 7. The exit code from the UK is 00. Be aware that mobile roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Language in Russia
UK Embassy
British Embassy Moscow
Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10, Moscow, 121099, Russia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Russia
Beaches in Russia
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.