£1 RUB 102.48
Today
8:24 pm
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Travel warning
There's an active military conflict and frequent security incidents, including drone attacks, which are causing major travel disruptions and increasing the risk of detention for foreign visitors.
Weather & climate
Weather in Russia
Russia
13°
Slight rain showers
Thu
6°
13°
Fri
6°
12°
Sat
6°
12°
Sun
3°
6°
Mon
1°
5°
Tue
1°
4°
Wed
1°
4°
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 for random police checks, as copies are not accepted and you could be fined or detained.
Be alert to mugging, pickpocketing and theft in tourist areas, and do not leave bags unattended or carry expensive items openly.
Be wary of drink spiking and methanol poisoning from illicit alcohol, so buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
Avoid unregistered taxis and only use a local taxi app or a reputable company called by your hotel, agreeing the fare first.
You can be prosecuted for possessing even small quantities of any drugs, including cannabis, and face long jail sentences.
Bonus tips:
Store valuables in the secure container under your bed or seat on overnight trains and do not leave your sleeping compartment empty.
Wheelchair access can be limited or non-existent in many public areas.
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
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.