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Travel Advisory September 5, 2023

Russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the  unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for  harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the  arbitrary enforcement of local law ,  limited flights into and out of Russia , the  Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of  terrorism .  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately.  Exercise increased caution due to  the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them. 

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity. 

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. 

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Familiarize yourself with the information on  what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia (Updated Monthly).

Click Here for Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia (Updated Monthly) .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Required six months beyond intended stay

2 pages per stamp

$10,000 or more must be declared

You may export up to $3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Moscow Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8 Moscow 121099 Russian Federation Telephone:  +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(7) (495) 728-5000 Fax:  +(7) (495) 728-5084 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok 32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya Vladivostok 690001 Russian Federation

Consular services at U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok remain suspended.  Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151 Russian Federation

Effective April 1, 2021, Consulate General Yekaterinburg suspended all consular services.  Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg

Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, as of March 31, 2018, U.S. citizen visitors and residents in St. Petersburg must contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all consular services .

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws. The Embassy of the Russian Federation website provides the most up to date information regarding visa regulations and requirements. In accordance with Russia’s Entry-Exit Law, Russian authorities may deny entry or reentry into Russia for 5 years or more and cancel the visas of foreigners who have committed two administrative violations within the past three years. Activities that are not specifically covered by the traveler’s visa may result in an administrative violation and deportation.

Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012, qualified U.S. applicants for humanitarian, private, tourist, and business visas may request and receive multiple-entry visas with a validity of three years or a single entry, three-month validity visa. ( Please note that other types of visas are not part of the agreement and those visa holders should pay close attention to the terms of their visas.) You cannot enter Russia prior to the date on your visa, and you must exit Russia before your visa expires . The maximum period of stay is shown on the visa.

• You must have a current U.S. passport with the appropriate visa . Russian visas in an expired or canceled passport are not valid.
• You must obtain a valid visa for your specific purpose of travel before arriving in Russia, unless you are arriving as a cruise ship passenger (see below information for passengers of cruise ships and ferries). Do not attempt to enter Russia before the date shown on your visa. If you are staying in Russia for more than 7 days, you must register your visa and migration card with the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• Cruise ship passengers in St. Petersburg should seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all emergency and passport services. 
• Cruise ship passengers should be aware that loss or theft of a passport and/or migration card could result in the inability to obtain lodging. Hotels and hostels may not allow guests to check in without a passport, a migration card, or Russian visa.
• We recommend U.S. citizens obtain a Russian visa before traveling to Russia, in case of an emergency while in the country, such as unexpected medical issues or if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason.
• Students and English teachers should be certain that their activities are in strict keeping with their visa type. Students must not teach or coach English, whether compensated or not, while traveling on a student visa as it is considered a visa violation and may subject you to detention and deportation. 
• With the exceptions noted below, travelers will are not required to have a transit visa if they are transiting through an international airport in Russia, do not leave the Customs zone, and depart from the same airport within 24 hours.  
• Travelers must have a Russian transit visa if they plan to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country or if they transfer to another airport.
• Travelers must possess a Russian transit visa in addition to a Belarusian visa if their travel route either to or from Belarus goes through Russia.

Dual Nationals: Anyone entering Russia who has claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship held, is fully accountable to the Russian authorities for all obligations of a Russian citizen, including the required military service.

• U.S.-Russian dual nationals and Russian citizens who are Legal Permanent residents of the United States must register their dual nationality/foreign residency. Registration forms and further information (in Russian only) can be found on the website of the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Interior Ministry of Russia.
• U.S.-Russian dual nationals must both enter and exit on a Russian passport. You will not be permitted to depart on an expired passport. Applying for a passport can take several months. 
• U.S.-Russian dual nationals who return to Russia on a “Repatriation Certificate” are only permitted to enter Russia and will not be permitted to depart Russia until they obtain a valid Russian passport.
• Minors who also have Russian citizenship and are traveling alone or in the company of adults who are not their parents, must carry a Russian passport as well as their parents’ notarized consent for the trip, which can be obtained at a Russian embassy or consulate, or a U.S. notary public. A consent obtained in the United States from a U.S. notary public must be apostilled, translated into Russian, and properly affixed. Authorities will prevent such minors from entering or leaving Russia if they cannot present this consent.

Crimea: Follow the guidance in the Travel Advisory for Ukraine and do not travel to the Crimean Peninsula. 

Documentary Requirements for obtaining a Russian visa: Consult with the Embassy of the Russian Federation for detailed explanations of documentary requirements.

HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas

• Moscow and St. Petersburg have been the targets of terrorist attacks, and bomb threats against public venues are common. If you are at a location that receives a bomb threat, follow all instructions from the local police and security services.

North Caucasus Region: A risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities may harbor particular hostility towards U.S. travelers.

• Do not travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region.
• If you reside in these areas, depart immediately.
• U.S. government travel to the region is prohibited, due to ongoing security concerns.
• The U.S. Government has no ability to assist U.S. citizens in the North Caucasus Region.

Mt. Elbrus:

• Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
• Do not travel to this Russian occupied territory of Ukraine.
• The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Crimea. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for questions regarding consular services.
• U.S. government officials are prohibited from traveling to Crimea. See the Departments Travel Advisory for Ukraine .

Harassment:  Harassment of U.S.-based religious and student groups can take place in Russia, and you should be aware of the possibility of anti-U.S. sentiment or harassment. U.S. citizens, including current and former U.S. government and military personnel, maybe subject to additional scrutiny by Russian security services. Remain alert, avoid any protests or demonstrations, and use discretion when commenting publicly on political developments. You can find safety and security  Alerts on the Embassy’s website .

• Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals. Please comply with the requests of local law enforcement officials.
• Report harassment or crimes to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or the nearest U.S. Consulate General.

Demonstrations:

• Avoid public demonstrations. U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations have been arrested by the Russian authorities.

Crime: Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. U.S. citizens have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to impartially and thoroughly investigate crimes.

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds.
• Do not leave bags unattended. 
• Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Alcohol was a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors.
• Report Credit card or ATM card theft to the credit card company or issuing bank immediately.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash . 

Cybercrime: Cybercrime is a significant problem across Russia. Russian hackers and traditional organized crime structures continue to work together, raising threats to the financial sector. The risk of infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social engineering attacks is significant. U.S. citizens and companies should remain vigilant against cyber threats and actively use cyber security measures to mitigate risks.

U.S. citizens have no reasonable expectation of privacy in Russia. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance at any time and without advisory, which may compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) legally permits authorities to monitor and record all data that traverses Russia’s networks.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information on scams.

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000..

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. United States law enforcement agencies do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• Support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Arrest Notification: Russia routinely fails to meet its obligation to inform the U.S. Embassy of arrests of U.S. citizens. If you are detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. See our webpage for further information.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws. If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled and may be banned from re-entering Russia. 

Some crimes committed outside the United States are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice  website.

• You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported and banned for 5 years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You can be detained for not carrying your passport with you.
• You can be jailed immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars, except at authorized retail establishments.
• You can be arrested for attempting to leave the country with antiques, even if they were legally purchased from licensed vendors. Cultural value items like artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals and antiques, must have certificates indicating they do not have historical or cultural value. You may obtain certificates from the Russian Ministry of Culture . 
• Retain all receipts for high-value items, including caviar.
• You must have advance approval to bring in satellite telephones.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) and other radio electronic devices, and their use, are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. Contact the Russian Customs Service for required permissions.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Russian authorities have detained, fined, and in some cases deported travelers for engaging in religious activities. Russian officials have stated that Russia recognizes four historic religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The Russian government places restrictions on missionary activity and defines it broadly – travelers engaging in certain types of religious work may risk harassment, detention, fines, or deportation for administrative violations if they do not have proper authorization from a registered religious group. Russian law criminalizes proselytizing outside of a registered house of worship. The Russian government has detained U.S. citizens for religious activities that they contend are not permitted under a tourist or humanitarian visa. See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Russian law bans providing "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. Foreign citizens face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.

• Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Acts of violence and harassment targeting LGBTI individuals occur.
• Government officials have made derogatory comments about LGBTI persons and violence against the LGBTI community has increased.
• There have been credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of LGBTI persons in Chechnya allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. The Moscow Metro, though extremely safe and efficient in other areas, is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities.

• Sidewalks are narrow and uneven.
• Mobility is usually easier in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
• Crossing streets in large cities can be difficult, since it usually requires the use of a pedestrian underpass, which includes stairs, steep ramps, and no elevators.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Private medical care in major metropolitan cities and tourism centers in Russia is often equal to Western standards. However, medical care is generally below Western standards in non-metropolitan areas.

• Private medical facilities require payment by cash or credit card before providing services (unless they are life threatening), and are unlikely to accept proof of U.S. insurance as guarantee of future payment. Payment is expected at the time of service .
• The Embassy does not pay the medical bills of private U.S. citizens.
• U.S. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States without the purchase of supplemental coverage.  
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage.
• Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems are particularly at risk.

Prescription Medication:

• Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. We recommend against bringing cold medication with you to Russia.
• Carry a copy of valid U.S. prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian of each prescription, when entering Russia with prescription medications. 
• Prescription medication should be in its original packaging.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions and driver safety customs differ significantly from those in the United States. In some more remote areas of Russia, roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders.

• Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and this is generally observed. It is dangerous to cross where there is not a crosswalk present.
• Do not drive outside the major cities at night.
• Construction sites and road hazards are often unmarked. 

Traffic Laws : Russian authorities have been known to consider traffic or parking infractions as “administrative violations” that provide a sufficient basis for deportation and/or denial of entry back to Russia at a later date.

• Drivers must carry third-party liability insurance under a policy valid in Russia.
• You may drive for 60 days using your U.S. driver’s license, with a notarized Russian translation.
• Tourists may also use International Driving Permits issued by the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance to drive in Russia.
• Russian law requires foreigners on business or employment visas or with permanent residence status to have a Russian driver's license.
• Driving regulations are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties.
• Russia practices a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities can detain an intoxicated driver and your driver’s license can be suspended up to two years.
• If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle from the accident site. You may be held liable if you move your car even if you are not at fault.
• Roadside police checkpoints are commonplace. Be prepared to stop and show identity documents and proof of registration and insurance.

Public Transportation:

• Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive, efficient public transit systems, as do many other urban areas in Russia.
• In metropolitan areas, well-marked taxis are generally safe and reliable Do not use unmarked taxis. Passengers have been the victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion and theft.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Russia's Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners should check the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration site for U.S. maritime advisories and alert s, the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and  NGA broadcast warnings .

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Russia ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Russia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Condition of entry and exit from/to Russia on foreign cars

Russia is a member of the Eurasian Customs Union (EACU) and therefore the rules of entry and exit from the Union countries are the same

Which countries are parts of the Eurasian Customs Union (EACU)?

What do you need to know traveling by car?

No matter which of the countries of the Eurasia Customs Union (EACU) you enter, there is the same set of rules for everyone who enters one of countries of CU by their own vehicle. The main and basic rule is that one owner (driver) can enter only one vehicle without paying customs deposit, without the right to transfer ownership and operating of the vehicle to other persons. This means that when crossing the border, the driver will be required to fill out a Customs Declaration, in which he must specify the point of entry (Country) and point of exit (Country), the period of stay of the vehicle on the territory of the Customs Union. The vehicle must be driven out by the same owner (driver) as indicated in the customs Declaration.

When driving in Russia the following documents should be carried

• passenger customs declaration
• foreign registration certificate of the vehicle
• civil passport and international passport (valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter a foreign country)
• valid visas (if needed) to all planned countries of the Customs Union along the route
• international driving permit/ national driving permit (all the data is written in Latin)
• insurance (third part) issued for the entire planned period of stay of the vehicle on the territory of the EEU (CTP Insurance policy for each planned country of the customs Union is issued directly at the border crossing points after passing the customs authority)

Documents that were issued at the entrance of the vehicle,

in Russia, are valid throughout the Customs Union: for example, if your trip takes this route: Finland-Russia-Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan-China, then you have to issue a Customs Declaration once when entering Russia at the Finnish-Russian border and show it at the exit from Kyrgyzstan at the Kyrgyz-Chinese border. In this case, the period of stay of the vehicle in the countries of the Customs Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) must not exceed the period specified in the customs Declaration.

If you follow the route: Latvia-Russia-Mongolia-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan- Kyrgyzstan in this case, you have to issue several entry documents: the first time at the border of Latvia with Russia, the second time at the border of Mongolia with Russia and the third time at the border of Uzbekistan with Kyrgyzstan.

We can give you more detailed information about the necessary documents when contacting us.

We can also help with the registration of documents for the entry of a vehicle to travel through Turkmenistan, Tajikistan (Gorny Badakhshan), China and Tibet.

Additional information on Russia

• Rules of the road in Russia
• Visas in Russia
• Cancellation Terms and Conditions
• Booking Terms and Conditions
• FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions

Fixed-date departure tours

Best overland tours In Russia and CIS countries

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Unique tours of the great cities, unknown places, winter and summer drive experiece

We provide: logistics, paperwork, escort and local guide services

Driving In Russia

Many people are not aware that driving your car to Russia is not only straightforward, but is FREE for up to one year as long as it’s for your personal use. That is, you drive your foreign-registered car with your foreign license plates to Russia and you have up to one whole year temporary import tax-free to use it for your personal trips. There are some things to keep in mind before doing so, but they are all quite manageable. Read below to find out what you need to drive your car to Russia.

As a foreigner in Russia, you are allowed to temporarily import a vehicle registered outside of Russia for personal use for up to ONE year without being subject to import duties. The requirements for importing a vehicle temporarily are as follows:

• the vehicle is registered outside of Russia
• the vehicle is for personal use only
• the vehicle is driven only by the person stated in the car title, no other person car drive the vehicle
• the vehicle has valid insurance (either foreign or Russian)
• you have a valid driver’s license
• you must drive your vehicle out of Russia before the 1 year temporary import expires

Important details to note:

• You can obtain temporary Russian license plates at GiBDD in exchange for your foreign plates as long as you have valid registration longer than 3 months.
• You are likely to attract unwanted attention driving around with foreign plates from traffic police. Have your documents in order at all times. Speaking anything but Russian will typically cut the visit short and you’ll be let go without issues.
• Beware of the scam when your foreign license plates get stolen from off your vehicle. A phone number is left on your windshield to call, transfer money to and you are told where your plates are located. Either keep duplicate plates on your vehicle and the real plates safely inside the car or wherever you’re staying in Russia OR purchase anti-theft license plate frames.
• The temporary import is not tied to your visa. You can leave your vehicle in Russia while you travel outside Russia, however, don’t forget to drive your car out of Russia BEFORE the temporary import expires!

Crossing a Russian Border by Car

As long as you’re driving your own car into Russia, you won’t have any issues entering Russia with it. Obviously, you must have the usual documents on yourself and the car, but you should already have those in any case.

You’ll just need to fill out the temporary import form (formally known as passenger customs declaration) along with showing the usual documents. When entering into Russia, you’ll first go through the import process and then passport control. When leaving Russia, you’ll go through passport control and then provide your car documents along with the temporary import form you filled out when entering Russia. Download the temporary import form below. It’s a double-sided form. You’ll need TWO, one for them to keep and one for yourself to keep. Keep your copy whenever you’re driving so that you can prove your temporary import if traffic police ask for it.

Download the latest temporary import form below

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises British nationals against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable. This includes:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, happening in some parts of the country
• lack of available flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide consular assistance

There is also a high likelihood that terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and Security’ section .

Security situation in Russia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. There are reports of drone attacks and explosions in areas in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, Moscow and St Petersburg.

Political rallies and demonstrations can take place in Moscow, St Petersburg and across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information. Be vigilant and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.

The situation remains unpredictable and could escalate without warning.

Leaving Russia

FCDO advises British nationals to consider leaving Russia.

If you do not need to be in Russia, we strongly advise you to consider leaving.

You cannot fly directly from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. Commercial flight options are limited and can sell out quickly. Check with your airline or travel provider.

British nationals should exercise extreme caution at all times. Travel within or out of Russia is at your own risk.

You cannot fly direct from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. There are limited commercial airlines with indirect flights via the Middle East, Serbia and Turkey. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.

Land borders may be busy. Be prepared for a long wait to exit Russia. You may also be questioned at the border. During periods of unrest, check the local media for updates on the situation before travelling.

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will be closed until at least 11 February 2024. Consult the  Finnish border guard website  for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

Some European countries have restricted or banned the entry of vehicles registered in Russia, this includes:

If you plan to drive a vehicle registered in Russia into Europe check that you are eligible to do so.

Some bus companies have international routes. The situation may change quickly. From 18 November 2023, Finland will restrict entry at some road border crossings (See ‘Travelling from Russia to Finland’). Check these companies for availability of buses, timetables and tickets:

• Ecolines – buses to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and other destinations in Europe
• Baltic Shuttle – buses from St Petersburg to Tallinn (Estonia)
• Lux Express – buses from St Petersburg to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia)

Travelling from Russia to Latvia

Check the travel advice for Latvia .

See the Latvian government website for information on crossing the border.

Travelling from Russia to Finland

Check the travel advice for Finland .

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will remain closed until further notice. Consult the  Finnish border guard website  for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

The border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to leisure boating from 15 April until further notice.

The train service from Russia to Finland is no longer available.

Travelling from Russia to Estonia

Check the travel advice for Estonia .

See the Estonian police and border guard website for information on crossing the border.

From 1 February 2024, it is not possible to cross the border by vehicle via the Narva-Ivangorod crossing point, whilst construction works take place on the Russian side. The crossing is open to pedestrians.

Travelling from Russia to Lithuania

Check the travel advice for Lithuania .

If you’re planning to cross into Lithuania by road from Kaliningrad oblast at the Kybartai border crossing point, see the Lithuanian state border crossing website .

Travelling from Russia to Norway

Check the travel advice for Norway .

Staying in Russia

If you decide to stay in Russia, you should:

• keep your departure plans under constant review
• ensure your travel documents are up to date
• follow local media
• stay alert to security warnings and follow the advice of local authorities
• take cover in buildings or underground and avoid windows in the event of drone attack
• sign up to email alerts for Russia travel advice

Read FCDO advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad and how to prepare.

Support for British nationals in Russia

The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.

In person consular support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.

If you need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.

Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

Dual nationals

Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities. The consular support FCDO can provide is severely limited. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us consular access.

In 2022, Russia declared a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces. Military recruitment continues. Anyone with a Russian passport could be conscripted.

In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Invasion of ukraine.

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

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St Petersburg by Car All You Need to Know to Drive into Russia

Is it worth going to St Petersburg by car? Decide by yourself by reading this page! See our best recommendations and all requirements to drive into Russia. 

Going to St Petersburg by car from Finland, the Baltic States or from anywhere else is possible as long as you are confident about driving in stressful conditions after you cross the Russian border. There’s an old saying that goes “ Russia’s got two problems – fools and roads ” and it surely applies even today. ☺

Driving in Russia can be interesting and it definitely gives you a lot more freedom than using public transport or going on a bus, even if the public transport system of the country is very efficient and economical. But accident rates in Russia are notoriously high due to bad roads and bad drivers.

Generally, the Russian roads are dangerous, bumpy and unimproved ( mostly in the countryside ), narrow and poorly maintained; while the petrol stations are still few and far between the cities.

When driving in Russia you will also see a lack of adequate signage, a complex Cyrillic alphabet ( no English road signs ), and keen-eyed traffic police ( often corrupt, but not as much as in the past, at least in big Russian cities ), that can make your car trip a difficult task. In addition to that, you should also expect huge traffic jams ( both in and outside the city ) and reckless Russian drivers who have a reputation for being careless and a bit aggressive.

For all these reasons, travelling to St Petersburg by car or just driving in Russia isn't really for everybody, but only for intrepid travellers and good drivers . ☺

Fortunately, things have improved a little in the last few years, main roads and streets have been fixed and modernized, and, a new large motorway linking Moscow to St. Petersburg has been built, and a new motorway connecting St. Petersburg to Finland is underway.

However, from our point of view , if you plan such a road trip remember that the drive is very long, the state of the roads are still not very good, and traffic is very dense. Good for you a much better alternative would be taking the train , which is a lot faster, convenient, and more comfortable.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO ST PETERSBURG BY CAR

Now let's see in more details how to travel to Russia and St Petersburg by car. To get started just click on the links below or scroll down the page. Happy reading!

Quick Links :

Before Going

Driving From Helsinki to St. Petersburg

Driving From Tallinn to St. Petersbug

Driving From Moscow to St. Petersburg

The Russian Border

The Russian Police

How to Rent a Car

Things to Know

Tips and Recommendations

Before gOing to st petersburg by car

So, are you still thinking to go to St Petersburg by car? If so learn more below, and when you're on the road, don't forget that in Russia you drive from the right-hand side.

If your answer is YES , then before you go make sure to have all of the car's documentation in perfect order as the ever-hungry Russian police will quickly spot and fine any infraction.

Apart from being 18 years old and hold a driving license, to legally drive in Russia, you should have an International Driving Permit with a Russian translation of your license ( better if certified ), and the registration and insurance documents for the car ( special car insurance ).

If you have got all of the paperwork above plus a valid passport , and a Russian visa , then you are all set to go.

When you go to St Petersburg by car, 90% of the way you will be driving on the M10 or M11 highway ( two busiest and most important highways in Russia ). These two Russian highway connects the two largest Russian cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg, as well the border with Finland.

When on the road , remember to never assume that Russian drivers to your left will behave in a civilized and sane way ( like using their indicators, or stopping at red lights ), but rather be careful. Pay attention to cars coming in the opposite direction or passing you on the left or right.

Maybe you wonder now, are Russians really so bad at driving? Well...

...We don't mean that all Russian drivers are crazy, but unfortunately, most of them are. Many Russian people drive aggressively and exceed speed limits almost always, no matter where they drive. So, do not expect any courtesy and always look front and back.

Forewarned is forearmed! ☺

DRIVING FROM HELSINKI TO ST. PETERSBURG

When driving from Helsinki to St Petersburg by car expect to drive for about 400 Km and up to 5 hours , excluding 2-3 hours (sometimes even more) of long lines for customs and passport check at the Russian border near the town of Vyborg .

The road is generally fairly good, though it's narrow and not as good as in Finland. Along the way, you may find many trucks and cars on the roads ( especially on weekdays ), but not as many when you get closer to the city.

The positive side is when driving from the border to Saint Petersburg you will see several old Russian villages and a huge chunk of natural beauty, like green forests, lakes, and graceful hills.

Honestly, the wonderful views will be the best part of your entire car trip. We have travelled by car and bus from Finland to St. Petersburg several times, and each time was amazing, though sometimes the bumpy road didn't let us sleep. ☺

Remember also that on the way you won't find any petrol stations or restaurants as you see in many European countries. So if you go, make sure to fill up the car with petrol and bring something to eat and drink with you.

DRIVING FROM tallinn TO ST. PETERSBURG

Driving from Tallinn to St Petersburg by car approximately takes 5 hours , excluding the time spent at the Russian border to check your passport and travel documents.

The travel distance between the Baltic capital and the imperial city is less than 400 km , and the scenery along the way is also amazing. You will drive through pine forests, medieval castles, old fortresses and Russian villages.

However, even if the view is wonderful, the roads, unfortunately, are not!

Generally, from Tallinn to the border at Narva the road is pretty good, but soon after the Russian border (from the town of Ivangorod to St. Petersburg) you may find yourself driving on a bumpy and narrow road filled with trucks and cars. So be careful!

DRIVING FROM MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG

If for any reason you choose to drive from Moscow to Saint Petersburg by car, then expect to have a long adventurous experience.

We have heard many stories from our Russian friends who have driven a car to Sankt Petersburg from Moskva. Most of them keep saying that a trip like that is tiring, long, and stressful, but lucky for you today the situation is much better than it is used to be making things a little easier.

A trip to St Petersburg by car from Moscow approximately takes 12 hours , depending on traffic. The travel distance between the two cities is 700 Km , and the road in some sections isn't good and has only two lanes with an occasional third central lane to allow overtaking (except when you get closer to the city). Before people were used driving only on the M10 ( the old highway and most travelled ), while now Russians can also choose to go through the new long toll motorway (M11). The new M11 motorway is easing the traffic and serving as an alternative route to the existing M10 , which in the past was and still, it is laden with cars and many trucks causing traffic problems, long queues, and sometimes even car crashes, especially during winter.

Therefore, if you plan to go to St Petersburg by car from Moscow we recommend going through the M11 to drive faster and safer.

THE RUSSIAN BORDER

When you arrive at the border between Finland and Russia or Estonia and Russia, you will have to go through Russian Customs to check all your travel and car documents.

Generally, when crossing the two borders you may need to wait up to 24 hours before you can cross the Russian border . Here, you will get a queue number and a time when you can queue up at customs.

Also, the Russian guards will check your passport, visa, and car, plus they will give you a migration card (also distributed to passengers on incoming bus or train and at arrival control points).

However, in case you don't receive anything, then don't forget to ask for it and make sure it's stamped.

The migration card is very important for your registration and sojourn in Russia. So, don't lose it and keep it with you until you leave.

When at the Russian border, you will also see that the checking points have separate lanes for trucks, cars, and buses. Cars and trucks are processed in line, bikes can ride forward to the control point without standing in the queue. Buses such as Ecolines are also processed in the lanes, but they have priority because they have passengers on board .

Anyway, with an estimated number of 7 million people crossing the Finnish - Estonian - Russian border each year, expect to wait long hours in the queue, especially if you travel in the summer or during the weekend or bank holidays. In case you don't like standing in line, we remind you that you can also travel to St Petersburg by train or by plane .

THE RUSSIAN POLICE

Heard many stories about the Russian police? Your friends have told you those guys can be a real pain? Well, yes and no! It depends on many things.

You should know that, usually, the police target people who work illegally in the country, like Tadjiks and Uzbeks . Our guess is you aren't one of them ☺ . So, if you are just getting around the city as a tourist you should not experience any problems, but if you travel to St Petersburg by car , then the scenario might be a bit different.

Unfortunately, in Russia, the traffic police are still awful. You can be stopped even if you haven’t done anything wrong, but you won’t be able to prove that you are right. With signs hidden, some non-existent, and mostly in Cyrillic script, it would be easy to get confused and unwittingly commit a traffic offense for a foreigner. 

So, if you're thinking of driving in Russia, be careful, because you could be easily stopped, and the officers of the so-called State Inspection of Safety of Road Traffic ( GIBDD ) may try to find any excuse to fine you. This is not always the case, of course, but it can happen!

Because for some of them this is just one of the many ways to supplement their low salaries.

For example, we heard that they might fine you for not having a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit, but also for driving under the influence of alcohol or for exceeding the speed limit.

However, today the situation seems not as bad as it was in the past, but since the corruption in Russia is widespread, when driving to St Petersburg by car or just driving around the city you should always expect the unexpected.

If you find yourself in such a situation be ready to open your wallet without complaining, or they may take your passport away if you don't pay them. So, if you see you can negotiate, give them something from 1000-2000 rubles for each agent and you will be fine.

how to RENT A CAR in russia

By now you should know that driving habits and enforcement are still poor in Russia, though things now are not worse like in the past. However, most of the tourists still tend to avoid renting a car in Russia by themselves and rather they prefer to travel by other means of transport, or they just hire a driver with a car , which is the best way to move around the city or outside.

If you're in the mood to drive to St Petersburg by car, remember that according to Russian laws , you need separate car insurance and written permission from the owner to take the car across the border. It should also contain an explicit list of countries where you are allowed to drive. Moreover, you need other documents to hold with you ( see below for the full list of documents you need to cross the Russian border ).

Instead, if you want to rent a car independently when you are already in Russia, then the first place to look would be at Pulkovo airport if you land there. Here you can find the major car rental companies such as Europcar , Avis , Hertz , and others. Please note that you can book a car online too before your arrival. No problem!

In the event, you are thinking to rent a car in Russia with a car rental agency remember you will need your passport and driver’s license. You'll also need a credit card (d ebit or prepaid are not valid ) to make a deposit against possible car damage that is not covered by insurance. And, be aware that many car rental agencies require you to be 21 years old to be able to rent a car, and have at least one year of driving experience . Others may require being much older and having more years of experience.

If you have not found a car you like from any of these international car rental companies, then you could also try with some local Russian company . Generally, they all offer a modest range of vehicles at each destination from cheap economy cars to luxury cars. If you're interested, look for Prokat Auto , Rent Motors , Storlet Car , or Arenda Car .

These local car rental companies may offer you cheaper prices, but keep in mind that their websites are usually in Russian, not all of which allow you to book in advance online, and their offer may be more limited as well.

In conclusion, when renting a car in Russia expect to pay for one day something like €50/$55 for an economy-class car, and up to €100/$110 for a luxury car, but the price is not standard and can vary from company to company.

things to know

Are you wondering what to bring with you to drive to St Petersburg by car? Below we have summarized all the documents you need to have.

So, before you go make sure you carry with you the following documents:

• International Driving Permit and home Driver's license;
• Passport and valid Russian visa, including the migration card;
• Vehicle registration documents ( be sure you have the original papers with the car, concerned relevant rental vehicle documentation );
• Customs declaration, obliging you to take your vehicle back, out of Russia ( received at the border );
• Insurance cover for you and the car. You can buy your travel insurance here !
• According to your nationality ( Let's say you are from Australia ) you also need to get a translated and notarized copy of your current Australian driver’s license.

After collecting all the necessary travel documents above, if you wish to travel to St Petersburg by car you also need to pay attention to the following Russian regulations :

• The vehicle should be fully insured under a policy valid in Russia. Insurance carriers’ offices are located at all crossing points.
• A road tax is also payable upon entry to the country.
• Travellers really should ask for a Russian stamp on their entry customs declaration form to avoid any serious troubles on departure!
• The minimum age for drivers is 18 years.
• As elsewhere in Europe, drive on the right, overtake on the left, and yield right-of-way to all vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated.
• Right turn on red is forbidden.
• The use of seat belts is compulsory for front-seat passengers.
• Drinking and driving are prohibited.

When you are going to St Petersburg by car don't forget about the speed limits:

• 20 kph (12 mph) in the residential zones;
• 60 kph (37 mph) in the built-up areas;
• 90 kph (60 mph) outside built-up areas
• 110 kph (68 mph) on highways.

And, the vehicle requirements:

• Warning Triangle;
• First Aid Kit;
• Fire Extinguisher.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

If you really wish to travel to St Petersburg by car , you know now that it’s going to be one long and stressful ride, but adventurous. Needless to say, going further is a much tougher challenge. But no worries, you'll be fine if you follow our tips & recommendations. ☺

That said, if you have your heart set on a car trip, of course, it can be done, but remember that travel by car to Russia requires patience, time, and the right documentation of the car.

• First of all, you should translate all of the car documents before you go to St Petersburg by car. Check with a travel agency that deals with trips to Russia about what documents you will or won't need.
• Secondly, when renting a car in Russia, the staff may not ask you for all the documents, but the traffic police will so make sure you've got all you need to drive without any problems.
• Thirdly, when planning to go to St Petersburg by car, be aware of the crazy Russian drivers, and remember also that petrol stations work in a different way than in Europe or elsewhere.

How do petrol stations work in Russia?

In Russia, you have to pay in advance at the kiosk. You just pull up to a pump and place the nozzle in the filler. Then, go to the kiosk and pay; the pump is switched on, and only then you can fill up the car with petrol.  For your information, the best thing about driving in Russia is that gasoline is cheap ( less than 50 Rubles a liter ). ☺

• If you decide to spend a night near or through the Russian border ( a lot of people do this nowadays ) make sure you find a hotel where you can park your car inside a secure area. Cars or bikes usually bring big bucks on the black market in Russia, so pay attention because it's very easy to get robbed.
• There is no need to give money to cops unless you want, just politely insist they do all the paperwork. In most cases, they will just let you go, unless you have done something very stupid like driving drunk or on the wrong side of the road or breaking the speed limit by 60 km or more. In some cases, they can revoke your license.
• Please note that when you are at the border of Narva, if you are in a hurry you can buy yourself a faster passage. In this way, you may bring down the queue from 24 hours to 12 hours. Sure, it's not that fast, but better than nothing.
• We also recommend carrying a GPS and print the name of the cities to which you are going to travel in the Cyrillic alphabet, in order to recognize their names in the signs. There are mobile apps like Yandex or Google Maps that allow you to monitor traffic on Russian highways, Yandex being made in Russia is more accurate.
• Be aware that when you drive in Russia you must circulate on the right, speed limits are 60 km/hour in urban areas and between 90 and 100 km/h on roads and highways; it is mandatory to have your seat belt on; it is forbidden to use a mobile phone while driving; alcohol is totally prohibited (maximum permitted Blood Alcohol Level is 0.03%), etc.
• Keep in mind that there are enough police officers conducting road checks, whether is speed controls via radar or using breathalyzer checks, but if you respect the rules you should have no problems.
• If you're in St. Petersburg and you are planning to go somewhere by car, for instance, Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo, or anywhere else in or out of the city, you can rent a car with a professional driver with us . ☺ When you book with us you will be picked up at your hotel , and you will travel in comfort and have peace of mind. On the contrary, if you wish to rent a car by yourself we recommend using websites that explore and compare different car rental offers such as Rental Cars .
• Remember, if you plan to go to St Petersburg by car most car rental companies don’t allow you to cross the border with a rented car.

Enjoy your trip to St Petersburg by car! ☺

Hello! We are Davide & Anastasia the founders of st-petersburg-essentialguide.com . ☺

We would like to let you know that apart from writing unique content for our travel website we can also help with the arrangement of your Airport Transfer , Private City Tour , and Russian Visa Support , or anything else you may need during your stay or the planning of your trip to St Petersburg Russia . Just get in touch with us today for more info!

From St Petersburg by Car return to Travel to St Petersburg or go to the Homepage

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How to Visit Russia as an American

 Luxy Images / Getty Images

While U.S. citizens are welcomed with visas on arrival to 184 countries around the world, Russia isn’t one of them. American citizens need to obtain a Russian tourist visa before they’re allowed to depart for the country. 

There is one loophole, at least for now: cruise passengers are allowed to visit Russia without a tourist visa for up to 72 hours, presuming they follow a rigid set of rules. 

If you’re an American looking to plan a trip to Russia, here are your travel options.

How to Get a Russian Tourist Visa

Americans looking to visit Russia on tourist visas have two options, a single-entry visa for $113 or a multiple entry visa for $273 dollars. It’s recommended to apply for Russia travel visas 30 to 90 days before departure, but procrastinators can typically pay extra to have visa applications expedited.

The first step in getting a visa to visit Russia is securing a formal invitation. This is easier than it sounds. The Petr Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia , for example, offers guests visa invitation letters instantly online for a $16 fee. Many hotels, tour operators and travel agents provide similar services.

Once you’ve got your invitation letter, you’ll need to fill out an online Russia tourist visa application , but prepare yourself. The application asks for a detailed log of your past decade of travel abroad as well as for information about your schooling, parents, occupation, and involvement with professional or other organizations. If you’re an avid traveler it might take you awhile.

After completing your application, you'll need to submit it through a visa processing company and pay the required fees. Travisa , CIBT Visas , and Allied Passport & Visa are among the companies you can use. For Travisa, processing fees start at $164, but that’s in addition to the visa fee itself. 

You will need to send in your physical passport and two passport size photos as part of the process. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with a full-page Russian tourist visa. 

Getting a visa to visit Russia can be a good way to avoid the crowds that often accompany large cruise ships and to have more time and freedom to explore on your terms. Lines at the Hermitage Museum and other sites are noticeably shorter once the cruise ships have pulled out of town, leaving a more authentic feeling in St. Petersburg. If you’re looking to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg , you’ll want more than 72 hours and will be best served by having a Russian tourist visa.

Take a Visa-Free Cruise to Russia

Passengers visiting Russia on cruise ships or via ferry services are allowed to stay in the country for up to 72 hours without a visa. This option limits both your time and independence in Russia.

If you’re on a major cruise line that’s making a stop in St. Petersburg, you’ll need to buy a shore excursion from the operator or book a city tour with a local company. You will need to remain with your tour group the entire time you’re on land, so kiss that casual wandering goodbye.

If you opt for the St. Peter Line ferry from Helsinki, you’ll have a little more freedom but not much. You’ll have to either sleep on the ferry or at one of a number of pre-approved hotels. You’ll also need to take the company’s sightseeing bus tour, something that’ll eat into the precious little time you’ll actually have on land.

And while you won’t need a tourist visa, you’ll still have to go through Russian customs, which can be an experience.

It’s worth keeping in mind the St. Peter Line ferry is no luxury cruise ship. Rooms are small and basic, with the most budget-friendly options coming in at around $230, not including extras like the required shore tour, an extra $30 per person. There are restaurants, bars, and a dance club on board, but ships sailing this route look like they’re straight out of the 1990s.

This option will save you visa fees and the hassle of applying for a Russia travel visa, but there is a cost. Ferry schedules typically have passengers arriving in St. Petersburg around 9 a.m. after an overnight journey from Helsinki and departing two days later around 7 p.m., giving visitors a scant 58 hours to explore a sprawling metropolitan area that was Russia's imperial capital for two centuries and remains its cultural capital.

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How to Find a Café?

For a second part of our adventure, you will visit a network of underground limestone caves with an experienced caver guide. Depending on your adventurism, you can either wander in some easily accessible and beautiful cavern halls or you can search the depths of remote parts and the most challenging kilometers of a lengthy underground network!

Finally, after a long day of exploring, you will have a lovely meal of our traditional food and enjoy a blazing campfire.

During first days we will visit all must-see place in Moscow. Whether you're looking to visit medieval monasteries, historic houses, stunning cathedrals, soviet monumental skyscrapers, wonderful parks and more, there are plenty of landmark destinations to visit when you're in Moscow.

The next 2-3 days we will see life in the typical Russian provinces visiting small towns of the famous Golden ring of Russia. It is a ring of ancient towns, which also played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. They still preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history.

The towns are one of the best places to visit in Russia! They have been called "open-air museums" and feature unique monuments of Russian architecture of the 12th–18th centuries, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals, and churches. You will also see a lot of rural Russia with its old wooden houses and traditional villages.

Driving around Russia by car, motorcycle or hitchhiking

Paperwork for Driving in Russia

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• Traveling to & from Russia by car, motorcycle or hitchhiking

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How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Russia?

Having been born and grown up in Russia, I have always wanted to explore this vast country and wondered how long it would take to drive across Russia from edge to edge.

I know that a lot of people would love to do a road trip across Russia, but when you look at the route on the map, it seems impossible to gauge how long the journey would actually take.

It will take a minimum of 11 days to drive across Russia from Saint Petersburg or Moscow to Vladivostok. The route is about 9,700 km long and the driving time has reduced considerably since the roads have been significantly improved in recent years.

Read on to find out what might affect how long it takes to drive across Russia the difference in time depending on the route you take.

Time to drive across the whole of Russia

First off, it's important to note that driving across Russia can mean a number of different things to most people.

In most cases, when people think about driving across the country, they naturally think of the route from Russia's capital Moscow to Vladivostok. Moscow is located fairly far west and Vladivostok is the best known city in the far east, located in a natural harbor in the Sea of Japan.

Driving across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok will take at least 11 days on the road. The route is almost exactly 9,000 km and even if you spend all day on the road driving at the speed limit (mostly 90-110 km/h), you won't be able to drive much faster than this. I've seen reports of people doing it in as little as 7 days, but I am presuming this meant switching drivers, driving literally 24 hours every day, sleeping in the car and having very questionable hygiene by the time you arrive.

Starting or ending in Saint Petersburg adds another day to the time taken to drive across Russia as the route adds a further 700 km onto the journey - you'll have to drive right past Moscow along the way.

If you're wanting to do the most extreme version of driving across Russia, you might opt to start at the Latvian border (APP Ubylinka Border Crossing Station) and drive all the way to Magadan.

Magadan is located further east than Vladivostok and to get there, you'll have to drive through less developed parts of eastern Siberia through Yakutsk.

There are two Russian regions that are located even further east - Chukotka and Kamchatka. Although some expeditions have driven that far, you won't be able to do it in a regular car. Think thousands of kilometres of wilderland, volcanoes, no petrol stations and the requirement for your car to have to swim across rivers.

If you want to follow something that resembles a road, Magadan is about as far as you'll be able to go. Although the route is only marginally longer, be prepared to spend at least an extra 5 days on the road as you'll make slower progress along mud roads and dirt tracks that lead there.

Factors affecting how long it will take you to drive across Russia

There's quite a few factors that you should consider that may impact the amount of time it will take for you to drive across Russia.

First, let's bust a big myth that I hear mentioned all the time - the roads all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok are pretty decent and paved. You might find people on forums and various YouTube videos showing you mud tracks and the truth is that before 2014, a significant part of the Trans-Siberian Highway was indeed in pretty bad shape.

You could get to Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk in the heart of Siberia fairly quickly from Moscow along good roads and then things would get worse. Once you passed Lake Baikal, large stretches of the road near Chita were barely more than a path leading through a field.

A massive upgrade of the road network means that the entire route now lies along good quality tarmac which means your journey should be fairly smooth.

Just remember that if you decide to take detours, you're likely to encounter some very poor roads. Russians famously say that their country has two problems - fools and roads and you'll get to experience plenty of the latter if you decide to take a few scenic routes on your way.

How weather and seasons affect driving time

Russia is known for some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world. Depending on when you choose to drive across Russia, you may encounter anything from stifling 40 degree heat (104 °F) to bone chilling -40 °C (also -40 °F) winters. Although the roads are better than they were, they do pass through large swathes of wilderness , across streams and rivers.

In the spring and early summer, you may encounter more difficult conditions. Rains and fast flowing rivers can make some parts of the road network more difficult to pass and slow down your progress.

In July and August, you are likely to not want to drive long stints in one day - the weather can be incredibly hot and mosquitoes arrive in mid to late August. Your aircon may begin to struggle and you might want to make more rest stops.

Surprisingly enough, it is probably now quickest to drive the route in the winter. When the entire way the road is completely frozen, you can make progress without anything slowing you down as long as your car is equipped with proper snow tires.

You will need to prepare your car

Sure - you can technically make the drive in any car you like and given enough time and care you will get to your destination.

But Russian roads are well known for developing pot holes the size of a football field the very first winter after they have been constructed. The intense freezing conditions mean that water will find the cracks it needs to do the damage.

So be prepared to encounter a few jaw crunching pot holes along the way and make sure that your car's suspension is in good shape if you don't want it to give up a few hundred kilometres outside Blagoveshchensk.

A 4x4/SUV will be a much better option - especially if you plan on taking your time and making stops along the way to see more than just the highway.

Fastest route between furthest points east and west in Russia

For those who take the meaning of words literally, driving across Russia may really mean driving across the entire width of the country from the furthest point west to the furthest point east (or the other way round).

Kaliningrad is technically the westernmost point of Russia, but it's separated from the rest of the country by 2 countries, so let's assume that the border between Russia and Latvia is where you'l start.

The APP Ubylinka or APP Burachki are both popular border crossings and I've crossed in and out of Russia through both myself. Before anyone points it out, yes - the crossing between Russia and Estonia at Narva is slightly further west but unless you live in Estonia, you're unlikely to ever use it so your trip probably won't be starting there.

As I mentioned further above, the furthest east you can go is Magadan. This remote city is further north than Vladivostok and to get there, you'll need to come off the Trans-Siberian Highway at Never (yes - it's a real place even if that phrase sounds funny). You'll find the turning a few hundred kilometres after you've gone past Chita.

The route will then head north, deep into Siberia towards the Lena River and Yakutsk before heading east to Magadan. This road is not quite as new or well maintained as the Trans-Siberian Highway so you're likely to drive much more slowly taking at least 16 or 17 days to make the drive.

Driving Route across Russia

Although Russia is vast, there is only one real road that goes along the length of the country and this is the road you will have to follow if you want to make the journey.

Although it consists of many different highways, it is collectively known as the Trans-Siberian Highway all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok.

The first leg will take you from Moscow to southern Ural mountains that separate geographical Europe and Asia. You'll pass through the historic cities of Nizhniy Novogorod, Kazan and Ufa before arriving in Chelyabinsk.

Once you're over the Urals, the highway runs along southern Russia to Omsk before continuing to Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk right in the middle of Siberia.

The next major city is Irkutsk that sits just off the largest freshwater lake in the world - Lake Baikal and some 400-500 km later you will arrive in Chita.

If you thought you'd seen wilderness before you got to Chita, you will learn what real wilderness is fast enough. For hundreds of kilometres after Chita you will see no signs of civilization except the odd truck coming the other way. The majority of goods and people move across Russia by plane or train because of the huge distances, so you won't be seeing too much traffic en route.

The road follows close to the border with China eventually reaching the city of Khabarovsk before heading south to Vladivostok, just a few kilometres away from the border with North Korea.

How long to allow for a road trip across Russia

Although it can take as little as 11 or 12 days to drive across Russia, unless you are transporting a car imported from Japan or really need to get from one side the other as fast as possible without getting on the train or flying, you'll want to take a lot more time.

There's some great cities to explore along the way and although you may not want to stop in each one, it's worth taking some time along your way to explore different parts of Russia's rich history.

Kazan and Nizhniy Novgorod in the European part of Russia are amazing destinations for a city break so I'd highly recommend taking at least a day or two to stop there.

The big industrial Siberian cities are less historic, but offer a fascinating insight into the "real" Russia and it's worth stopping in at least one of Omsk, Novosibirsk or Krasnoyarsk.

If you love nature, the Altai mountains are located at the point where Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia meet and are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. You'll need to take a detour south off the Trans-Siberian Highway from Novosibirsk.

Lake Baikal is also a unique place that is right along your route and worth a few days of exploring - there's unique plants and animals that live in the area and lots of activities on the lake which is so vast it looks and feels like a sea.

To make the most of all these opportunities and to stop you from spending too much time sat in the car on continuous days, you'll want to allow at least 3 weeks to make the journey comfortably. 4 weeks will give you plenty of time to see most of the sights along the way and will allow you to spend less time driving on the days you're spending in the car.

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Does anyone know if you can pass threw Latvia border to Russia as an EU citizen and drive to Moscow or Russian passport holders only are allowed to enter Russia threw land and only option is to fly?

3 replies to this topic

Happy travels!

And what about cash? As all the European cards are not working in Russia should I bring rubles and is there a chance cash can be confiscated at the border and how much rubles can you bring in cash when crossing the border?

Well, cash is the obvious solution to bring, as cards do not work. You'd get a way better rate for euros in Russia than buying roubles somewhere else. You are allowed to bring up to $10000 equivalent cash into Russia.

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Adventurism.tv

Can You Drive a Car from Alaska to Russia?

Are you looking for an adventure and want to travel from Alaska to Russia by car? As adventure specialist we’ll share the details of the possibilities.

Can you drive a car from Alaska to Russia? No, you cannot drive a car from Alaska to Russia because there is no land connecting the two. This also means that there is no road, no immigration offices and no way to legally exit or enter any of the countries.

Why is there no road or ferry? How to get from Alaska to Russia then? Don’t despair! There are other methods for crossing from North America to Asia.

Why you can’t drive a car from Alaska to Russia.

Let’s start by looking at the map. From far away the two continents look like the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. As if they are touching each other by the finger tips. But close up we can see that the two countries don’t overlap and that there is a stretch of sea in between them called the Bering Straight. At its narrowest point, the straight is only 55 miles / 88 kilometres wide. But wait a second, what about winter? Isn’t it really cold up here in winter meaning that the water freezes? Yes, cars can drive on ice when it is thick enough but even in winter, when the sea freezes this far north, the strong currents of the straight form deep canals in the ice making driving impossible.

With Russia on the left and the USA on the right, the Bering Straight dividing the countries

The Diomede islands in the middle of the straight

If you want to become really hypothetical, you could drive over the sea ice in between the big and little Diomede islands where the small one is on US territory and the big island belongs to Russia. The distance between the two is only 2.4 miles or 3,8 kilometres. The problem is; How to get your car there? Again, there are no roads so you would have to fly there before being able to achieve a symbolical crossing from America to Asia.

The only way is to put your vehicle in a container and ship it across the Bering Sea.

How to get from Alaska to Russia by car?

We have concluded that there are no roads in-between Alaska and Russia, but what if you are interested in traveling and maybe are on a round the world adventure in your car. The way to get across the Bering Straight is to either ship or fly your vehicle. The ports that you will likely use are going to be Vladivostok in Russia and Vancouver in Canada or Seattle in the USA. Shipping or flying straight to Anchorage is not possible at the moment. Also shipping out of Magadan is difficult and all ships will pass through Vladivostok first.

Shipping your car on a container ship is not easy and requires a lot of paperwork before and afterwards nor is it cheap. Especially from such a remote area the price will quickly rise, so your best bet is to try and share a container with another vehicle to reduce the costs. Likely you will pay around US$2000 for a crossing between Vladivostok and Vancouver per car.

Get in touch with the famous Yuri from Links Ltd in Vladivostok to get your shipment from Russia sorted. Getting an agent who will take care of all the paperwork is essential. You will need one on the departure and arrival side.

After you receive a quote from the departing agent, don’t be surprised to receive another quote or bill from the destination agent. Costs quickly add up and there is usually not a lot you can do about it.

Can you ferry from Alaska to Russia?

There is no ferry line operating between Alaska and Russia that takes passengers on board. The only way for you to get across with a vehicle is to ship or fly it across the ocean. If you want to take a ferry from Vladivostok, you can get one that will take you to South Korea and from there you can board another ferry to Japan. Once on the island you are running out of options and shipping your vehicle becomes the only option again.

Why Crossing from Alaska to Russia is illegal

Another reason why you can’t ride or drive from Alaska to Russia is because there are no official immigration offices to check you in or out of the countries. If you would try to walk, kayak or swim across the Bering Straigt, as soon as you would be on the other side you would be arrested and deported from the country you just arrived at. Russia is known to patrol its borders with dogs and I don’t think you would want to meet them after a 55 mile swim.

Travel permission for the Chukotka Autonomous Region

If you do want to get there, by whatever means possible because we already concluded that a car is not going to cut it, then befor you arrive you will need to arrange a Travel Permission to enter the Chukotka Autonomous Region which is the far eastern part of Russia you will land on.

They are notoriusly hard to get and information on the subject is scarce. You can find more information about the region on their own website .

There is a couple who rowed across the Bering Straight during summer and they managed to obtain a permit. They share the following information about getting one.

All questions related to agreement procedures regulating entry into the territory of the Chukotka Autonomous Region may be addressed to the Division of International Relations of the Office of the Governor and the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Region by phone/fax (42722)6-90-16; 6-90-50. (time difference with Moscow +9 hrs) Questions related to arrivals of the citizens of the Russian Federation shall be addressed to the Border Department of the Russian Federal Security Service in the Chukotka Autonomous region by phone:(42722) 2-53-71. As of 2016, requirements for entering Chukotka have been updated.

Alaska and Russia are covered in snow and ice. Photo by NASA

Why there are no roads in northern Alaska / Eastern Russia in the first place

Alaska and Eastern Russia share a unique trait and that is that they are both poorly connected when it comes to roads and railroads. One of the reasons is that there are so little people inhabiting this remote section of the world. The harsh winters this far north makes building roads a waste of money. The thick snow layers cover the roads in winter and the ice rips apart the tarmac in spring. Repairing the roads in summer and then starting over again in autumn is something the inhabitants of those places don’t do. Instead, they travel by snow mobile, boat and airplane to get places. What a cool way to go to school.

Karl and Dimitri crossing the moving ice of the Bering Strait. (Courtesy of Goliath Expedition)

Has anyone ever walked from Alaska to Russia?

There are two reported cases of humans walking from Alaska to Russia in modern history. The last were Karl Bushby, and his American companion Dimitri Kieffer who in 2006 walked from Alaska to Russia over the Bering Straight in 14 days. When they arrived, they were immediately detained and deported from Russia. You can read more about it in his book Giant Steps.

There is no bridge between Alaska and Russia, this one is in Norway.

Is there a bridge from Alaska to Russia?

Neither the USA or Russia has ever attempted to build a bridge connecting the two continents. Why is there no bridge between Alaska and Russia? Probably because building one would cost up to $105 billion dollars and the two countries aren’t particularly friendly with each other. A project like this would need both parties to collaborate intensively and maybe the idea that you can travel from Russia to Alaska without having to step into an airplane is something not everyone is excited about. Besides, the fact that there would be a bridge wouldn’t mean that anyone would drive over it. The closest roads on the American side are 520 miles / 836 kilometres far and for good reason. The snow and ice covering the infrastructure during winter destroy most of it.

Why is there no tunnel between Alaska and Russia?

Probably for the same reason that there is no bridge, the investment costs are just too high to make it economically feasible. The only way for it to work is if the tunnel would connect china and America decreasing the transportation time and cost significantly. The intercontinental railway project is trying to achieve just that, but if it will ever become a reality is a big question mark for now. www.intercontinentalrailway.com

Traveling to Russia? Here’s What You Need to Know About Cultural Norms

C ultural backgrounds vary from country to country, so you’ve likely had some bewildering experiences while traveling abroad. Natural actions in our country can attract disapproval if done carelessly overseas.

Russia, in particular, has many behaviors that could cause misunderstandings due to cultural differences. Let’s explore some of these.

Giving up your seat on public transportation such as the bus or subway is customary in Russia. Not only is it expected to offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women, but it is also implicitly understood that men should yield their seats to women.

Therefore, a healthy adult male who does not give up his seat to a standing woman may receive a scolding from those around him.

Russia is famous for Vodka. The extreme cold weather led to developing a drinking culture to keep warm. They even enjoy strong alcohol, to the extent that anything under 40% alcohol content is not considered alcohol.

As alcohol is widely consumed, traffic accidents due to drunk driving occur frequently. Not only that, but disputes on the streets often escalate into violence. Alcohol addiction-related crimes, domestic violence, and divorce are severe issues within Russia.

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To combat this, Russian authorities have been strengthening alcohol policies since the 2010s. They have not only banned drinking in the streets by law but also prohibited the purchase of alcohol after 10 PM in 2013.

Read more: Grandmother's Raw Egg Diet Leads to Grandson's Cancer Diagnosis

You do not clean up your dishes in Russia after eating at fast-food restaurants or food courts in shopping malls. Even in ordinary restaurants, staff members’ tasks are meticulously divided, including seating, ordering, serving, billing, and cleaning up.

In Russia, it is best to avoid staring at strangers to prevent unnecessary disputes. These groups of hooligans are called Konikpf. They are known for their unique posture and for sitting anywhere.

They can start a fight with passersby, so it’s best not to stare at them or go near them. Due to poor public safety in Russia, it’s advisable to avoid quiet alleys and dark evening hours.

Russia still openly despises and suppresses homosexuals . Since 2013, they have enacted and enforced a law that prohibits the distribution of information related to homosexuality to minors .

In Russia, two men holding hands in public can provoke disgust among locals. Acts promoting or advocating homosexuality are also banned. Wearing rainbow T-shirts or accessories , symbols of homosexuality, on the streets can lead to misunderstandings and disputes, so it’s safer to avoid wearing them if possible.

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The head of the Belarusian security service said on Thursday it had thwarted an attack on the capital Minsk by drones launched from Lithuania, Russian state news agencies said.

JPMorgan Says Its Russia Assets May Be Seized After Lawsuits in Russia, US

FILE PHOTO: A customer exits the lobby of JPMorgan Chase & Co. headquarters in New York May 14, 2012. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

By Nupur Anand

NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase said in a filing on Wednesday that its assets in Russia may be seized after lawsuits in Russian and U.S. courts.

The bank faces several legal challenges over its Russian dealings after the U.S. and European nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

The value of claims and orders to freeze assets exceeds JPMorgan's available assets in Russia, the largest U.S. lender said. JPMorgan Chase did not specify the amount of its assets in Russia.

A Russian court last month ordered the seizure of funds in JPMorgan accounts after Russian state-owned bank VTB sued to regain its funds blocked abroad.

Meanwhile, JPMorgan sued Russia's VTB Bank as the U.S. lender sought to block VTB's effort to recover $439.5 million.

JPMorgan's Russian assets are worth less than VTB's claims alone, a source said. These assets could range from cash to real estate to office equipment. JPMorgan declined to comment beyond the filing.

JPMorgan accused Russian courts of ignoring the bank's contractual rights and obligations, and disregarding its inability to make various payments because of sanctions laws.

JPMorgan said U.S. law prohibits it from releasing funds to sanctioned companies, including VTB, which was put on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's sanctions list in February 2022.

Separately, the bank expects to enter into a resolution with a third U.S. regulator that will require it to pay a civil penalty of $100 million for reporting incomplete trading data to surveillance platforms, it said.

The third agency is the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the source said. Before this, the Fed and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency had fined JPMorgan on the same issue. The CFTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Nupur Anand in New YorkAdditional reporting by Jonathan Stempel in Omaha, NebraskaEditing by Lananh Nguyen and Matthew Lewis)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: United States , Russia , Europe , financial regulation

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What’s the best way to see Russia: By car, train or plane?

A Lastochka high speed train in Sochi

1. Car: pro and contra

Niva stands next to an artesian well in Altai

Russia is such a huge country with enormous distances between settlements that traveling by car can be time consuming and even unnerving for those used to living in densely populated areas. But this is not the only issue.

The quality of roads is not consistent and their poor quality in some distant regions might surprise you. Major highways are usually fine, however.

There are some toll highways. The best are: the M4 “Don,” which runs from Moscow to Novorossiysk; and the three parts of the M11, from Moscow to St. Petersburg, (it has yet to be completed). The speed limit on highways is 110-130 km/h, whereas the speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h; outside the cities the limit is 90 km/h; and on some highways marked green it can be 110 km/h.

In distant regions, mostly in the Asian part of the country, there are not many gas stations, so plan in advance where to fill up your tank. On some roads east of the Ural Mountains you might drive for hours without seeing any sign of civilization.

One pleasant surprise for visitors from western countries is the price of fuel. The average cost of gasoline in summer 2017 was 39.87 rubles ($0.68) per liter.

Major European car rental services operate in Russia: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and etc. The price for an economy class car starts at 1,500 rubles/day ($26), and averages 2,500-3,500 rubles/day ($44-70). One should have at least two to three years driving experience, and an international driving license is accepted if you travel as a tourist.

2. See Russia from a train’s window

Platzkart romance with Russian Railways

One of the most unique Russian experiences is traveling by long-distance train. If you have a spare week, we recommend taking the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok. You’ll see a large part of the country and various climatic zones while sitting in a cozy wagon, drinking tea from a famous Russian faceted glass with ornate metal cup holder.

Another advantage of the train is the chance to meet people that you’d otherwise never come into contact with. A train journey means falling asleep under the sound of the clatter of the wagons along the tracks, sharing food with strangers and lots of “train talk.” It’s definitely a way one can get to know and understand the Russian people!

A cross-country train journey has many stops along the way, some of which last an hour. You can have a quick look around the station, and buy homemade pies, as well as local berries from the grannies on the platform (be careful and make sure they’re good).

There are different quality wagons, with varying levels of comfort. Kupe is a closed compartment for two or four people, and plazkart is an open wagon with about 50 beds. Traveling long distance in plazkart can be tiring, so it’s not recommended for more than one day.

You can find more information about the Trans-Siberian, including detailed descriptions of train types and routes, on this website . Overall, traveling by train in Russia is comfortable and the rail network is extensive. To check timetables and book a ticket, go to the website, www.rzd.ru , which also has an English version.

If you don’t have a week to spare then you travel to Vladivostok by plane. A return flight can cost around 400 euros. Train tickets for the same trip have similar prices if you travel in kupe , whereas plazkart can cost you 70 euros if you buy a ticket in advance.

3. Plane journey

Aeroflot's Airbus-A320 taking off at the Kazan international airport

Traveling long distance by plane is not cheap. While a round-trip train ticket to Irkutsk (near Lake Baikal) costs up to 20,000 rubles ($340), a ticket on the cheapest nonstop plane starts at about 25,000 rubles ($430) in low season. Russia’s largest airlines are Aeroflot ( www.aeroflot.com ); Siberia airlines ( www.s7.ru ); UTair ( www.utair.ru ); and Ural Airlines ( www.uralairlines.com ).

There is also a low cost airline, Pobeda, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, ( www.pobeda.aero ). There are flights to a limited number of destinations, but it’s a lifesaver for budget travelers. Check all fees carefully in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.

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Ukrainian Forces Near Besieged Chasiv Yar Say They Badly Need Ammunition

FILE PHOTO: A Ukrainian serviceman walks near destroyed building, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ukraine March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak/File Photo

By Volodymyr Pavlov

NEAR CHASIV YAR, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces defending the strategic eastern stronghold of Chasiv Yar say they are still waiting for fresh ammunition after the United States approved a major military aid package, amid intensifying attacks from Russian troops and drones.

Moscow's army is advancing west of Avdiivka, a city it captured in February, and its troops have reached the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, another major objective that would allow them to command higher ground and target towns and cities further to the west.

Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Battalion that is fighting near Chasiv Yar, said more artillery shells would help his unit hold their positions.

"I hope we receive artillery shells soon," he said, speaking in a command post close to the town. He added that munitions supplied by allies had made a significant difference on the battlefield in the past.

"I witnessed events a year ago when Wagner was advancing," he said, referring to a powerful Russian mercenary force which has since been disbanded. "We received cluster munitions which changed the situation significantly and we managed to successfully counter-attack."

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Cluster munitions are banned by many countries but have been used by both sides in the Ukraine conflict. Kyiv has vowed to use them only to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers.

More trained troops and long-range weapons would also help Ukraine defend its territory more effectively, Shyriaiev said.

"If we get long-range weapons, our leaders will cut (Russian forces) off from logistics and supplies."

Ukraine has already received some long-range missiles from its allies, which have been used against Russian airfields, ammunition depots, command posts and troop concentrations.

Russia said on Tuesday that Ukraine had attacked Crimea with U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in an attempt to pierce Russian air defences on the annexed peninsula, but that six had been shot down.

According to Shyriaiev, his unit was under near-constant attack from Russian drones. They were able to fly at night as well as during the day, because they were equipped with thermal imaging cameras that allowed remote pilots to identify targets.

Russian fighters were reaching the point of contact using vehicles including quad bikes, and despite taking heavy losses they had managed to put Ukrainian troops under severe pressure.

"They suffer big losses, our troops kill a lot of them," he said of the Russians. "But I have to emphasize that the enemy has a lot of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) that significantly impact the situation here."

Casualties have been high on both sides since Russia's invasion in early 2022, but with a much larger army and more weapons and ammunition, Russia has gained the upper hand in the east of Ukraine where the fiercest battles are raging.

Shyriaiev remained confident that Russian forces would not enter Chasiv Yar by May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day in World War Two. Some Ukrainian officials have said that Moscow may want to seize the town in time for the date.

The commander said his troops had received more armoured vehicles and drones recently which had eased logistics including his battalion's ability to evacuate wounded soldiers.

(Writing by Anastasiia Malenko, Editing by William Maclean)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: Ukraine , Russia , European Union , Europe

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow rages over Cameron strike remarks, warns of 'direct escalation' and threatens Denmark

During a visit to Kyiv, Lord Cameron said Ukraine has a "right" to strike inside Russia, just as Moscow's forces are doing. Meanwhile, the fall of the eastern town of Chasiv Yar looms closer. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Friday 3 May 2024 19:17, UK

• Cameron: Ukraine has 'right' to strike Russia using British-supplied weapons
• Fall of Ukrainian city a 'matter of time', Ukrainian intelligence officer says
• Russia's 'three-point plan' to victory
• Moscow rages over Cameron remarks
• Exclusive: UK plans to ramp up weapons production for Ukraine
• Analysis: Will US aid help turn tide on Russia?
• Your questions answered: Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell

That's it from our live coverage for today - thanks for following along. 

Before we go, here is a quick reminder of today's updates: 

• Lord Cameron has been in Ukraine where he told Sky News that the UK will appoint a new envoy to oversee a plan to ramp up the production of weapons and ammunition, which is now a "national priority";
• Russia is planning to launch a three-factor plan to destabilise and claim victory in Ukraine, a top Ukrainian military intelligence officer has said;
• The Kremlin branded Lord Cameron's comments about Ukraine striking inside Russia "dangerous and worrying";
• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has praised the "new regions" troops have taken control of in Ukraine since the start of the year.

Now to Georgia, which is not directly involved in the war in Ukraine, but whose future is seen as highly significant in the context of Vladimir Putin's ambitions for Russia.

Draft legislation, known as the "foreign agents" law, is winding its way through the Georgian parliament and would require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.

The proposed law has been attacked by opponents as authoritarian and Kremlin-inspired.

Protesters have taken to the streets of capital Tbilisi for weeks to show their opposition, while the European Union and the United States have urged Georgiato drop the legislation or risk harming its chances of EU membership and a broader Euro-Atlantic future.

The stand-off is seen as part of a wider struggle that could determine whether Georgia, a country of 3.7 million people that has experienced war and revolution since the fall of the Soviet Union, moves closer to Europe or back under Moscow's influence.

Video below shows protesters in Tbilisi blocking traffic as part of their efforts to prevent the bill being passed.

A regular feature of news coverage surrounding the war in Ukraine has been the frequently bellicose statements that have emanated from one of Vladimir Putin's most prominent allies, Dmitry Medvedev.

The deputy chairman of the security council of the Russian Federation is notorious for his inflammatory language and repeated invocation of Cold War-style nuclear threats, which tend to be widely dismissed by most Western commentators.

Indeed, some analysts have suggested the former president's penchant for such wild outbursts are specifically designed to frame himself as an erratic character who could not be considered a viable rival to Mr Putin - thus avoiding the fate of other figures considered a threat to the leader's authority.

It is through that lens that many will view his latest comments, which ostensibly cover his thoughts on the Ukraine peace conference due to take place in Switzerland in June - to which Russia has not been invited.

His assessment is perhaps unsurprisingly dismissive, even going as far as to imply the summit represents positive news for Moscow.

"What is Russia's gain of the Swiss 'peace conference'?" he asks in his post on social media.

 "It's actually threefold. First, it will come as yet another proof of failure of the so-called peace plan by the halfwit zelensky (sic)."

He follows that by referring to Ukraine's leader as "the bandera b******", seeking to associate him with a Ukrainian far-right leader of the mid 20th century.

The Kremlin has long sought to depict Ukraine's leadership as far-right neonazis, efforts that have been widely dismissed by commentators on the region.

"Second, it will be visible evidence of the full impotence of the present-day western elites, who have performed painful self-castration of their own potential to stop the military conflict," Mr Medvedev continues.

"What's more, it has been done on direct orders given by a group of senile doctors from Washington.

"Third, it will allow our Armed Forces to further cleanse Malorossia's [little Russia's] territories from neonazis without any hindrance and regard for some c***'s 'peace initiatives'."

After forecasting "the final collapse of the former Ukraine’s political regime", he concludes: "Thank you, the land of cheese and watches!"

Russian officers has been welcoming foreign military attaches in Moscow today during their visit to an exhibition of Western military equipment captured from Kyiv forces during the fighting in Ukraine.

The event organised by the Russian Defence Ministry features more than 30 pieces of Western-made heavy equipment, including a US-made M1 Abrams tank and a Bradley armoured fighting vehicle.

More now from Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who has been speaking to journalists this afternoon.

She has said any move by Denmark to restrict the freedom of navigation of Russian ships in the Baltic straits will be seen as a hostile act and draw retaliation.

It is unclear exactly what prompted the threat, but we'll bring you any more detail as we get it.

Denmark has played down suggestions it will begin checking Russian tankers moving through its waters to establish whether they have the correct documentation.

The country allows ships calling at Russia to use its waters due to a longstanding freedom of navigation treaty, although the country's armed forces have said it is standard procedure to track them.

The Baltic straits - the only natural exits from the Baltic sea to the North Atlantic - are notoriously difficult to navigate and international maritime authorities strongly recommend the use of pilots with specialist local knowledge.

However, it is believed more than 20 tankers - so-called shadow vessels - transporting Russian oil but with unknown ownership, have declined offers to use Danish pilots since the start of 2024. 

And the Danish Maritime Authority said in a statement in March that a tanker from Russia's shadow fleet was involved in a collision near Denmark.

The incident involving the 15-year-old Andromeda Star oil tanker took place on 2 March.

A Russian activist has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to set fire to a military conscription office in protest against the war in Ukraine. 

Angel Nikolayev, 39, was convicted on charges of terrorism for placing two bottles of a flammable substance in the windows of a conscription office in the eastern city of Khabarovsk and setting them alight. 

He was also convicted of damaging Russian flags that were put on the graves of soldiers killed in Ukraine at a local cemetery and removing symbols of Russian military action from a bus stop and several vehicles.

Since 2022, hundreds of people have faced criminal charges in Russia over protests and remarks condemning the war in Ukraine, and thousands have been fined or briefly jailed.

Russia is ready to consider "serious" peace talk proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

Speaking at a press briefing this afternoon, Ms Zakharova said the talks must be based on existing "realities" and Moscow's security concerns. 

She said part of the proposal would include Ukraine pledging to remain militarily neutral in future.

Russia proposing the possibility of peace talks is nothing new. 

Despite suggesting it is open for discussion, it always seems to blame Ukraine or the West for the breakdown of negotiations.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said troops have taken control of 211 square miles (547 square kilometres) of Ukrainian territory this year.

He referred to the territory as Russia's "new regions".

Mr Shoigu told a group of senior military commanders that Ukrainian forces were retreating along the frontline and that Russian troops were breaking a network of "Ukrainian strongholds".

"Over the past two weeks, the Russian armed forces have liberated the settlements of Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka and Berdychi in the Donetsk People's Republic," he said.

"The Ukrainian army units are trying to cling on to individual lines, but under our onslaught they are forced to abandon their positions and retreat."

Ukraine's top commander said last week that a number of troops had fallen back to new positions in villages on the eastern front.

The advances mean Russia now controls around 18% of Ukraine.

As reported here earlier, Moscow has had a predictably indignant reaction to Lord Cameron's statement's yesterday during his trip to Ukraine (see 10.34am post).

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has offered a further reflection of displeasure within Vladimir Putin's regime, claiming the British foreign secretary's comments amounted to an acknowledgement that the West was waging a war against Russia using "Ukrainian hands".

Lord Cameron said yesterday that Ukraine had a right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia, and that it was up to Kyiv whether to do so.

"Cameron's words are further evidence of the hybrid war the West is waging against our country," Ms Zakharova said.

"Russia is responding to that and will continue to respond."

Russian's Vladimir Putin is planning to visit China later this month to meet President Xi Jinping, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

The visit is scheduled for 15-16 May, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the Kremlin's plans.

It comes after the White House said it remained "deeply concerned" that it was not seeing China make any changes amid accusations it is helping Russia's military with its war in Ukraine. 

Next week, Mr Xi will visit Europe for the first time in five years.

Beginning in Paris, France, he will visit Hungary and Serbia, the latter of which is a close ally to Mr Putin.

China has always maintained that it remains an objective and just party over the war, adding that its trade relations are "above-board".

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