A short guide to travelling to Russia in 2026

Travel to Russia requires solid preparation in the best of times, so please read the following carefully before booking. Interestingly, some recent developments have made travel easier: Russia now allows citizens from China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. This means that citizens from 65 countries can now enter Russia without a visa. Citizens from a further 60 countries can also enter the country with an electronic visa.

E-Visa and Paper Visa

E-visa (single entry): Russia’s e-visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue, and it allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry. You can apply for an e-visa without either at the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or use our own Russian visa application form (service fee applies). The advantage of using the Liden & Denz application form for e-visa is that you can store your data for future applications. Only nationals from these countries can apply for an e-visa.

Paper visa: For travel beyond 30 days—or if you are not eligible for an e-visa—check your options with your nearest Russian consulate.

Liden & Denz provides a comprehensive visa service in cooperation with the Russian consulate in Bern, Switzerland. We are authorised to provide visa handling services, including medical insurance and supporting documentation, for all EU/EFTA nationals and residents of Switzerland (of any nationality).

Travel to Russia

Since 2022, most European and North American carriers no longer operate direct routes to Russia, and Russian airlines cannot operate into the EU. As a result, many travellers use alternative routes.

By land (Baltics / Poland):

• St Petersburg via Estonia/Latvia: Bus routes from Tallinn and Riga remain popular. However, depending on the operator and border conditions, you may be required to leave the coach, cross the border control on foot with your luggage, and continue on another coach on the other side. Build in extra time for queues and procedures.
• Kaliningrad via Poland: The Gdańsk–Kaliningrad corridor is used by some travellers. Check schedules carefully as they might change at short notice.

Narva-Ivangorod Border

By air (hubs): Moscow and St Petersburg are often reachable via hubs such as Istanbul and Dubai, and sometimes via Belgrade, subject to current airline schedules and operational changes. Always verify routing shortly before booking, as flight availability can change.

Money

International Visa/Mastercard credit cards issued outside Russia do not work in Russia. Plan to pay for as many services as possible in advance (e.g., hotels).

Bring enough cash in a major non-EU currency. Cash amounts over the equivalent of USD 10,000 must be declared at customs.

Once in Russia, you can exchange cash into roubles or open a bank account as a non-resident. This can be useful for longer stays; however, opening an account may require local prerequisites (including having a working Russian phone number).

Important for EU travellers: EU restrictive measures prohibit exporting euro banknotes (and other EU Member State currency banknotes) to Russia). In practice, many travellers avoid carrying EUR and use USD, CHF, GBP, or other currencies instead.

Communication

Internet access generally works normally, with Wi-Fi widely available. A Russian SIM card is strongly recommended for day-to-day services (including banking and many online confirmations).

New rules require biometric registration for foreigners to purchase a SIM card (and existing foreign-held SIMs have required re-registration). Do not assume you can simply buy a SIM at the airport as in earlier years—this can take time and planning. Check this post to learn what it takes to get a Russian SIM card.

Registration after arrival

If you stay in Russia seven days or longer, you need migration registration after entry. In many cases, hotels handle this for guests; if you stay in a private apartment, the host typically must arrange it. If you stay at an accommodation booked with Liden & Denz, we take care of that registration.

Border control and device checks

Most visitors pass the border without difficulty, but the authorities have broad discretion. In some cases, travellers may be asked additional questions and may face checks of publicly available online presence and/or devices, very similar to what you may experience when entering the US. If you are concerned about your personal situation, check your digital footprint before travelling.

VPN and blocked services

Many Western platforms are blocked in Russia (including Facebook and Instagram), and the list of restricted services changes over time. In 2025, authorities also announced restrictions on certain WhatsApp/Telegram calling features and have publicly discussed the possibility of stricter measures.

VPNs can help, but assume that:

• access may be unreliable,
• some VPN services may stop working,
• and rules/enforcement around online activity can tighten quickly.

What not to do

Avoid public gatherings, do not take photos if you come across those. Carry your passport, visa/migration documents, and a copy of your insurance with you. Aside from that, cities are very safe. Avoid political debates with people you do not know.

Travel warnings

Check your government’s travel advice before departure. If you decide to travel despite the warnings, plan conservatively and keep extra time buffers in your itinerary.

What else?

There is no shortage of food; restaurants and bars are generally busy until late. Domestic transport by metro and train typically works smoothly; internal flights are available, but schedules can change at short notice. Students and clients of Liden & Denz can count on our support and updated information, and can use our emergency numbers if things do not go according to plan.