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Travel Guide
Visiting Russia
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Do Not Travel
UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. The risks stem from the continuing invasion of Ukraine, including drone attacks and Russian air defence activity, and terrorists are highly likely to attempt attacks, including in major cities. British nationals face a heightened risk of detention by the Russian authorities.
Updated 2026-08-01 11:42:45
Discover
Top Attractions in Russia
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The Kremlin is a fortified complex that has served as the seat of Russian power since the 13th century, enclosing ancient cathedrals, grand palaces, and state armouries behind its famous red-brick walls. Red Square adjoins it to the east, where the distinctive multicoloured onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral (completed 1560) and the austere lines of Lenin's Mausoleum face one another across the cobblestones. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbolic centre of Russia.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Hermitage Museum
Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, the Hermitage is one of the largest art museums in the world, with a collection of more than 3 million items spread across the ornate rooms of the Winter Palace and five connected buildings in Saint Petersburg. Visitors can trace art history from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity through to Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and the French Impressionists. The palace's gilded state rooms are themselves among the outstanding interiors in Europe.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Russia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Russia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Russia see where to get vaccines and whether
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police102
Ambulance103
Fire101
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Russia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Russia page at Yoogo.
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Card payments are widely accepted in major cities at hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, though smaller establishments and rural areas often prefer cash. It is advisable to carry rubles for markets, public transport, and smaller towns where card infrastructure is less reliable.
Russia's major tourist destinations, including central Moscow and Saint Petersburg, have large numbers of international visitors and established tourist infrastructure. Travellers are encouraged to consult their government's current travel advisory before departure, as conditions can vary significantly by region.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg both have extensive metro systems, widely regarded as efficient and affordable, with English signage available in major stations. Long-distance travel between cities is most commonly done by train, including high-speed Sapsan services between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, while domestic flights connect more distant destinations such as Vladivostok and Sochi.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and manageable crowds, making them popular times to visit the main cities. Saint Petersburg is particularly sought after in June and early July for the White Nights, when the sky barely darkens overnight, while ski resorts in Sochi and the Caucasus are at their best from December to March.
English is increasingly spoken in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, particularly among younger residents, hotel staff, and workers in tourist areas. Outside major cities, English proficiency drops considerably, and it is useful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet to read signs and to know a handful of basic Russian phrases, as these are appreciated by locals.
No vaccinations are required for entry into Russia, but travellers are advised to ensure routine immunisations including hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, and measles are up to date. Those planning outdoor activities in forested or rural regions, particularly in Siberia and the Far East, should consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, as the condition is present in parts of Russia. Seek advice from a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory in Russia but is customary in restaurants in major cities, where 10 per cent of the bill is a common and appreciated gesture. It is best to tip in cash and hand it directly to the server. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff are often tipped small amounts as well.