Russia

Terrorists have staged attacks in Moscow, St Petersburg and North Caucasus region. More attacks are likely.

Terrorism targets have included:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• public places popular with foreigners

Targets may include Russian airlines and airports.

Recent terrorist attacks in Russia include:

• In August 2017, terrorists injured eight people in a knife attack in Surgut.
• In April 2017, a device exploded on a train traveling between Sennaya and Technological Institute metro stations in St Petersburg.

Russian authorities announced some arrests and disrupted attacks in 2018.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be extra cautious around possible terrorist targets
• always have a clear exit plan
• report anything suspicious to police
• monitor the media for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

North Caucasus

There's a high threat of terrorism in parts of the North Caucasus, including:

• Chechnya
• Dagestan
• Ingushetia
• North Ossetia
• the south-eastern part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya
• Karbardino-Balkaria
• Karachay-Cherkessia

In 2018, three terrorist attacks occurred in Chechnya, including two suicide bombs. Several people were killed and injured.

The Australian Government can provide little consular help in those parts of the North Caucasus.

If, despite our advice, you travel to these parts of the North Caucasus:

• monitor local conditions via media and travel operators
• arrange personal security measures

Georgia-Russia border

The Georgia-Russia border area is volatile because of tensions in Georgia.

If, despite our advice, you travel in the border region, read our Georgia travel advice.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Unsanctioned protests are illegal in Russia. You can be arrested if you're involved in an unauthorised demonstration.

Avoid rallies, demonstrations and other large public gatherings.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Ukraine border areas and Crimea

The area near Russia's border with Ukraine is volatile, especially in the regions bordering the Ukrainian provinces of:

• Donetsk
• Luhansk
• Kharkiv

Armed violence is possible at any time.

The Australian Government doesn't recognise Russia's claimed annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.

Some Russian tour operators offer package tours that include Crimea. If you book a tour, carefully check the itinerary.

More information:

• Travel advice for the Ukraine

Theft and assault

Petty crime, pickpocketing and mugging is common. Groups of children sometimes commit crimes too.

Hot spots for crime include:

• Red Square
• the Izmailovsky Market
• other tourist attractions
• the Moscow and St Petersburg metros

Thieves often steal passports. They target travellers in robberies and assaults, particularly in large cities.

To protect yourself from theft and assault:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly in tourist areas
• be aware of your personal security in public places, particularly at night
• monitor local media on crime

Racially motivated assaults may occur throughout Russia.

Take extra care if you or your travel partner(s) are of Asian or African descent.

Drink spiking

Criminals may drug and rob travellers at nightclubs and bars. Sometimes this happens after people accept offers of food, drink or transportation from strangers.

To protect yourself from spiking-related crime:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• don't leave drinks unattended
• leave your drink if you're not sure it's safe
• stick with people you trust in bars, nightclubs and taxis
• don't accept offers of transport from strangers

More information:

• Partying safely

Using taxis

People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis.

To protect yourself from robbery while travelling in taxis:

• only use official taxi companies
• always book your taxi in advance
• don't flag down taxis on the street
• don't share taxis with strangers
• always negotiate and confirm the fare before you get in a taxi

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud is common.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• only exchange currency at banks
• keep your credit card in sight during transactions
• only use ATMs inside banks and during business hours
• always hide your PIN

Other scams

Criminals may try to cheat you by changing money in the street or in a bank queue.

Some Australians have been victims of fraud by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from Russia.

These are large-scale, well-organised scams.

Criminals arrange to meet people through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. After getting to know each other, the criminal asks the Australian to send money so they can travel to Australia. However after the money has been received, the relationship is finished and the funds can't be recovered.

Be wary of people you meet through internet dating schemes or chat rooms.

Extortion

People have also reported harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

If you suspect you're being extorted by a police officer or other local official, offer to walk with them to the nearest police station. Once there, you can check their identity and their demands.

Kidnapping is common in parts of the Northern Caucasus.

It can be for:

• political purposes
• ransom
• retribution

Foreigners have been targeted in the past.

If, despite the risks, you travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Severe weather during winter can disrupt travel in Russia.

To protect yourself from accidents caused by severe weather:

• take care when walking in snowy, icy or windy conditions
• take care when driving
• use appropriate driving equipment, such as winter tyres or chains
• monitor the media and other sources for updates

If you're delayed, contact local authorities about a visa extension if required.

Snow and ice

Every year, people are injured or killed in wind, snow and ice-related accidents. These include:

• falls
• traffic accidents
• avalanches
• collapsed roofs and snow falling from roofs 
• falling debris 
• prolonged exposure to extreme cold

Slipping on ice can result in serious injury, such as broken bones, back injuries or paralysis.

Fires

During summer, forest and peat fires can occur in Russia, including in the Moscow region.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The North Caucasus and far eastern region of Russia can experience earthquakes.

Tsunamis are common in all oceanic regions of the world.

To protect yourself from natural disasters, take official warnings seriously.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Get updates on major disasters from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

• General health advice (World Health Organization)
• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Russia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Russia has strict laws about the import and use of medications. Make sure you comply with the laws that changed in June 2016.

You must present a doctor's letter to authorities when you arrive in Russia confirming your need for each medication. This is the case if your medication contain:

• barbiturate
• codeine
• sibutramine
• anabolic steroids
• androgens and other sex hormones
• analgesic, such as tramadol
• psychostimulants
• other restricted substances

This includes medications that are available over the counter in Australia, such as cold and flu tablets.

The letter must:

• contain a description of the medication including chemical composition
• describe the daily dosage
• explain the underlying medical condition
• confirm the medication is for personal use only
• be signed by your treating doctor

You must also have a notarised translation of the letter into Russian.

Before you leave Australia, contact the Embassy of Russia for the latest rules for bringing medicines into Russia.

More information:

• Medicine

Tick-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis (World Health Organization) and other tick-borne diseases are a risk, especially if you travel through forested areas.

Ticks are common in rural areas from spring to autumn, April to October.

People have reported increased incidents of tick-borne encephalitis.

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur in Russia, with the country currently experiencing an increase in measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Avian influenza (Department of Health) is a risk in Russia.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) is a risk.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Rabies

There has been a reported increase in rabies (World Health Organization) across Russia.

Rabies is deadly. Humans can get rabies from mammals, such as:

• dogs
• monkeys
• bats
• other animals

If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other animal, get treatment as soon as possible.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• diphtheria
• measles
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or you suspect food poisoning.

Public medical facilities in Russian cities are below Australian standards.

Standards are extremely basic in rural areas.

There are a few international-standard private facilities in major cities.

Before you're treated, private facilities need either:

• up-front payment
• evidence of adequate insurance
• a written guarantee of payment

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

It's illegal to possess, sell, consume or carry any illegal drugs.

Penalties are severe and include long prison terms.

Russia has strict rules around medication carried into the country for personal use. This includes some medications that you can get over the counter in Australia.

If you don't declare restricted medications, authorities could detain you. See Health

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Routine police checks are common in public places.

Carry your passport, visa and migration card with you at all times. Authorities won't accept copies.

If you can't provide travel documentation on request, authorities can detain and fine you.

In Russia it's illegal to:

• take photos of military places, strategic sites and other sensitive areas, such as passport control and guarded railway sites
• use commercial film, television or camera equipment in public areas without permission, but hand-held home video cameras are allowed

Penalties for breaching the law include fines, jail and deportation.

Russia regulates religious activity. Authorities restrict activities such as preaching and distributing religious materials.

If you plan to engage in religious activity, make sure you are not breaking local laws.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for more information.

Russia restricts some social media platforms and internet sites, such as LinkedIn and Telegram.

More information:

• Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor)

Russia has laws that govern child surrogacy.

Get independent legal advice before making surrogacy arrangements  in Russia, or with residents of Russia.

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Some Australian documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, need to be legalised before Russian authorities will accept them.

If you have an Australian document that you need to use while in Russia, contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for information.

Apostilles and some legal certificates can be issued by:

• DFAT in Australia
• Australian embassies and high commissions overseas

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Russia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, Russian authorities won't recognise your Australian nationality. They will treat you like any other national of Russia.

If you're a dual national:

• you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport
• you can enter Russia using a repatriation certificate (svidetelstvo na vozvrashcheniye) if you don't have a Russian passport
• you must declare any other nationalities or foreign residency permits to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs
• you could be conscripted into the Russian military, if you're a male between the ages of 18 and 27

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia well in advance of any planned travel to Russia.

Dual nationals can't leave Russia without a valid Russian passport.

You'll need to get a new Russian passport before you leave if:

• your Russian passport expires while you're in Russia
• you enter Russia using a repatriation certificate

Getting a new Russian passport for non-residents is complex and can take several months.

Children born outside Russia and added to their parents' Russian passports need their own passport to leave Russia.

If you're travelling alone with a child, Russian border authorities may require:

• documentary evidence of your relationship to the child
• written permission for the child to travel from the non-travelling parent

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal in Russia, but not widely accepted.

Intolerance towards the LGBTI community is common, particularly outside Moscow and St Petersburg.

People have reported violence against members of the LGBTI community, including by local security forces.

In April 2017, there were reports of arrests and violence against LGBTI people in Chechnya.

It's illegal to promote 'non-traditional sexual relationships' to minors. Any action or statement that appears to promote LGBTI issues could be illegal.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

You need a visa to enter Russia unless you're travelling on certain commercial cruise ships.

You can't get a visa on arrival.

If you arrive in Russia without a valid visa, authorities will fine, detain and deport you at your own expense. They may bar you from re-entering Russia.

Make sure you apply for the correct visa type, such as 'tourist' and 'visitor' visas.

If your visa type doesn't match the purpose of your visit, authorities may:

• not let you enter 
• detain you

You may need to provide biometric fingerprints as part of the visa application process.

After you get your Russian visa, check your passport details are correct, including:

• full name
• passport number
• date of birth
• visa type
• intention of stay
• validity dates

If there are errors, return your passport to the Russian Embassy or Consulate for correction.

It's impossible to amend visa details once you're in Russia.

Cruises

You may be eligible for visa-free entry if you arrive by a commercial cruise ship:

• in some port cities, including St Petersburg
• that docks for less than 72 hours

Visa-free entry lets you you leave the ship for short periods as part of an officially recognised tour.

Discuss your travel plans with your cruise operator before you travel to check if you need a visa.

If you transit through Russia on the way to a third country, check transit visa requirements.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs
• Going on a cruise

Migration card

All foreign visitors receive a migration card on arrival in Russia.

If you receive a paper migration card, keep the stamped exit portion of the card with your passport.

The migration card covers both Russia and Belarus. You'll need to show the stamped card to passport control when leaving the last of the two countries.

If you lose your migration card:

• your departure could be delayed
• you could be stopped from staying at a hotel in Russia

You can get a replacement from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is complex and could delay your departure.

Biometric finger-printing

In 2017, the Russian Government said it would introduce biometric fingerprinting for all foreigners entering Russia. They haven't announced dates for this yet.

Travel with children

If you're travelling with a child, you may need to show evidence of parental, custodial or permission rights. This is particularly the case for dual nationals. See Local laws

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Electronics

The government strictly controls the import of electrical and some high technology equipment.

The rules are complex.

You may import terminal global positioning systems (GPS) devices if you declare them on arrival. However, you'll need a special permit to import a GPS device connected to a computer or an antenna.

Authorities can detain you if you don't have a permit.

You'll need to show proof of advanced approval to import a satellite phone. Request approval from the Federal Service for the Supervision of Communications.

Russian border officials can demand to inspect any electronic device when you leave. This includes installed software.

Travel between Russia and Belarus

The government doesn't allow foreigners to cross the land border between Russia and Belarus.

If you travel between Russia and Belarus, it must be by air.

If you're travelling between Russia and Belarus, you must have visas for both countries.

Visa-free entry into Belarus doesn't apply to travellers arriving from or travelling to Russia.

Contact the Embassy of Russia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for details.

Registering your stay in Russia

If you stay more than seven working days, including your day of arrival and departure, you have to register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You have to pay a registration fee.

Most hotels do this for their guests, but you're legally responsible. Confirm with check-in staff on arrival that they've registered you.

If you're not staying at a hotel, the registration process can be complex.

If you're travelling on a visitor-type visa, register at the nearest post office.

If you're travelling on a visa that lets you work, register through your employer. Confirm with your employer that they've registered you.

If you don't register, authorities can fine you or delay your departure.

Visa overstays

Make sure you leave Russia before your visa expires. Some visas, including tourist visas, can't be extended.

If you overstay your visa, you won't be allowed to leave Russia until the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs determines your legal status or deports you.

Authorities can detain you until they've processed your case.

Penalties for overstaying include fines and deportation.

You may be banned from re-entering.

Exporting goods

Russia has strict regulations covering the export of antiques, artworks and items of historical significance. This is for items purchased in Russia or imported to Russia from overseas. It includes modern art and posters if they are particularly rare or valuable.

Authorities may not allow the export of items more than 100 years old.

If you want to export any antiques, artworks or items of historical significance:

• keep receipts of your purchases
• obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Culture in advance of travel — export permits are never issued at the airport
• declare each item to border authorities when you leave Russia
• be ready to show each item to border authorities
• be ready to show receipts for each item to border authorities

Don't try to export items requiring permits without the relevant paperwork. This is a serious offence.

Legislation about the export of artwork and antiques from Russia may change without warning.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If your passport is lost or stolen while ashore, you will need to obtain an emergency passport and an exit visa to leave Russia within the 72-hour visa-free period. If it’s not done within 72 hours, you will face a court hearing and possible fine, deportation and entry ban.

To arrange a new visa:

• obtain an official police report
• apply for a replacement passport through the Australian Embassy in Moscow
• apply to Russian authorities for an exit visa
• include the police report with your application

If you replace your passport while in Russia, make sure authorities transfer your visa to the new passport.

The currency of Russia is the Rouble (RUB).

Declare cash of more than $US10,000 (or equivalent) when entering Russia.

Declare cash of more than $US3,000 (or equivalent) when exiting Russia.

Make sure a customs official stamps your declaration. Only stamped declarations are valid.

You must carry proof that your funds were imported and declared, or legally obtained in Russia.

Only exchange money at banks. US dollars or euros in cash are most commonly accepted.

Major bank cards are widely accepted, but fraud happens.

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted, even in Moscow and St Petersburg.

More information:

• Russian Federal Customs Service

If, despite our advice, you decide to go to Chechnya or the North Caucasus, you must first get permission from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Several other areas of Russia, especially in Siberia and the Russian Far East, are also 'closed' areas.

Foreigners need government permission to enter 'closed' areas.

If you need government permission or if you're not sure if you need it, contact the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Driving permit

You should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You may drive with an Australian driver's license if you carry it with a notarised Russian translation.

Road travel

Driving in Russia can be hazardous due to:

• poor driving standards
• ice and snow in winter
• poor road conditions in rural areas

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Some taxis appear official but aren't licensed by local authorities.

People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis. See Safety

Book an official taxi by phone, at major hotels and from inside airports.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

All emergency services

Call 112.

Fire and rescue services

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103.

Police

Call 102.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow for a full range of consular services.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

Podkolokolny Pereulok 10a/2 
Moscow, Russia 
Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070 
Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170 
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia

If you're in St Petersburg, you can also contact the Australian Consulate for limited consular help.

Australian Consulate, St Petersburg

11 Moika Street
St Petersburg 191186 Russia
Tel: (+7 964) 333 7572 (NOT for visas)
Fax: (+7 812) 334 3326
Email: ozcon.spb@gmail.com (NOT for visas)

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia