Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Rostov Oblast

The Russian government has declared a state of emergency in Rostov Oblast, where it maintains a significant military presence. The situation along the Ukrainian border is unpredictable and could evolve quickly. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel to this region, as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your security. If you are currently in this area, you should strongly consider leaving. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow to provide consular assistance in these districts is extremely limited.

Republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan (see Advisory)

Despite the end of the Chechen War in 2009, there remains an insurgency in the North Caucasus, during which terrorist attacks are frequent. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.

You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas of the country.

Republics of Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region) and North Ossetia (see Advisory)

Tensions remain high in the border regions with Georgia since the 2008 conflict in South Ossetia, and may affect the security situation in the republics of Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Russia. Terrorism-related incidents have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus region and in Moscow, but may happen throughout the country. Threats of terrorist attacks in Russia by extremist groups have increased since September 2015, when Russia’s armed forces began military operations in Syria. Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities.

On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”

Exercise caution in public places, particularly on public transport (including subways, railways and buses), airports, in crowded public places and during large gatherings and events. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Maintain a heightened level of vigilance, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Authorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places.

Crime

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and attacks are prevalent, especially for foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel (see above) are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and local aid personnel have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys

Exercise extreme caution in crowds and places frequented by skinhead groups, including open markets.

Violent crime is common. Pickpocketing, assaults and robberies occur frequently and are often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals employ various techniques to distract the victims, including luring people to help them. In such situations, walk away quickly. Underground walkways, public transport, tourist sites, restaurants, transport hubs, markets, and hotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked are preferred targets. Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.

Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.

Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have been reported. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, and do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars, nightclubs or restaurants. Order only bottled drinks in order to minimize risk.

Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas in order to commit robbery.

Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.

Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing.

Organized crime

Organized criminal groups remain active throughout Russia, especially in large cities. Credit card fraud is one type of activity. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities

Demonstrations

Rallies, protests and demonstrations occur in Russia. They can lead to significant disruptions in traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Transportation

Use only registered taxis and do not share a taxi with strangers. Negotiate the price before getting into a taxi.

Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities. Traffic regulations are mostly ignored. Road accidents are common and pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic. Drive only during daylight hours.

When travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Fraud

Fraud has been reported by victims developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues. Remain vigilant and be aware that neither the Embassy of Canada in Moscow or Global Affairs Canada can help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.

See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.

General safety information

Power outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Russian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Russian Federation or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Russia, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Russia. Visa applications must be submitted electronically, via the Embassy of the Russian Federation’s website.

Contact a Russian embassy or consulate prior to travelling to make sure you are aware of all entry and exit requirements pertaining to your stay in Russia (prior to arrival in Russia and upon exiting the country).

Tourist visa: Required (for those staying in commercial accommodations)
Guest visa: Required (for those staying in private accommodations)
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Transit visa: Required (including for Belarus)
Exit visa: Required

Tourist visa

You require a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa.

Canadian travel agencies must submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, who act as sponsors for tourist visas. In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or imprisonment upon departure.

International cruise passengers may enter Russia without a visa for up to 7 days, provided that they are accompanied by a guide with all of the authorizations required by the Russian authorities.

Guest visa

You require a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (Priglashenie) from the local UFMS (local Russian visa and passport office) and send it to you (the guest) in Canada. You must then take the invitation and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate, which will issue the visa. Upon arrival, you must register at a local police station.

Business visa

A business visa requires sponsorship by a Russian individual or organization. It may take up to three months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent changes (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.

Journalists

Foreign journalists cannot work in Russia without a special accreditation issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The accreditation can only be obtained through a formal request addressed to the Press Office of the MFA by the Embassy of Canada in Moscow, regardless of who is the inviting Russian sponsor. Journalists must submit the following documents well ahead of planned travel and prior to their Russian visa request:

• a copy of their passport;
• precise travel dates to cities where they wish to do reporting;
• the invitation letter of the Russian sponsor;
• the events they wish to cover;
• their Canadian journalist identification;
• a detailed description of the subject matter of their proposed reporting; and
• the name of the Russian embassy or consulate where they will be applying for their visa.

Journalists wishing to travel to controlled areas (such as Chechnya) will require separate permission to enter the area.

Exit visa

An exit visa is required to leave or re-enter Russia during an extended stay. The exit visa must be obtained by your sponsor after arrival. The Embassy of Canada cannot act as a sponsor.

Health entry requirements

If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than three months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The certificate must be valid for three months from the date of testing and include:

• passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence);
• HIV test information (date of test, test results, and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined);
• the length of your intended stay in Russia; and

Other tests (such as tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than three months.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Migration card

You must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry. Sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. It is your responsibility to obtain a migration card and fill it out. Holders of multiple-entry visas must fill out a new card every time they enter the country. Part A of the card is deposited with immigration officials upon arrival. Part B is held throughout the stay and must be shown to the police, together with the passport and registered visa, upon request and submitted to border officials upon departure. The migration card is also required for hotel registration. Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.

Registration

If you are vising multiple destinations, you must register  with Russian authorities within seven working days (including arrival and departure days) of your arrival at each separate destination. Your host or your employer can perform this registration. Failure to register will result in a fine, and you could experience problems when trying to re-enter Russia at a future date.

Customs declaration form

Upon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables—including items that could be considered antique—may be confiscated upon departure.

You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings, and you may have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.

Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. If you fail to declare in writing any amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.

Special permits and restricted areas

Travel and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa and you may have to pay an extra fee in order to include them.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizens must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport. If your Russian passport expires prior to travel, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry purposes only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. The renewal of a Russian passport may take several months.

If you are entering Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities in Canada or elsewhere, you may not be allowed to leave with a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.

See Laws and culture tab for more information.

Violating entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. A few quality facilities exist in larger cities and usually require cash payment upon admission.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

Although homosexual activity is not illegal in Russia, a federal law has been passed that prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations”. This law could render any homosexual and pro-homosexual statements punishable. Public actions (including dissemination of information, statements, displays or conspicuous behaviour) that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, the imposition of a fine and deportation.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence.

Taking photos of railways, bridges, dams, airports, train stations, the underground Metro system and all official buildings is prohibited. Incidents have occurred at marketplaces where Canadians have taken photos of market stalls and found themselves remanded to market police. Cameras, film and other equipment may be confiscated, and fines payable in cash on the spot may be imposed. Ask permission before taking photographs.

Identification documents

You may be fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities. Carry your original passport (photocopies are not acceptable), entry/exit visa and registered migration card at all times. Failure to provide identification documents could result in heavy fines or a jail sentence.

Traffic police

The traffic police can only stop motorists and impose fines for traffic violations. Although they can also conduct identity checks on pedestrians, they have no authority to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground Metro systems. Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain, and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer's name and identification and to contact the Embassy of Canada in Moscow.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Russia. If local authorities consider you a Russian citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Russian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Russian citizens residing in Russia who also possess a foreign citizenship or permanent residency status in another country must declare this citizenship or residency status to their local migration office. See the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian only) for more details on this requirement and consequences of non-compliance.

The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services may be limited.

Men between 18 and 27 years of age may be subject to military service. Seek advice from the nearest Russian embassy or consulate before travelling to Russia.

Importation / exportation

Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication: certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited, and large quantities of any medicine will be scrutinized.

The importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, such as those used for geological mapping.

You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or that have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and may arrest you if you do not have the necessary certificate.

Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate, or consult the Federal Customs Service website prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements.

Money

The currency is the Russian ruble (RUB). It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange counter. Carry new, crisp bills, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Do not rely on credit cards, travellers’ cheques and bank cards as methods of payment or to obtain cash. Traveller’s cheques can be cashed only at a few locations in Moscow, such as American Express offices. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are common in main cities.

Natural disasters & climate

Parts of Russia are prone to seismic or volcanic activity, such as Chechnya, the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Spring flooding and summer forest fires occur throughout Siberia and parts of western Russia. Heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides in the Krasnodar region in July 2012, killing at least 170 people and injuring more than 320.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For calls originating inside Russia the “7” should be replaced by an “8”. For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. You can also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 810-800-201-41012 (this number may not be accessible from all locations) or call collect 613-996-8885.