Rostow am Don

Biometrics

Foreigners entering Russia will be required to register, on arrival, their biometric details such as fingerprints and photographs.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Russia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date your visa expires.

You cannot enter Russia using a visa in an expired passport, even if you’re also carrying a new, valid passport. You will need to apply for a new visa or visa transfer.

Sign your passport before you travel if it was issued after January 2017. Some British nationals have been denied entry for not signing their passports.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Traveling with children

Children under 18 years old must carry a notarised travel permission from one of their parents or legal guardians if they’re travelling out of Russia without their parent or legal guardian.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Russian dual nationals

If you have dual British-Russian nationality and travel to Russia to renew your Russian passport, it may take up to 4 months to get your new passport. You will not be able to leave Russia on your British passport if you entered Russia on your Russian passport. You will have to stay in Russia until your new Russian passport is issued.

Children born outside of Russia and added to their parents’ Russian passports may need their own passport to leave Russia. Check with the Russian Embassy in the UK before you travel.

See Warnings and insurance page for information about severely limited UK government support and compulsory military service for British-Russian dual nationals.

Visa requirements

You must get a visa before you travel.

Applying for a visa

See the Russia Visa Centre for further information on how to apply for a visa, including processing time and fast track services.

If you live in the UK and are aged 12 or over, you must go to a visa application centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh to submit biometric data (fingerprints).

If you’re a British national with a Russian national in your immediate family, you can apply for a multi-entry private visa for up to one year. Check what you need for your stay with the Russian Embassy in the UK.

The Russian authorities strictly enforce visa and immigration laws. Before you travel, check:

• your visa details are correct
• the terms and conditions of your visa

Overstaying your visa

If you overstay your visa, you may face fines, court hearings, deportation or a ban from re-entry.

Foreign nationals who have exceeded the terms of their legal stay in Russia and don’t have the necessary permits or visa will be entered on an official surveillance register, deported from Russia, and banned from re-entering.

Leaving Russia

You may not be able to exit Russia if you have any unpaid debts, fines or penalties in Russia. Check if you have any outstanding payments using the Russia State Bailiff’s Services portal (in Russian) or Russian State Services portal (in Russian). You may not be able to access these portals from outside of Russia.

Immigration cards

You must sign an immigration card at passport control every time you enter Russia.

Immigration officials keep one half. They return the other half to you. You must keep it and show it at passport control when you leave Russia, or your departure could be delayed.

You will need to show your immigration card when you exchange money or check into your accommodation.

Questioning on arrival in Russia

There have been intensive security checks on foreign nationals at the Russian border. Some British and dual British-Russian nationals have been:  

• stopped and questioned about political views or contacts with Ukraine or Ukrainians

• had fingerprints and DNA swabs taken 

• asked to provide data from phones and other electronic devices 

• held for many hours for identity and electronic device checks, sometimes without access to refreshments 

Under Russian law, you do not need to release your electronic device for checks unless you are presented with a search warrant. However, if you refuse to release your device, you may face substantial delays entering Russia due to continued questioning and pressure to cooperate, including threats of legal action.  

You should: 

• tell family, friends or colleagues about your travel plans and explain that the arrival process might take longer than usual 

• stay calm and avoid confrontation if you are stopped 

• be prepared for a long delay, and potentially to be refused entry to Russia  

The UK government cannot interfere in Russian immigration decisions and cannot help you during questioning.

Registering with the authorities

You must register with the local authorities if you’re staying anywhere for more than 7 working days. Your hotel will do this automatically. If you’re staying with someone, check that they’re doing this.

You must show evidence of your registration at passport control when you leave Russia. Police also carry out routine checks. If you cannot show your registration and passport, you may be detained for up to 48 hours for identity checks or get a fine.

Travelling between Russia and Belarus

As of 11 January 2025, foreign citizens with a Belarusian or Russian visa may enter, leave, stay or transit through either Belarus or Russia during the period of validity of the visa. This is limited to certain international border crossing points. For more information, see the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By air

You will need to go through immigration control if you fly to Russia from Belarus or from Belarus to Russia.

By road

You can only cross the land border between Russia and Belarus by road through a limited number of authorised crossing points. Crossing at any other place is prohibited. Authorised crossing points are:

• Yukhnovichi-Doloscy (A-117)
• Ezerische – Nevel’ (M-20)
• Liozno-Kruglovka (A-141)
• Red’ki-Krasnaya Gorka (M-1)
• Zvenchatka- Dubovichka (A-101)
• Selische-Novozybkov (M-13)

By rail

Contact your train or tour operator before booking your travel to make sure you enter Russia through an immigration checkpoint. Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate for advice on rail travel.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Russia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules on what you can take into and out of Russia.

If you fail to comply with Russian customs regulations, you may face fines, confiscation of goods or prosecution. Check the Federal Customs Service of Russia guidance for details (the site may not be accessible from outside Russia).

Goods requiring a customs declaration

You must complete a customs declaration form if you import goods worth more than 10,000 US dollars (or the same amount in other currencies).

You must also complete a customs declaration when bringing any of the following into Russia, regardless of their value:

• items of cultural and historical significance
• rare plants or animals
• vehicles
• Russian state awards
• weapons or their components
• medicines containing potent, toxic, or psychoactive substances

Russian law requires accompanying documentation for many of these items.

Possessing even small quantities of any illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties. See ‘Illegal drugs’ for more information.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is illegal in Russia, even in products purchased legally elsewhere. This includes oils, edibles and vapes. If you’re found with CBD products you may be sentenced to several years’ imprisonment.

Cash and financial instruments

You may bring cash in any currency and travellers’ cheques into or out of Russia without declaring them if their combined value does not exceed the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

You cannot leave Russia with cash in any currency or travellers’ cheques if their combined value is more than the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars, even if you complete a customs declaration.

Electronic items

You must obtain a licence before travelling if you plan to take certain electronic equipment with you to Russia, including GPS devices. The number of electronic items you can bring for personal use is limited.

Check the requirements for entering and exiting Russia with electronic items on the Federal Customs Service website (the site may not be accessible from outside Russia).

Antiques and art

Russia has strict regulations on the import and export of antiques, artwork, and items of historical significance.

You must get an export permit from the Ministry of Culture (the site may not be accessible from outside Russia) and declare each item when you leave. It is illegal to import or export items without a permit.

Customs declaration forms

Make sure a customs official stamps your customs declaration form when you enter. If you do not get a stamp, the authorities may confiscate your money or goods when you leave, and you may be fined.

Keep receipts of any purchases in case you need to show them when you leave Russia.

Money and banking

The Russian economy is unstable. This could make access to goods and services difficult.

Mastercard and Visa are not operating in Russia. Mastercard and Visa cards issued outside Russia will not work at Russian shops or ATMs. Cards issued inside Russia will work in, but not outside, Russia. You may not be able to access your money through Russian banks or make payments to Russian businesses with non-Russian credit or debit cards.

For all other credit or debit cards, let your provider know you’re travelling to Russia to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons.

There are few remaining methods of transferring money to Russia. UK Banks may refuse to transfer funds to even non-sanctioned banks. There have also been several cases of UK bank accounts of non-UK residents being closed at short notice. Make sure that you have enough money to cover your stay and have plans on how to access funds if your current methods become unavailable.

Buying Russian roubles

It is illegal to pay directly for general transactions in Russia using foreign currency. It is difficult to get Russian roubles in high street banks in the UK. If you want to buy roubles in Russia, you must take US dollars or euros to exchange.

Only change money at banks, hotels and exchange bureaus. It is illegal to change money from street traders.

The UK government has sanctioned several major Russian banks. This means British nationals are banned from making funds available to these banks. See more information about Russian sanctions and what this means for British nationals.

Customs rules

There are strict rules on what you can take into and out of Russia.

If you fail to comply with Russian customs regulations, you may face fines, confiscation of goods or prosecution. Check the Federal Customs Service of Russia guidance for details (the site may not be accessible from outside Russia).

Emergency services in Russia

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Russia
• dealing with a death in Russia
• being arrested in Russia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

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FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• lack of flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide support

There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. See ‘Risk of arrest and detention’ on ‘Safety and security’.  

Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.

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

Ongoing drone attacks and associated Russian air-defence activity may increase risks to civilian aviation and can lead to short-notice restrictions on airspace use and airport operations. See ‘Safety and security’

Limited UK government support

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

In-person UK government 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 support, 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

If you hold both British and Russian nationality, Russian authorities will treat you as a Russian citizen. This limits the consular assistance the UK government can provide. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow UK consular staff to visit or assist you. 

Russian nationals are required to notify Russian authorities of any second nationality, including British, within 60 days of acquiring that nationality, or within 60 days of returning to Russia if the British/ foreign nationality was obtained outside of Russia. Parents are responsible for notification on behalf of their children aged under 18.  Failure to comply can result in criminal liability. Your British passport may be confiscated by the Russian authorities and not returned. Penalties can include a fine of up to 200,000 Russian rubles (or up to one year of income) and/or compulsory work for up to 400 hours.

Military Service 

Russia operates a conscription-based military system. Men aged 18 to 30 with Russian citizenship may be called up for two-year compulsory military service. Conscription campaigns continue throughout the year. 

Russian law prevents eligible individuals from leaving Russia once their draft notice appears on the federal electronic draft register. 

If you receive a conscription notice via your account on the Russian State Services portal, you will be prohibited from leaving Russia. Failure to report to the conscription point within seven days of receiving the notice may result in penalties, restrictions on your rights, or detention. 

In addition to regular conscription, Russia has declared a partial mobilisation. Military recruitment is ongoing, and anyone with Russian citizenship may be drafted.

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.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Follow FCDO:   

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Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport with you as ID. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of high security. You could get a fine or be detained for up to 48 hours if you cannot show your passport when asked. Copies are not accepted.

Illegal drugs

You can be prosecuted for possessing even small quantities of any drugs, including cannabis. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Russia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Restricted military areas

Access to some areas, such as military and border zones, is restricted. You must get permission from local authorities before entering. If you do not have permission, the authorities may arrest, fine or deport you.

You can find a list of restricted areas online (in Russian, you may not be able access the site from outside of Russia). Check with your tour operator or the Russian Embassy in the UK if you’re unsure whether a tour or excursion will take you into a restricted area.

Taking photos in secure areas

Photography is illegal  at any military, secure or official sites, including airports. There may not be warning signs in locations where photography is banned. You could be detained or arrested if you break the law.

Using drones

Due to current military activities, it is illegal to use drones in some regions. Check restrictions with the local authorities.

You must get permission from the Russian aviation authority (in Russian) before using any unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Russian airspace. You must tell them the flight route at least 24 hours in advance and keep in regular contact with them before and during the flight. You will get a fine if you do not comply.

Mobile phones 

If you travel to Russia with a non-Russian SIM card, you may not be able to access mobile internet, SMS or other services. Buying a local-network SIM card in Russia can be difficult for visitors and could take up to 2 weeks to complete. Make sure your friends and relatives know how to contact you if your mobile phone does not work.

You need to present your passport or other ID and pass biometric checks to buy a Russian sim card from local providers in Russia. You may be asked to perform these checks even if you have had a local SIM for some time. 

You can continue using your UK SIM in Russia without any local identity checks as long as your UK mobile company provides roaming service for Russia.

Any SIM which has not been connected to the Russian network for 72 hours will not be able to connect to the internet or send SMS when they are first switched on. You may have to wait for some time for the services to resume. This may vary from several hours to several days.  Some networks may allow you to complete a set of actions to get your access restored quicker. 

Make sure friends and relatives know how to contact you if your mobile phone does not work.

Cybersecurity laws

There are increasing restrictions to limit access to content posted on the internet, including social media platforms. Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X and LinkedIn are blocked in Russia. Access to other websites can be unreliable.

More information is available from the Federal Service for Surveillance of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (in Russian).

Racial discrimination

Most visitors experience no problems, but racial discrimination can happen in some areas. If you’re of African, Asian or Caribbean descent, you may receive unwanted attention in public places. Take care, particularly when travelling late at night.

LGBT+ travellers

Homosexuality is not illegal in Russia but there are considerable legislative restrictions which target the LGBT+ community. In January 2024 a Russian Supreme Court judgement came into force banning the so-called ‘international LGBT movement’ and designating it as ‘extremist’. ‘LGBT propaganda’ legislation bans people from promoting ‘non-traditional sexual relations’. If charged, foreign citizens could face: 

• fines 
• up to 15 days in jail
• deportation

Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community and LGBT+ issues are less tolerant than in the UK and vary in different locations. Government officials have made derogatory comments to LGBT+ individuals. Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive negative attention.

There are no laws to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Recent laws targeting LGBT+ communities include:  

• in 2012, Moscow Pride was banned for 100 years  
• in 2022, a ban on the ‘demonstration of LGBT information, promotion of non-traditional sexual relations and change of gender’ to children and adults through the internet, films, advertisement, audio visual services and books (the “gay propaganda” law)

In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court banned the so-called ‘international LGBT movement’, designating it as ‘extremist’. The court provided no definition of ‘international LGBT movement’.

Displaying ‘extremist’ symbols and being a member of and donating money to ‘extremist’ organisations are criminal offences. This decision came in to force in January 2024. It is unclear how the authorities will implement the ruling but there have been reports of persecution for displaying the rainbow flag, considered by the authorities as a ‘symbol of an extremist organisation’.

Harassment, threats and acts of violence towards the LGBT+ community have increased.

The North Caucasus republics are particularly intolerant of the LGBT+ community. There have been reports of the arrest, torture and killing of gay men in Chechnya, allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

Russia has banned surrogacy for all foreign nationals except those married to Russian citizens. Read about surrogacy arrangements in foreign countries.

Religious activities

Some religious activities are restricted, including preaching and distributing religious materials.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered an extremist organisation in Russia. They can face harassment from authorities, including detention, particularly at places of worship.

Some other minority religious groups, like Scientologists, also face discrimination.