Russia Travel Advice

Passport & Visas

All nations including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Russia. The visa cannot be obtained at the border. You should apply well in advance and make sure you are up-to-date with the processing time and fees for your nationality. A Russian tourist visa is issued for a maximum of 30 days and only after you have completed all your travel arrangements.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in Russia, and you should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times. 

Check with your embassy or your official government website for foreign Russia travel advice. Bear in mind that the information we provide is for guidance only, and you are advised to check the details as it is your responsibility to have all the official documents ready before traveling. 

You can consult the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We recommend all travelers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA 

Travel Insurance 

You need to have valid and adequate travel insurance before your tour with Travel Talk begins. It is your responsibility to have your insurance ready, but we are more than happy to provide you with guidance in the process. WorldNomads.com is one of the travel insurance providers that you can go with. You can visit our travel insurance page for more details. For now, here is some Russia travel advice that you need to keep in mind when choosing the right plan.

When to Go

The best time to visit Russia is in summer, as the country is famous for its long and enduring winters. Even then, temperatures hardly rise over 20°C, but the weather is pleasant for sightseeing in the imperial cities and exploring the countryside. Travelers prefer visiting Russia from May to late October for the train-riding experience across the Russian highlights such as Suzdal and Vladimir. The authentic towns are blooming with wildflowers, while the cities host some of the most spectacular festivals in the eastern hemisphere. Bear in mind that this is the high season for Russia tours, so you will find the country bustling with travelers.

Towards the end of December, temperatures begin to drop dramatically, occasionally below -10°C. Winter is still a rewarding time to visit Russia since the winter landscapes reveal the soul of the country. If you wish to savor the snow-covered landscapes without the freezing temperatures, December is ideal for the best places to visit in Russia.