Russia Tours

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a tourist visa to travel to Russia. The visa cannot be obtained at the Russian border. Therefore, you should apply for your tourist visa prior to travelling. A Russian tourist visa can only be provided to passengers who have booked and confirmed their travel arrangements. Processing times and fees vary per application location, nationality and travelling dates. Visas are typically issued for a maximum of 30 days.
To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa you will need
several documents including:

• Original passport, valid for more than 6 months
  with at least 2 blank pages for visa
• Application form
• One passport-style photograph
• Other documents including proof of address
• Tourist visa support documents (will be
  provided by Travel Talk upon full payment)
• Applicable fee

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with short notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all required travel documents are ready when travelling.

All foreign nationals are required to have a visa to travel to Russia. You cannot apply for a Russian visa at the border, you need to apply and obtain it in advance from the Russian Embassy. Processing time and fees vary according to nationality and country of residence.

To apply for a Russian Tourist Visa, you will need several documents including:

• Original passport, valid for more than 6 months with at least 2 blank pages for visa
• Application form
• One passport-style photograph
• Other documents including proof of address
• Tourist visa support documents (will be provided by Travel Talk upon full payment & receipt of your passport information)
• Visa fee

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with short notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all required travel documents are ready when travelling.

Yes, we provide you with the ‘Tourist visa support documents’ required for your visa application. Once the full payment for your booking is completed, we will email you a list of the information needed to prepare your visa support document together with your tour voucher.

Yes, all passengers travelling with Travel Talk must have travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance in place. You may read more about this here.

The best time to visit Russia is between seasons, such as spring and early autumn. Summer in Russia is a special season and the most popular time to visit due to the warm pleasant weather. Visiting Russia in the winter can also be rewarding as you may witness this remarkable country under a blanket of snow, although the temperatures drop significantly.

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants across Russia. Many internet cafes can be found in the cities as well. Alternatively, purchasing a Russian SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective option. Your tour leader will be happy to advise on this. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G.

Mobile coverage is generally quite good in Russia, however may be unavailable in remote areas. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile. International roaming may be costly, we recommend to speak to your mobile provider.
Alternatively, purchasing a Russian SIM card can be a cost-effective option, your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Russian Ruble is the currency used in Russia. Please see some approximate prices to give you and idea; Street food in Moscow

• Street food in Moscow, grilled chicken: 3.50 USD ~ 250 RUB
• Baked potatoes with cheese: 2.70 USD ~ 190 RUB
• Sandwich: 0.70 USD ~ 50 RUB
• A restaurant meal: 15 – 25 USD ~ 1100 – 1900 RUB
• Cappuccino take out on the street: 1.50 USD ~ 110 RUB
• A pint of beer 2 – 3 USD ~ 150 – 220 RUB

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Russia unless it is clearly stated to be safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and available throughout the country. However please consider using a reusable water bottle, especially if you’re on a longer trip, and reduce your use of plastic. Alternatively, you may carry water purification tablets with you.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants in Russia, however some museums, train stations and small shops only accept cash. We would recommend to carry some cash with you for small purchases.

ATMs are easily found all around Russian cities, however are not as common in remote areas or smaller towns. Although they usually offer good exchange rates, some networks may charge heavy transaction fees. Let your credit/debit card provider know where you’re going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud .

Russia tours include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:30pm. You must inform our call centre or [email protected] of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 15 days prior to your departure date.

If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us. You will be welcomed by our representative holding a Travel Talk sign at the airport. Departure transfer is not available in Russia.

The welcome meeting will be with the group and your guide at 6pm in the hotel lobby. You can view your arrival information from the link below. If there is any change in your arrival hotel, we will send you an e-mail to inform you before the trip. https://www.traveltalktours.com/russia-arrival-hotels/

Depending on the dates and hotel availability, we may be able to arrange pre/post-tour accommodation.

Pre/Post-Accommodation in Russia includes only breakfasts, airport transfers won’t be available.

Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey.

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.

There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.

Please note that the single supplement may be required for sailing tours as gullets have double cabins.

Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. [email protected] 0208 099 9596

Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.

If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the “Notes” section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options may be limited in the country.

The Russian Ruble (RUB) is the local currency. You can get Ruble from ATM’s using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.

Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage – usually just for a very short distance.

Tipping good service is common in Russia – typically around 10-15% for a restaurant meal.

Your tour guide and crew would be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

You can join a tour late or miss the Welcome Meeting on Day 1 if you inform us prior to the departure date. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to catch up with the group.

Please contact us at [email protected] or +44 208 099 9596.

For all emergencies, you can contact +44 208 099 7536 .