Welcome to Russian Federation

The Russian Federation is as opulent as it is traditional, regal as it is rugged. Within the same vacation, you can admire gold-gilded palaces and imperial treasures, visit Leo Tolstoy’s estate, feel the history of Moscow’s Red Square and the Kremlin and share a meal with a local family in the Golden Ring town of Suzdal.

Photograph Peterhof, where Peter the Great’s grand gardens and fountains will dazzle you. Wander the masterpiece-filled hallways of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Beyond its enticing cities, Russia offers an incredible natural playground, with mountains, beaches, glacier and thick forests vying for your attention.

Watch a Siberian shaman carve intricate wooden designs in his workshop. Hike around Lake Baikal and in the peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Golden Mountains of Altai. You’ll find it all in the world’s largest country, and there will always be more to discover on your return visit.

Unique Facts

• Russia boasts the world’s longest railway. The Trans-Siberian Railway covers 5,700 miles from Moscow in European Russia, through Asian Russia, to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. If you traveled end to end, it would take 152 hours and 27 minutes to complete.
• In Moscow, you’ll get around quickly. The city’s metro system has trains scheduled for every 90 seconds during rush hour, moving 9 million passengers per day. It is also the deepest subway in the world at 328 feet deep.
• You may notice some interesting superstitious behavior while in Russia. Rub a dog’s paw with your left hand for money, toss a coin into Peter the Great’s boot to make a wish and never shake hands over a doorway as it may lead to argument.
• The Hermitage contains more than 3 million exhibits. If you wanted to see everything, you’d have to spend two minutes at each exhibit and it would still take you six years.
• If you love historic churches, visit the village of Suzdal. It measures 5.7 square miles, yet contains 53 churches.

Language

Russia’s official language is Russian.

When To Go

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, the best time to visit Russia is from the beginning of June to mid-September. Also consider the spring, March to May, and fall, September to October, when the temperatures are still quite comfortable.

Airports

Sheremetyevo, Moscow
Domodedovo, Moscow
Vnukovo, Moscow
Pulkovo, Saint Petersburg

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months past arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Russia: Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Ruble

Getting Around

If self-driving, be aware the road conditions and driver safety customs differ from those in the United States.

Remote areas either have poor or nonexistent shoulders or no roads at all. Do not drive at night outside major cities.

Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive, efficient public transportation systems, as well as other urban areas. Use well-marked taxis only.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin, and translation, is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000
Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084
moscowacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Offices

• In the World War of 1812 Museum, in Revolution Square, next to Red Square
• In the train stations of Belorussky, Leningradsky, Kievsky, Paveletsky, Kursky and Kazansky
• At Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports

City Expert Moscow

Triumfalnaya Square (metro Mayakovskaya) and ground floor of the GUM Galleries (at the heart of Red Square)

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 103
Police: 102
General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Bomb threats against public areas are common. If you are visiting a location that receives a bomb threat, follow all police and security service instructions.

Do not visit Chechnya or other areas in the North Caucasus region.

Crime against tourists does occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation.

Cybercrime is a large problem across Russia. Be vigilant against cyber threats and use cyber security measures.