Travel to Russia the easiest way
I’ll tell you everything you need to plan your trip to Russia: visa, accommodation, tickets, and attraction passes quickly, easily, and stress-free.
Russia is still open to tourism in 2026. Despite international sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine, thousands of travelers are visiting Russia every year — and planning a trip is entirely possible if you know how to navigate the current situation.
This guide covers everything you need: how to get your eVisa (available for citizens of 64 countries, costs around €50 and takes 4 days), where to stay, how to pay without Visa or Mastercard, which eSIMs work in Russia, and what to expect at the border.
Russia’s main draws remain as compelling as ever: Moscow’s Red Square and the Kremlin, St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and White Nights, and the legendary Trans-Siberian railway. Whether you’re planning a 10-day classic trip or a longer adventure, the information here is updated and based on real traveler experiences.
Start with the visa — everything else follows from there.
Electronic visa, regular visa, or visa-free?
A Russian visa is an authorization allowing a foreign citizen to enter the territory of the Russian Federation. Currently, citizens of 142 countries require a visa to enter Russia.
This visa can be of two types: electronic visa or regular visa. Additionally, some nationalities do not require a visa to travel to Russia.
Electronic visa (maximum stay of 30 days):
Regular visa (for stays longer than 30 days):
Visa-free travel to Russia:
Preparations in 10 steps
All preparations for traveling to Russia can be made online with a bit of patience and peace of mind.
I recommend starting preparations for your trip to Russia around 2-3 months in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. Planning your trip with less lead time is also possible, but personally, I prefer taking things slowly. I suppose this depends on each person.
I’ve arranged chronologically the steps needed to organize your trip to Russia into 10 clear steps. Before beginning, it’s advisable to check if there are any travel restrictions.
Destinations in Russia
The vast majority of tourists traveling to Russia visit Moscow (and its Golden Ring) and St. Petersburg. Following these two major cities, highlights include the Trans-Siberian route and a visit to Lake Baikal.
Hi, I’m Irena Domingo
I was born in Russia in 1974 during the Soviet era. I worked as a Russian teacher and as a translator and interpreter for the past 30 years.
One of my main hobbies is traveling. I started this blog with one aim: to create the most comprehensive guide ever written for traveling to Russia and beyond.
With a Russian father, I carry the surnames of my Spanish mother, who was also born in Russia and is the daughter of Spanish exiles from the Basque Country during the Spanish Civil War.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Russia
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of around 60 countries don’t need a visa. Everyone else (including US, UK, EU, Canadian and Australian citizens) does need one, but can apply for the Russian e-Visa online — it takes about 4 days and is valid for stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays, you’ll need a regular visa with an invitation letter.
Is it safe to travel to Russia in 2026?
Yes, traveling to Russia as a tourist remains safe. Daily life in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg carries on as normal. What has changed are some logistics (payments, flights, bookings) due to sanctions, but nothing that can’t be worked around. I cover everything in my updated guide on traveling to Russia now.
Do Western credit cards work in Russia?
No. Since 2022, Visa, Mastercard and American Express no longer operate in Russia. To pay there you have several options: bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange them for rubles at banks or exchange offices, send money before your trip using services like SendNow, or open a T-Bank card as a foreigner. I explain all the options in my guide on how to pay in Russia.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Russia?
Yes, it’s mandatory for both the e-Visa and the regular visa. Be careful: many Western insurance policies no longer provide real coverage in Russia, even if they claim to cover “worldwide”. Before buying one, check whether your current policy actually works there. I’ve written a guide with the best travel insurance options valid for Russia in 2026.
When is the best time to visit Russia?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Summer (June to August) is the most popular season: long days, pleasant temperatures and the famous White Nights in St. Petersburg. Winter (December to February) is perfect if you want to see Russia covered in snow and enjoy Christmas markets, but you need to be prepared for the cold. I cover it all, including what to pack, in my article on the best time to travel to Russia.
How do I book accommodation if Booking doesn’t work in Russia?
Booking.com and Airbnb stopped operating in Russia. The alternatives that work are ZenHotels and Ostrovok, where you can search, book and pay from abroad with no issues. I explain how in my guide to booking accommodation in Russia.
How do I get between Moscow and St. Petersburg?
The most popular option is the Sapsan high-speed train, which connects both cities in about 4 hours. There are also domestic flights and the overnight sleeper train, which is an experience in itself. I explain the options, prices and how to buy tickets in my Russia travel itineraries guide.
Will I have mobile Internet in Russia?
This is one of the things that has changed the most. Buying a Russian SIM card is no longer straightforward due to a law that came into effect in 2025. The most practical option for a traveler is to bring an international eSIM, although the options have become more limited. You can also buy a physical Russian SIM, but the process is more complicated than before. I’d recommend reading the guide before you go.