1. What Russian visas are there? How long does it take to get Visa?

There are 5 common visa types: diplomatic, tourist, business, guest, and transit. Obtaining a visa usually takes you a month or so. In order to obtain a Russian visa you need to submit a valid passport, a tourist voucher, an invitation and other documents depending on the desired visa type to the Russian Consulate in your home country.

If you order a Russian visa through our site, our Visa Support Service managers will contact you the same working day. You can send your request for a Russian visa through this website.

2. Do I need to register my visa in Russia?

Yes, all foreigners arriving in Russia need to register their visa within the period of 3 working days.

3. How much money in foreign currency can I bring to Russia?

If you have some cash and expect having some cash on your way back, you should know that from July, 31, 2005 you do not have to declare imported or exported cash amounting to less than $10000. Sums exceeding $10000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

4. How can I book a hotel room or an apartment in Russia?

You can book a hotel room and apartment online in almost every Russian city. Prices vary depending on the season, hotel quality and location.  We are happy to assist you with any questions regarding lodging in Russia.

5. How to travel in Russia?

If you have got a Russian visa, you may visit almost every Russian city. Yet, visiting some towns and regions such as border zones and specially guarded areas (some towns and zones in Krasnoyarsk Region, Kamchatka, Murmansk Region, Primorsky Region, etc.) requires additional permission.

Here you can find sufficient information on traveling around Russia (by air, train, bus, ship, car), on various types of train, as well as Moscow and St. Petersburg airport schedules.

If you want to know, for example, how to get from Yaroslavl to Moscow, go to Yaroslavl region page of our site and browse ‘How to get there and away' section.

6. Is Russia a safe country to visit?

Despite existing misconceptions visiting Moscow is no more dangerous than visiting other European cities. Robberies happen as often as in other megapolises all over the world.

7. Which is the best season to travel in Russia?

The answer depends on what part of Russia you want to visit. Northern winters are very cold indeed. South, Sochi, for instance, is a subtropical zone – the weather is warm all the year round. Since Moscow is situated in the European part of Russia, its climate has much in common with Central and Continental Europe.

Generally, the best period is May through September, when the day temperatures are in the 70's to 90's F with nights in the 50's to 70's F. Winter offers a romantic view of Russia, a chance to wear the fur hat you have bought and to enjoy ice-skating in Moscow's Gorky Park. If you order a tour or an excursion to any Russian city, you may notice an indication of the best time to take this particular tour.

8. What is Trans-Siberian Railway? Is it really that great?

The Trans-Siberian Railway and connecting routes are among the most enjoyable world great train journeys.

The train route extends from Moscow to the Pacific coast in the Far East. However, you will fail to find the timetable of the Trans-Siberian, since its name is used for three lines and some of the numerous trains running on them.

The main line ("Rossia" train) runs every other day from Moscow's Yaroslavl station through Siberia to Vladivostok. It takes about six and a half days to get to Vladivostok. There are two more routes traditionally referred to as the Trans-Siberian Railway: Trans-Mongolian Railway making its way along the Moscow-Vladivostok line via Mongolian capital Ulan-Bator and Trans-Manchurian Railway running along the Moscow-Vladivostok main line via north-eastern China (Beijing).

9. What should I do if I have no aptitude for learning languages? Russian proves to be a very difficult language to learn. Will I manage if I don't speak Russian?

Don't worry. Moscow and St. Petersburg are widely known as tourist friendly cities. Many young Russians speak at least a little English. Restaurants usually have English menus, etc. Our piece of advice is to learn the Cyrillic alphabet before coming to Russia. As for other Russian cities and towns, it's not so easy to find an English-speaker in small towns out of Central Russia.

10. How do I contact you with more questions?

Should any questions remain, do not hesitate to contact us through our special form. We'll do our best to provide you all information required.