what to visit in russia

15 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Mar 21, 2024

The largest country in the world really has it all–mountains, valleys, frozen lands, and warm sands, and an incredible number of amazing natural destinations to impress any visitor.

Some of the oldest cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg , still retain their imperial splendor–obvious not only in their architecture but also in their majestic parks, shopping centers, and even metro stations.

Other cities and regions–including far-away destinations in Siberia and the Far East –offer a chance to explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights , volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever dream of.

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Russia.

1. Lake Baikal

3. st. peterburg, 6. the russian tundra, 7. peterhof, 8. olkhon island, 9. petropavlovsk-kamchatsky, 10. vladivostok, 12. novosibirsk, 13. the taiga forest, 14. dargavs, 15. kizhi island, best time to visit russia.

When it comes to breaking records, Lake Baikal is hard to beat. This massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world –reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated 25 million years of age. Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake in the world–over 20 percent of the world's freshwater is in this lake.

Although Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world , this is particularly noticeable in winter, where, in some areas, it's possible to see up to 40 meters down into the water–even though much of the lake's surface freezes over for up to five months of the year.

For about a month around August, the lake's water temperature can reach around 16 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for quick dips or short swims. During the rest of the year, however, it usually stays under five degrees Celsius.

In summer, Lake Baikal is a famous destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to discover shorelines and beaches. In winter, when the lake freezes over, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and visit the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.

Since most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it's worth planning your trip so you at least have a few hours to explore the city . Russia's capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by.

Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin , Red Square , and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The shopping mall GUM , with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination–even for tourists who can't afford the luxury brands sold here–and a great place to try authentic Russian food.

Even if museums are not exactly your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth visiting, including The State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial carriages.

The Bolshoi Theater , one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world, is also worth a visit if you can get tickets.

Some of the best things in Moscow require some walking to be properly explored, such as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River Moskva.

Moscow's Metro stations are works of art in themselves, decorated with porcelain relief, crystal chandeliers, and unique mosaic artworks that make these places basically look like subterranean palaces. Mayakovskaya metro station, with its ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns, and Kiyevskaya station, filled with white marble, frescoes and elaborate artworks, are two of the most stunning ones to visit.

Although smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg actually has so much to offer, it's often impossible to see it all in one day. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg feels more European–fine art and exquisite design details mixing in with history around every corner. You can explore it on foot to admire the architecture up close and personal, or hop on a cruise to explore part of the 300 kilometers of canals that cut through the imperial city.

For a stunning overdose of white and gold colors, visit Moika Palace (most famous for being the place where Rasputin was killed) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral , which is actually a Russian Orthodox museum.

The Hermitage Museum , perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous tourist attraction and the second largest art and culture museum in the world , has a collection of over three million items that cover everything from prehistoric art (including articles from the nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great's art collection.

About 25 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, and more than worth the day trip, is Peterhof Palace . Built in the early 1700s as a summer residence for Peter the Great, it greatly resembles the Palace of Versailles in France.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The Altay Mountains in Siberia extend from Russia into China , Kazakhstan , and Mongolia . Traditionally inhabited by different ethnic groups involved in horse husbandry and forestry, it is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers. Together with a number of natural reserves and lakes, the Altay Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

There's a lot of untouched beauty in Altay, where frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attract cross-country skiers and other outdoor lovers in winter, as well as hikers (the area around Aktru Glacier is especially popular for trekking), kayakers, and climbers in summer. More unusual activities, including diving, cave exploring, and herb and mushroom picking, can also be pursued here.

The Denisova Cave in Siberia is particularly significant because of the bone fragments, artifacts, and even prehistoric horses that have been here–some dating back 50,000 years.

The resort town of Belokurikha is a popular starting point for Altay adventures, and many tourism agencies offer organized trips from here.

A summer beach resort town sitting right on the Black Sea , Sochi offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, a summer film festival known as Kinotavr, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to please all budgets and tastes. The longest river in Russia, Mzymta, cuts through Sochi before it empties into the Black Sea, and it's a very popular destination for rafting .

The 3000-square-kilometer Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve , just 50 kilometers from Sochi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard.

The nearby Rosa Khutor ski resort is another favorite destination during winter and a world-class alpine skiing area –the 2014 Winter Olympic Games were hosted here.

The tundra is a unique biome that only exists in or near the Arctic Circle . Here, temperatures are so cold that trees can't grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses can get through the winter. In most places, the tundra is synonymous with permafrost–meaning the ground is permanently frozen. In areas where the top layer of ground does melt during summer, marshes, and streams will form over the land, leading to beautiful patches of colorful icy water.

The Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, gray wolves, and rich birdlife during nesting season. Over the past few decades, ecotourism has become more and more interested in the tundra areas, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can take a number of environmental routes to explore, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.

The city of Murmansk , in the Kola Peninsula, not only offers incredible tundra views, but it's also a great place to catch a tour to see the Northern Lights .

Peterhof might be home to a university and a major Russian watch manufacturer, but this relatively small city's call to fame is the Peterhof Palace . Originally designed and built in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style that resembles the Palace of Versailles, the palace grounds cover an area of almost 4000 hectares.

There are 173 garden fountains around the palace–some, like the Grand Cascade fountains , with special features that activate water jets when people get close. The lower gardens, designed in French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion.

The Grand Palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with majestic colors (there are gold details everywhere), art imported from Asia and the Far East, walls covered in authentic Chinese silk, and a massive ballroom covered in gilded carvings. The palace contains 10 separate museums, which hold art, furniture, and palace items from the 18 th century.

One of the world's largest lake islands , Olkhon is covered in steep mountains, lush forests, and taiga. The island is in Eastern Siberia and has a small permanent population that consists mostly of local Buryats, a Mongolic indigenous group who believes the island to be a powerful spiritual place.

Tourism has become a growing industry on Olkhon Island, with visitors coming over to explore places such as the coastal sand dunes and the abandoned Peschanaya Village and former Soviet labor camp nearby.

This area is also famous for its "walking trees," an unusual phenomenon that causes strong winds to uncover tree roots on the beach and gives them the appearance of a standing person.

There are several semi-urban settlements on the island, with Khuzir being the largest and the one offering homestays for visitors who want to stay over. The village also houses the small but interesting National History Museum of Revyakin , which chronicles life on the island as far back as Neolithic times .

Located in the Russian Far East, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is surrounded by volcanoes (including the active, snowcapped Koryakskaya Sopka volcano) and cannot be reached by road–in fact, the only way to get into the city is to fly in.

Those who take on the challenge and get here, however, will discover an active city center with tons of monuments, squares, and churches. The city lies right against Avacha Bay, a great place for a waterside stroll and to catch a whale watching tour .

Tours to the volcanoes should be at the top of your list if you visit here, but skiing on Krasnaya Sopka mountain and a visit to the world's only Museum of Salmon are also must-dos.

The small but unique Vulcanarium Museum here offers a unique insight into the world of volcanoes and probably your only chance ever to touch lava.

Located near the borders with China and North Korea and just across the ocean from Japan, Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city. A major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route, the city was actually off-limits to foreigners during Soviet Union times and now receives lots of foreign visitors eager to discover it.

The city is home to many parks and public spaces, including Sportivnaya Harbor with its beautiful beach and promenade, and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at the top of a hill.

Vladivostok's Russky Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at 1,885 meters. The bridge connects Vladivostok to Russky Island, where visitors will find Philippovsky Bay and its beautiful sandy beaches , as well as Voroshilov Battery, a military museum.

History buffs will appreciate a chance to explore the WWII C-56 Submarine or visit the Museum Vladivostok Fortress , originally built to protect the city against potential attacks from Japan.

Anapa–perfectly located against the Black Sea and a very popular resort destination for decades–is well known for its sandy beaches, spas, and stunning views from the rocky promontory where Anapa's lighthouse sits. A somewhat more modest destination than Sochi, Anapa also offers plenty of other things to keep visitors entertained besides coastal attractions.

Places worth exploring include The Anapa Archaeological Museum and the single remaining gate of an Ottoman fort that once occupied this area. There's also the archaeological site of Gorgippia, which dates back to the 6th century BCE and was once a busy maritime trade port.

Both the Sukko Valley and the Wildlife Preserve of Bolshoy Utrish are just minutes away from the city and offer plenty of options to explore nature, swim in clear waters, and take to the trails for some trekking.

Located on the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia and the unofficial capital of Siberia –a place where summers are hot enough to swim and sunbathe (Novosibirk has its own man-made beach on the shores of a reservoir), and the winters have temperatures that can reach -45 degrees Celsius.

Home to the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater , a number of universities, and several museums, the city has much to offer visitors. The outdoor Museum for Railway Technology is particularly interesting, as it features many diesel and steam locomotives, electric trains, snowplows, and a number of unusual carriages, such as tank cars, hospital and prison cars, and even fire engines.

The Novosibirsk Trans-Siberian railway station is one of the largest ones in the country and it was once at the epicenter of the transport of prisoners to gulags (Soviet forced labor camps). Today, it is the main departing point for train adventures to nearby cities, including the town of Berdsk , on the shores of the Ob Sea–which is actually a man-made reservoir, not an actual sea.

The Russian taiga is a unique ecoregion that sits between the frozen tundra in the North and the more temperate mixed forests in the South. It's essentially a type of boreal forest where only coniferous trees like pines, spruces, and larches grow.

Parts of Alaska and Canada are covered in Taiga, too, but the Russian taiga brings a level of isolated beauty you won't find anywhere else. Here, temperatures can reach as low as -20 degrees Celsius, though the Siberian taiga can easily see nights of -50°C during the coldest months. In the north of the country, the taiga experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter.

The heart of the taiga is north of Irkutsk city, where dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the northern lights are waiting for you. Extreme tour operations take visitors to the area to spend days outdoors before warming up in a steam bath inside a wooden cabin, a local tradition.

Vodlozersky National Park falls within the Russian taiga. It covers over 4,000 square kilometers and is a popular destination for white water rafting and bird-watching. The park can only be reached via a countryside road from the town of Pudozh, 352 kilometers away. Once at the park, your only connection with civilization is the village of Kuganavolok , which has 500 permanent residents.

The tiny settlement of Dargavs, better known as "the city of the dead," has just over 150 permanent living residents – and at least just as many dead ones. Located near the Georgian border and only reachable after a remote and difficult one-hour drive, this tiny village is famous for its ancient cemetery.

Legend goes, the unusual cemetery – which consists of small stone buildings with serrated roofs sitting on a hill – was created in the 18th century as the final resting place for plague victims. Once infected, families would move into these "homes" with food and some personal items and stay there until (and after) their deaths. Today, visitors arrive here from all over the world to see the eerie but beautiful sight.

The closest major city is Vladikavkaz, an industrial town with plenty of cultural and historical sights that's also worth a visit.

Located in Lake Onega in northwestern Russia, this tiny, six-kilometer-long island has been inhabited since at least the 15th century.

The island's most famous sight is the Kizhi Pogost, an open-air museum with over 80 ancient wooden structures. The two 18th-century churches are especially stunning and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . They're also considered one of the most amazing and tallest wooden structures in Europe.

The main church is home to 22 silver domes (the tallest one being 37 meters) and a massive wooden altar, as well as 102 icons that decorate its walls. It was built using no nails and, legend goes, using only one axe. There is no other wooden structure in Russia built in a similar style.

To reach the island, visitors must take a picturesque ferry from the nearby city of Petrozavodsk. During summer, cruises take visitors around the lake before stopping at the island.

The best time to visit Russia depends on many factors: where you're going within the massive country, what you plan on doing when you land (hiking around Lake Baikal or touring museums in Moscow?) and just how willing you are to experience extreme weather.

If you're after savings, November and early Spring (especially March) are the cheaper months , but both are rainy and on the chilly side, with November feeling more like winter than fall.

Summer months are the most expensive months to arrive in Russia, when hotels are fully booked and flight prices skyrocket. Summer also means very hot temperatures, big crowds, and long lines to access museums or to catch a boat to tour the St. Petersburg canals.

If you plan on spending time outdoors, early fall is usually better than summer . Places like the Golden Ring (an area that extends north-east of Moscow) and Lake Baikal and the Ural Mountains are stunning in the fall, as the trees change color and a red hue takes over the entire region.

Most of the mountain trails are open in Autumn and the weather is perfect for long hikes. Lake Baikal is equally beautiful in winter, and the water looks a deep navy blue under the frozen surface, offering an incredible opportunity to skate right over the world's largest freshwater lake.

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

Home to eleven time zones and a border spanning two continents, Russia, the world's largest country, is truly a world of its own. As a country that has seen the rise and fall of great empires and unions, its history only adds to its distinct identity. With vast and immensely beautiful landscapes in Siberia and the Kamchatka Peninsula, culturally rich heritage sites in the North Caucasus, and pulsating cities such as Moscow, Russia makes for a destination worth a visit for travelers of all kinds.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is known as Russia’s cultural capital, and rightly so. Home to more than 200 museums, such as the spectacular Hermitage, the city’s links to heritage from the past can also be seen in several buildings such as the opulent Catherine Palace and the magnificent Church of Saviour on Spilled Blood. St. Petersburg additionally can be a delightful destination for book lovers, with spots to explore Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky’s legacy. Further, book lovers can visit old bookstores and several libraries in the city, such as the National Library of Russia, are open to the public through pre-arranged tours. A final reason why St. Petersburg is a top destination in Russia is the exciting nightlife of the city, which one can start exploring in and around the Nevsky Prospekt.

The capital city of Moscow is definitely among the top places to visit in Russia, for its variety of experiences on offer: art museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery, high-end restaurants such as the White Rabbit to the impressive ballet culture, most prominently in the Bolshoi Theatre.

While the Red Square is a vital part of the city to see the essentials such as The Kremlin and Lenin’s mausoleum, other places in the city, such as the Izmailovo flea market, are also worth a visit.

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

The vast Russian territories on the Arctic Circle hangs as the crown of country, marked by Tundra and snow. As the northern edge of the world, this region attracts those looking to go stargazing and, if lucky, to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the largest city in the Arctic circle, Murmansk, from where you can head to villages such as Teriberka close by for views of the vast sky and a boat graveyard, beaches at the northern edge of the world, making for a thoroughly surreal experience.

Murmansk is also home to the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship turned museum. A visit to a husky farm near the city where one gets to interact with the royal, adorable Huskies in their natural habitat is also recommended.

Capital of Tatarstan region, Kazan is one of the most aesthetically delightful cities in Russia that is home to the Islamic heritage of this part of the country while also incorporating Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of Kazan is thus its heritage architecture, which displays both colorful orthodox Christian churches as well as stunning mosques such as the Khul Sharif mosque.

Other must-see buildings include the Suyumike tower and the Temple of All Religions, an eclectically styled prayer complex where several faiths can go to pray.

Kamchatka Peninsula

A peninsula full of vast volcanoes, stunning natural formations such as Valley of Geysers and a habitat of bears, a visit to Kamchatka is a real immersion into Russia’s natural beauty. There are several trekking and camping tours available inside the numerous bio-reserves located in the valley, making it ideal for those who want to disconnect with the outside world and dive deep into nature.

The city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky can be made a base to further explore the region, where once can sample some of the seafood delicacies such as Kamchatka crabs.

A resort town by the black sea, Sochi is surrounded by stunning snowcapped mountains, which form a backdrop to beaches. Among the most popular summer destinations within Russia, this city, however, this city also makes for an excellent place to try out winter sports activities such as skiing.

Besides lounging around the beaches, the city is a good place to try out adventure sports such as bungee jumping, and one can also head to the SkyPark Sochi for rollercoasters and other adventure activities with stunning views.

Republic of Dagestan

A somewhat offbeat destination in Russia for tourists, the culturally unique and naturally stunning region of Dagestan, which translates to The Land of The Mountains, can be a top choice for those looking to explore the diversity of the world’s largest country. While Dagestan is perceived by many as a dangerous place to visit owing to political movements in the area, visitors to the region attest to the fact that prior planning and taking general safety measures can make for a rewarding experience.

The city of Derbent, with the Caspian Sea on the coast, owing to its old-world charm and stunning mosques, is one prominent place to visit and to explore the heritage and culture of the region.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is a vast region full of villages around the lake that make for excellent summer holidays and comes highly recommended for visitors looking to unwind and relax. The famous trans-Siberian railway route passes through this vast water body, which can be navigated after making a base in the city of Irkutsk.

While there are several villages and spots such as Olkhon Island where you can rent a Dacha and proceed to kayak, boat, or simply lounge around the lake, a recommended place to visit is the Peschanaya Bay, which is a stunning beach-like landscape with slanted rocks to form a backdrop.

Nizhny Novgorod

Marked with history and home to several heritage monuments, Nizhny Novgorod is a top choice for Russian history lovers. Once known as ‘Gorky,’ this city was also considered an important center for the production of military equipment, but these days, the highlight of the city is its architecture.

Places to explore include the city’s Kremlin, with its 13 towers, and the historic Rozhdestvenskaya Street. Other activities to indulge in include watching the sunset over the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, which can be viewed set against the city’s Kremlin.

Vladimir and Suzdal

The two cities of Vladimir and Suzdal, located very close to each other, are part of a cluster among the "Golden Ring" cities around Moscow. While Vladimir was once the capital of the Russian empire, the adjacent Suzdal extends the sense of history and heritage through the numerous churches to be found here. Wooden houses with ornate window panels, large church and monastery complexes, and charming markets delight visitors.

Lena Pillars

Spectacular, awe-inspiring rocks that go up to impressive heights and nicknamed Mountains of Rising Gods among locals form the Lena Pillars Natural Park. A one-of-a-kind landscape that's worth a visit in Russia's Yakutia, Lena Pillars can be accessed from Yakutsk. River cruises around the park offer a spectacular view, but one can also opt for a helicopter or air tour of the area.

A winter wonderland located on the banks of the Kama River, Perm can be a surprising delight for those looking to visit ice caves such as Kungar Ice Caves in the nearby region. In itself, the city also has an impressive ballet scene as well as other cultural activities. Visitors can also take a day trip to the Memorial Complex of Political Repressions, Kuchino, Permsky Krai, also known as the Perm 36 Gulag Museum, which was once a forced labor camp.

Vladivostok

A stunning city in the Far East of Russia, Vladivostok is a port city located close to both China and North Korea. The beauty of this city, marked by mountains and bays, is most prominent in its Golden Horn Bay. Meanwhile, the city's Eagle's Nest Hill is one of the best places to get views of the cityscape.

As a big city, Vladivostok has several notable museums, with the S-56 Submarine Museum, a World War II museum located inside a submarine, being a unique choice for visitors.

Kizhi Island, Karelia

Russia’s wooden architecture is among the many things unique to the county, and the Kizhi Island, located in the Karelia region, is an open-air museum of these detailed and classic structures. Kizhi Island is increasingly becoming a popular site for visitors, with ancient structures such as the Church of Transfiguration as well as an arranged display of rural life. The island, which houses the oldest wooden church in Russia, can be visited from Petrozavodsk and can only be visited for a day trip.

Yekaterinburg

A large industrial city in the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is among Russia’s crucial spots with a significant history in the Russian Revolution: it is where Russia’s last Tsar and his family were executed. Exciting for history and culture enthusiasts, this city is home to a thriving theater and dance scene. Further, Yekaterinburg also houses over 30 interesting museums.

Those in the city can also plan day trips to fascinating spots close to the town, such as the quirky Kirillov’s House in the Kunara village or opt for a nature trip to the mountains.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

By Carl Austin · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Russia, once the largest and most powerful member of the former USSR, nonetheless remains a fascinating country to visit. It is a country of contrasts, from great subtropical beaches to bitterly cold winter regions in the north. The east may have fewer people, but its lovely cities are among the most popular places to visit in Russia and can hold their own against the west.

Russia is steeped in history everywhere a traveler goes, from vicious battles to great classical music and literature. And almost everywhere visitors can see examples of magnificent art, not only in museums but also in its churches.

10. Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg is an industrial city in the Ural Mountains that has many things going for it. It is, however, largely remembered as the place where Tsar Nicholas, the last tsar of Russia, and his family were executed in 1918 during the Russian Revolution.

Today’s Yekaterinburg has a vibrant cultural scene, home to many libraries, theaters and playwrights, and dance companies as well as popular Russian rock bands. Russia’s fourth largest city also has more than 30 museums, including the oldest wood sculpture in the world at the Shigir Collection; another museum houses more than 300 Nevyansk icons.

Sochi on the Black Sea is a great winter sports destination and, in fact, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. Skis aside, Sochi also hosts the Russian Formula 1 Grand prix and will be a host city for the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Despite winter snow, Sochi offers a subtropical climate and great beaches, making it a key part of the Russian Riviera.

The resort city makes a great summer (and winter) getaway for Russians. Strolling along the pedestrian-only sea embankment is a pleasant experience. Environmentally conscious travelers may want to visit the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve. Sochi also is home to the area’s northern most tea plantations.

8. Veliky Novgorod

Founded in the 10th century, Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest cities in Russia’s far north. Veliky Novgorod claims to be the birthplace of Russia since its early residents invited the Scandinavian Prince Rurik to rule Russia, creating a ruling dynasty that lasted 750 years.

Top sights include the Saint Sophia Cathedral and Bell Tower, the oldest in Russia; the Hanseatic Fountain, said to return 1,000 rubles for every one thrown into it; and a host of museums, including ones on iron, porcelain and history. Located on Lake Ilmen, Veliky Novgorod is a good place to eat borscht and buy bio-honey.

7. Vladivostok

Mountains and bays surround Vladivostok, making it a stunning beautiful city in Russia’s east. The last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, Vladivostok is the country’s largest port on the Pacific Ocean; it is just a hop, skip and a jump away from North Korea and China.

The city offers many cultural attractions from theaters to museums to concerts; actor Yul Brynner was born here in 1920. Travelers may want to stroll through some of the city’s lovely parks, including Minny Gorodok, which was once a military base. The city’s main square is Admiralsky Skver, with a museum devoted to a submarine nearby.

6. Nizhny Novgorod

Russia’s fifth largest city sits at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. The town began as a fortress in the 13th century; at one time it was known as Gorky, after Maxim Gorky who was born here.

The old town is walled in, though the Archangel Cathedral was about the only thing standing after the city was devastated by Bolsheviks. Nizhny Novgorod is a good place to immerse oneself in Russian art and architecture, with more than 600 monuments and statues, and at least 200 art museums, concert halls and the like.

The de facto capital of Eastern Siberia, Irkutsk is by far the most popular stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and the east. With Lake Baikal only 45 km away, the city is the best base to explore the lake’s western shoreline.

Travelers who visit historic Irkutsk may be pleasantly surprised by what they find. Decorated wooden houses stand beside standard Soviet block apartments, plus wide boulevards with not too much traffic for a city of more than 500,000 souls. Irkutsk was the site of many bloody clashes between Russian factions in various revolutions.

It also served as a place of exile for intellectuals, artists and others, which may be why the city has five universities. Several churches, including Ascension Church, and geology and history museums call Irkutsk home.

Kazan is sometimes referred to as the Istanbul of the Volga because it is a city where European and Asian cultures meet. The capital of Tatarstan is a lovely city where church tower and minarets fill the skyline.

Also known as the third capital of Russia, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, Kazan residents enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Russia. Sights to see include the remains of the Kazan Kremlin that was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible; the Kul-Sharif Mosque, named after a man killed defending Kazan from Ivan; and Bauman Street, a pedestrian shopping street.

3. Golden Ring

The Golden Ring strings together several cities outside of Moscow that fill the senses with awe. Picturesque countrysides filled with cherry orchards, quaint cottages, onion-shaped domes and iconic churches that contain the country’s oldest art make this region a special place to visit.

One of the oldest regions in Russia, today it is very popular with Russian tourists who want to experience a bygone era. The traditional way to view the cities and towns makes a counter clockwise loop beginning and ending in Moscow: Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Velikiy, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. White stone churches, monasteries and fortresses are only some of the sights to see.

2. Saint Petersburg

Russia’s second largest city may be known as Leningrad, but most people refer to it by its birth name, St. Petersburg . Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was once the imperial capital of Russia; its name was changed to Leningrad in 1924.

Because of its location on the Neva River, which feeds into the Gulf of Finland and then into the Baltic Sea, the city is a popular northern cruise destination and one of the most popular places to visit in Russia.

Known as the cultural capital of Russia, the city boasts one of the finest art collections in the world at the Hermitage, with churches adding to the city’s magnificent art. Nevsky Prospekt is the city’s famous shopping and dining street.

As the capital of Russia, Moscow is the most important city in Russia, but not just for political reasons alone. This city of more than 12 million is also well known for its artistic endeavors, including ballet, symphonies and art. Onion-shaped domes of historic churches fill the skyline.

The stately Kremlin and impressive Red Square, one of the largest squares in the world, are sights not to be missed , as are statues of Lenin and Stalin, controversial leaders in the 20th century. Further evidence that Moscow’s past wasn’t always squeaky clean can be seen in the Gulag and Cold War museums.

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14 Most Scenic Small Towns In Russia

15 Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg, Russia

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Russia

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Tourist Places in Russia

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Must Visit Places in Russia

Lake baikal.

The Russian Tundra

• St Petersburg

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Kizhi Island

The Golden Ring

National Park Curonian Spit

Limpopo Zoo

Lighthouse Egersheld

Olkhon Island

Kenozersky National Park

Russian Arctic National Park

Places To Visit in Moscow

St. Basil’s Cathedral

The Moscow Kremlin

Best of Moscow

Tretyakov Gallery

Bolshoi Theatre

River Moskva

Krestovsky Stadium

Pushkin Museum

Novospassky Monastery

Places To Visit in St. Petersburg

Moika palace.

Best of Canada

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

Peterhof Palace

Peter and Paul Fortress

The State Hermitage Museum

Palace Square

Eliseyev Emporium

Vasilyevsky Island

Nevsky Avenue

Best of Egypt

Cathedral Of The Archangel

Places To Visit in Yekaterinburg

Ganina yama monastery.

Kirillov’s House

Ekaterinburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

Iset River Dam

The Black Tulip War Memorial

Church upon the Blood

Museum of Military Equipment

Best of Georgia

The beatles monument.

Museum of Stone-Cutting and Jewellery

Places To Visit in Novosibirsk

Tsentralnyy park.

Novosibirsk Zoo

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Chapel of St Nicholas

Friends Cocktail Bar

Places To Visit in Novgorod

The house-museum of maxim gorky.

Best of Uzbekistan

Nizhegorodskaya yarmarka.

Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum

The Rukavishnikov Estate Museum

The Sakharov Museum

People Also Ask About Russia

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The world's largest country offers it all, from historic cities and idyllic countryside to artistic riches, epic train rides and vodka-fuelled nightlife.

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Must-see attractions.

Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery

Northern European Russia

This imposing, stone-walled monastery is the heart and soul of the Solovetsky Islands. Founded in 1429, it has played various roles throughout its…

The Armoury dates to 1511, when it was founded under Vasily III to manufacture and store weapons, imperial arms and regalia for the royal court. Later it…

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Arbat & Khamovniki

This is Moscow’s premier foreign-art museum, split over three branches and showing off a broad selection of European works, including masterpieces from…

State Hermitage Museum

St Petersburg

The Hermitage fully lives up to its sterling reputation. You can be absorbed by its treasures for days and still come out wanting more. The enormous…

St Basil's Cathedral

At the southern end of Red Square stands the icon of Russia: St Basil’s Cathedral. This crazy confusion of colours, patterns and shapes is the culmination…

Grand Palace

Around St Petersburg

The Grand Palace is an imposing building, although with just 30-something rooms, it is not nearly as large as your typical tsarist palace. From the start…

Moscow Kremlin

The apex of Russian political power and once the centre of the Orthodox Church, the Kremlin is the kernel of not only Moscow, but of the whole country…

Lenin's Mausoleum

Although Vladimir Ilych requested that he be buried beside his mum in St Petersburg, he still lies in state at the foot of the Kremlin wall, receiving…

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• 21 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Russia In 2024 That You’ve Never Heard Before!

04 Nov 2022

Russia, the largest nation in the world, has become a hotspot for tourists in the last few decades. The vibrant history and cultural diversity allure people from all over the world while also ensuring that there are great top things to do in Russia besides visiting a plethora of attractions . To invoke the explorer in you, Russia serves as a perfect paradise. So, if you are planning a vacation and thinking what to do in Russia, we have the right options for you!

21 Exciting Things To Do In Russia

A holiday to Russia is believed to be amongst the most exciting one across the world. Find out what all you can do here on your perfect vacation:

1. Go For A Canal Tour

One of the best activities in Russia is to go on a canal tour. A memorable thing to do in St. Petersburg is to take these tours owing to the abundance of canals in the city. There are over 800 bridges crossing a total length of 300 kilometers of artificial canals that you’ll be able to see on your voyage. So, if you are visiting Russia in summer , make sure to go on a canal tour. 

Location: St. Petersburg Timings:  10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p,m. (timings may vary)

Summer In Moscow: Soak In The Landscapes Of This Stunning City

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2. Enjoy Samara Academic Opera And Ballet Theatre

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Make your evening magical by spending it at this picturesque Opera theatre amid Russia’s enchanting folklore. From the decorations, ballet, symphony orchestra, costumes, music, to the dancing, everything here is absolutely fantastic!

Location: Ploshchad’ Kuybysheva, 1, Samara, Samarskaya oblast’, Russia, 443010 Timings: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

3. Go Skiing At Red Valley

Head to what is known as the Red Valley which is touted as one of the best places to visit in Russia . It is the hub for skiing and snowboarding and was also home to the Winter Olympics in 2014. You’re sure to love this mini paradise with its vast and diverse slopes that are ideal for skiing and snowboarding and it surely tops the list of adventurous things to do in Russia .

Location:  Red Valley Timings:  Sunrise till sunset

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4. Check Out Putin Accessories At ‘Military Disneyland’

One of the unique things to do in Moscow is to visit the Military Disneyland and dine on army rations, play with grenade launchers, and look closely at a surface-to-air missile. You can end this visit by stocking up on Vladimir Putin accessories.

Location: Kubinka, Moscow Oblast, Russia Timings: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

5. Visit Unique Museums

While the country has its share of famous mainstream museums such as the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Hermitage, the country is full of the offbeat hidden gems such as the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games, which can be played with Soviet-era kopek coins bearing the hammer and sickle. One of the coolest things to do in St. Petersburg is to visit the Museum of Hygiene and listen to their warnings about the dangers of disease and other side-effects of dirt.

Location: NA Timings: NA

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6. Be Served By Doubles At The Twin Stars Diner

A very unique concept is the Moscow’s Twin Stars Diner where the entire staff consists of identical twins. These twins then don identical clothing and perform all the duties of their role. Alexei Khodorkovsky owns the eatery inspired by a 1964 Soviet film called ‘Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors’. This is a very unusual experience and counts as one of the best things to do in Russia .

Location: Pyatnickaya St, 3/4/1, Moscow 115035, Russia Timings:  NA

7. Feel Weightless In Star City

Located on the outskirts of Moscow, Star City is a cosmonaut training centre where you can take a leap into the future while diving into the past. Many years ago, the Soviet military facility took secrecy to such extreme levels that this place wasn’t listed on any map. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, partaking in a simulated rocket launch or a zero-gravity flight is most definitely one of the crazy things to do in Russia .

Location: Zvyozdny gorodok, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 141160 Timings: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.

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8. Have fun At The Samara Embankment

Situated alongside the Volga River, the embankment is one of the best places in Samara to make the most out of a pleasant sunny day. Lay on the beach, indulge in some exercise, or go for a run. Moreover, you can also take a boat cruise if that excites you. Drinks and some snacks on the beach are one of the most relaxing things to do in Samara, Russia.

Location: Street along the left bank of the Volga river in Central Samara, Russia Timings: NA

9. Watch Moscow Cat Theatre

A circus that revolves around felines, this show is widely popular in Russia for various reasons. There are more than hundred cats “actors” who join their human counterparts and perform stunts like balancing on a ball or walking a tightrope. 

Location: Kutuzovsky Ave, 25, Moscow, Russia, 121151 Timings:  NA

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10. Participate In Bubble Baba Challenge

This is amongst the most fun things to do in Russia . For well over 10 years, this challenge was organized in the fierce rapids of Russia’s Vuoksi River. Participants jump on blow-up sex dolls, dash into the river, and fight to be the fastest flotation device-assisted swimmer. However, one has to be 16 years or above to take part in this spectacle. This is also one of the most interesting things to do in Russian river.

Location: River Vuoksi Timings: NA

11. Visit The Glorious Amber Room

Amber Room Located in the Catherine palace, this famous chamber which has been renovated repeatedly over a period of time was once originally installed in berlin as a gift to Peter the Great. However, during the World War II many officials hid this treasure behind the wallpaper to secure the treasure from the Nazi army. Last reconstructed in 2003, this room comprises of gold leaf and mirror panels and is an amazing piece of art to witness.

Location: Pushkin, Sankt-Peterburg Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (timings may vary)

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12. Unveil The Facts Of City Of The Dead

Dargavs Village is called as the ‘city of the dead’ and this mystifying destination is known for numerous unusual stories. The village has an ancient cemetery where people buried their loved ones with their clothes and other important belongings. The village has over 100 ancient stone crypts and myths and folklore of this place will surely give you an adrenaline rush. According to the locals the entire area was affected by plague in the 18th century which resulted in massive number of deaths here.

Location: Dargavs, 363128, Russia Timings: Open throughout the day

13. Visit The Lenin’s Mausoleum

One of the best tourist attractions in Russia is located in the capital city known as Lenin’s Mausoleum. It is the most popular ‘modern mummy’ in the world with Vladimir Lenin’s embalmed body lying within a red granite and black labradorite step-pyramid. You would surely be surprised to know the interesting facts of this place and how local people demanded a permanent Mausoleum for Lenin after his death in 1929.

Location: Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012 Timings:  Open throughout the day

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14. Spend Colorful Hours At Psychedelic Salt Mines

Witness the surreal swirls that were found 650 feet below in Yekaterinburg due to layers of the mineral carnallite. Beautiful designs with yellow, white, red and blue colours form eventually with the passage of time with surely stun you with their unique patterns. Glance these enticing salt mines and capture a lifetime memory by visiting this place on your vacation to Russia.

Location: Yekaterinburg, Russia Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

15. Go To Children Are The Victims Of Adult Vices

‘Children are the Victims of Adult Vices’ is an unusual sculpture that was constructed in the year 2001 by a Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin. The sculpture depicts two unaware kids playing with 13 evil statues surrounding them. These 13 evils are symbolizing exploitation of child labour, alcoholism, indefference, prostitution, ignorance, sadism, war, pseudoscience, poverty, capitol punishment, theft, and voilence. You might relate this sculpture in a way or completely deny it, but the master-piece is worth visiting!

Location: Bolotnaya Ploshchad’, 10, Moscow, Russia Timings: Open throughout the day

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16. Peaceful Walks At Kizhi Island

Kizhi Island showcases the iconic clusters of the 18th century Russian architecture. These serene place entices nature-lovers and historians with its significant features and is believed to be one of the most beautiful places in Russia. The place also comprises of two large churches, built amazingly from wood in an architectural style that was once quite popular in Russia.

Location: Kizhi Island, Russia Timings: Open throughout the day

17. Temple Of All Religions

Kazan is a colorful ‘Temple of all religions’ that exhibits a mashup of architectural flourishes depicting almost all the major religions of the world. The place is a must-visit attraction in Russia and emphasizes brotherhood and harmony. It was established by a Russian philanthropist Ildar Khanov in the year 1992 as a symbol of ‘religious unity’.

Location: Kazan, Russia Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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18. Pay Respect At The Laika Monument

Laika Monument is dedicated to the Russian mutt Laika who is the first animal on Earth to completely orbit it from space. The monument was built in the year 2008 near a Moscow Military facility. Laika, the adorable dog was well-trained and fitted with a space suit before before heading into the space in the year 1957. This is a lovely place that has been constructed to respects man’s best friend for centuries, dogs!

Location: Moscow, Russia Timings: NA

19. Stroll At Golosov Ravine

You can go for peaceful strolls with your loved ones at Golosov Ravine. It was earlier a royal estate which was later turned into a public wilderness. You might fall in love with this serene place and interact with locals who will surely tell you glorifying tales about this place.

Location: Golosov Ravine, Russia Timings: NA

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20. Visit the Leningrad Zoo

Theare are numerous activities in Russia that you can enjoy with children and Leningrad Zoo is one spot they can never get bored. Positioned in the heart of St. Petersburg, the zoo is touted to be the second largest zoo in Russia that is home if 2000 animals and approximately 410 species. So, whether you are a wildlife lovers or wish to have some knowledge on animals, Leningrad Zoo is the best place to be in Russia.

Location: Park Aleksandrovskiy, 1, St Petersburg, Russia, 197198 Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

21. Watch the opening of the bridges

There are a very few places around the globe that have daily openings of draw bridges and St. Petersberg is one of the. The city is famed for numerous awe-inspiring bridges offering captivating vistas during the night time. Annunciation Bridge, The Palace Bridge, The Trinity Bridge, and The Foundry Bridge are some of the most alluring bridges that captivates visitors from far and wide.

Location: NA Timings: 1:25 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (depending on the bridge)

Russia Circle Trip: 20 Places To Visit In Moscow And St. Petersburg

Apart from the 10 things listed above, there are many other things to do in Russia that you’ll surely discover on your trip. It is truly a paradise for travelers! Book this customised Russia tour package from TravelTriangle and get ready to embark on a memorable journey.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Russia

Which are things not to do in Russia?

Some of the things not to do in Russia include drinking alcohol on the street and smoking in a restaurant or hotel as they’re now prohibited by the law. One must also carry their passport as the police here has the right to stop you and check your identity.

Which are unusual things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia?

You can visit and explore Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, or you can experience Russian opera at Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg.

Is it safe to travel to Russia?

Yes, Russia is safe to travel if you are traveling to major cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc. However, you must avoid border areas especially the boundary area with Ukraine.

What is there to do in Russia?

There are numerous interesting things to do in Russia such as exploring Moscow and St. Petersburg or visiting popular attractions including Lake Baikal and Irkutsk.

Can you drink water in Russia?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Russia.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Fantastic Historic Sites in Russia

Known for its vast landscape, turbulent history and striking buildings, russia is brimming with historic sites. here's our pick of 10 historical sites that make for essential visiting..

Lucy Davidson

21 jan 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

By far the world’s largest country, Russia covers a large swathe of land over eastern Europe and northern Asia. Historically, it is known for its socialist dictators and bloody revolutions which have seen its royal family deposed and the country industrialised. Later involvement in brutal wars on the world stage has been reflected in the minds of famous writers, philosophers and artists who are some of the most prominent in history.

Out of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 has emerged a Russia which is home to a fascinating number of sites which attest to the country’s turbulent history. Here’s our pick of 10 of the very best.

What are the best Historic Sites in Russia?

1. St Basil’s Cathedral

St Basil’s Cathedral is a strikingly ornate red brick building bordering Moscow’s Red Square. Crowned with several vividly coloured domes, the cathedral bears a striking resemblance in shape to flames licking at the sky.

Today, St Basil’s Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is a focal point of Moscow’s world renowned Red Square. It contains some interesting medieval paintings and today forms part of the State History Museum. Visitors can also see the resting place of Saint Basil himself. Outside St Basil’s Cathedral is a platform from which the tsar would announce executions and general orders.

2. The Kremlin

The Kremlin is an iconic symbol of Russian statehood and forms the seat of its political power. Characterised by colourful domes and opulent buildings, this vast triangular shaped complex spans an area of around 28 hectares and includes several beautiful palaces, numerous churches, and even armouries and a medieval fortress. The Kremlin offers visitors a plethora of incredible sites. Many of these, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, are contained in Cathedral Square. Many of Russia’s important religious leaders are buried here.

Beyond its religious sites, the Kremlin has much to offer the history enthusiast, notably in its Armoury which contains a myriad of exhibits relating to Russian culture, including ceremonial clothing of the tsars, Faberge eggs, the chalice of the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky and, next door, the stunning Orlov Diamond which measures a staggering 190 carats.

3. Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is one of St Petersburg’s most impressive churches. With multicoloured onion domes reminiscent of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is a breath-taking sight both outside and within its ornately decorated walls.

The church has had a varied history, from its original consecration and veneration to being looted and damaged in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution and being used as a storage facility for the deceased during the Second World War, and later as a potato storage facility. It was only in the 1970s that the church was reopened and in 1997, after 27 years of renovation, that it was returned to its former glory.

4. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Lenin’s Mausoleum is the final resting place of one of Russia’s most famous and ruthless leaders, Vladimir Lenin. Lenin’s Mausoleum borders Moscow’s Red Square.

Lenin died of a stroke on 22 January 1924 and his body was soon embalmed. Lenin’s mausoleum was built in Red Square to house his mummified corpse, initially as a wooden structure, and later as a more permanent building. Today, Lenin’s Mausoleum is a popular tourist attraction, despite the rumours that his body has since been replaced with a fake.

5. Red Square

Red Square is a public plaza in Moscow in Russia and one of the most famous squares in the world. In fact, it is of such historical importance that it is a UNESCO World Heritage historic site. Originally intended to be a marketplace for the city, the name “Red Square” derives from the fact that the Russian word “krasnaya” means both “beautiful” and “red”. Red Square itself is more black than red, owing to its dark cobblestones and spans an area of approximately 74 metres squared.

Today, Red Square is a tourist hotspot and one of the first places visitors frequent on their travels around Russia. This is due in large part to the Red Square’s central location and impressive surroundings. It is bordered by several sites of historical importance, including Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State History Museum, St. Basil’s Cathedral and, of course, the Kremlin.

6. Stalingrad Battlefield

Stalingrad Battlefield was the site of one of the most important and bloodiest battles of the Second World War. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from July 1942 and February 1943, was the most important of the standoffs between Germany and the USSR and is commonly thought of as the turning point in the war.

Those wanting to see Stalingrad Battlefield today can view remnants of the clash throughout Volgograd, from destroyed buildings to museums about the battle. The most prominent memorial showing Stalingrad Battlefield is the Mamayev Kurgan statue and complex.

7. The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a vast museum complex in St. Petersburg housing around three million historic and archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures, numismatics, and other works. It is one of world’s most well-renowned museums, with an astonishing array of exhibits ranging from the art and culture of ancient civilisations such as the Romans, Greeks and those of the Orient, to Western European art and Numismatic coins.

With so much to see, it’s probably best to join in one of the tours, available in many European languages including in English. For those wishing to see the Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Centre, visits must be booked in advance and must be by guided tour.

8. Church of the Ascension

The Church of the Ascension is a sixteenth century church in Kolomenskoye built by Prince Vasili III to celebrate the long anticipated birth of the heir to the Russian throne, Ivan IV Vasilyevich. Ivan, who was born on 25 August 1530, would become known as Ivan the Terrible.

Now dominating Kolomenskoye, a former royal estate in Moscow’s suburbs, the Church of the Ascension is a white stone structure characterized by its tent roofs and Renaissance details on a cross-shaped base.

9. Perm 36 Gulag

Perm-36 was one of many Gulags established under the Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin and the best-preserved of its kind. Essentially, Gulags were forced labour or concentration camps for prisoners of the state, including criminals and political prisoners such as human rights activists and anyone deemed to be opposed to the state.

Perm-36 was only closed down in 1988. In the period after Stalin’s death in 1953, Perm-36 was initially used as a prison for those in his regime convicted of crimes carried out under his rule and later for law-enforcement officials convicted of “traditional” crimes. Political prisoners also continued to be interned there. Today, the Perm-36 Museum offers tours of the former camp as well as exhibits about its history.

10. The Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress was the first building or structure built by Peter the Great in the city of St Petersburg.

The fortress has been a museum since 1924 and part of the St Petersburg UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. It contains several small museums and exhibits.

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Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 5, 2023, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the  unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for  harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the  arbitrary enforcement of local law ,  limited flights into and out of Russia , the  Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of  terrorism .  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately.  Exercise increased caution due to  the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them. 

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity. 

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. 

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Familiarize yourself with the information on  what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Best Time to Visit Russia

Russia Seasons

Visit russia in spring: culture & history.

Go back to the USSR with mega-soviet parades and then step back in time even further to ancient Rus’ with Slavic holidays like Maslenitsa and Paskha.

Visit Russia in Summer: Youth & Fun

Join the Russians celebrating the long-awaited arrival of the sun in their three-month-long jamboree of cultural festivals, parties and camping.

Visit Russia in Autumn: Peace & Quiet

Glorious or grey, whatever the weather, autumn is always a wonderful time to visit, not least because you’ll have the country all to yourself. The troops of tourists wielding selfie-sticks are replaced by locals pouring back to the city from their country dachas. Everything feels more down-to-earth, more authentic and more Russian.

Visit Russia in Winter: Tradition & Nature

The star of the Russian calendar is, of course, New Year. Visit cities in the Arctic Circle like Murmansk or Petrozavodsk to experience the eye-lash freezing temperatures of the real Russian winter.

Spring in Russia

The sun is slow to come when it starts its ascent in March. All signs of life are still shrouded under the snow that accumulated throughout the winter. But, after four months of darkness and bitter cold, the Russians are desperate for any excuse to make merry! Hence, the week-long blini feast at the beginning of March. Buttery, golden blinis, which represent the rising sun, are made by the dozen in homes and outside in street-fairs. One of spring’s most memorable sights is the burning of a giant pagan effigy, Lady Winter, atop a bonfire on the last day of Maslenitsa .

Sadly, this spectacular end to winter is mere theatrics— the threat of biting cold, stinging snow and treacherous ice looms till May. In fact, the onset of pleasant days can be pinned down to an exact date— May the 1st. This day is often referred to as Spring day, though its real name is Labour day. Russians flock in the hundreds of thousands to the main cities to take part in terrific soviet-era parades. The atmosphere is jubilant, the weather almost always t-shirt appropriate but the period between the two May holidays from the 1st to the 9th can be as busy (and dear) as the peak of the summer. Those willing to brave the erratic, sometimes arctic, conditions of March and April will be rewarded with discounted accommodation, crowd-free museums and the chance to partake in iconic Soviet celebrations like Women’s Day.

Dates to save

• March 8th: International Women’s Day
• April-May: Paskha (Russian Easter)
• Last week of April—first week of May: Grand Opening of Peterhof’s Fountains (Saint Petersburg only)
• May 1st: Labour Day
• May 9th: Victory Day

Locals’ advice: Exploring the great outdoors can be difficult in March and April when the fluctuating temperatures create puddles of thawing snow which then freeze over. May, on the other hand, offers clear skies, clear streets and attractions that are still reasonably clear of crowds. The last weeks of May are arguably the best time to visit Russia.

Summer in Russia

The word “Russia” may be analogous with snow but, for the most part, the country is best seen from June to August. Under the surprisingly warm rays of the sun, royal estates with magnificent fountains and stunning gardens blossom and cities are abuzz with cultural festivals. In Saint Petersburg, the phenomena of the White Nights colours the evenings rosy pink. Time seems to stop, as days stretch into infinity under the sunlit night-sky. Further south in Moscow, it isn’t unusual for temperatures to rise into the 30s. But don’t forget to bring your parka! Except during July and the first half of August, low teens and drizzly days are a far too common occurrence.

For sun-soaked days and balmy waters, follow the trail of Russians taking the night-train or plane to Krasnodar Krai. One of the most southerly regions of Russia, it gleefully dispels the myth that Russia is a cold land with cold people. Krasnodarians are famed for their warmth, so much so that some northern Russians find their chumminess a little overwhelming! Yet Krasnodar is no provincial backwater. The jewel in the region’s crown, Sochi, is referred to as "the Riviera of Russia”. The sparkling azure waters of the Black Sea backgrounded by the stunning peaks of the Caucasian mountain range first captured the hearts of greek merchants. One thousand nine hundred years later, even the cold-heart of Stalin was so moved by Sochi’s natural beauty that he had a dacha built overlooking the city. His palace-sized “dacha” along with the romanesque Soviet sanatoriums and today’s mega-yachts docked in the harbour create an unrivalled aura of grandeur that is unique to this particular part of Russia.

Russia’s ritziest spots, like Sochi, are also the priciest. But even in the exceedingly popular holidaying locale surrounding the Black Sea, there are some gems that have yet to be capitalised by overpriced resorts. Gelendzhik is one such example of a seaside paradise which, unlike other more affordable cities like Anapa, isn’t overrun with crowds. For an even more secluded holiday, there’s no better place to enjoy the sun than the verdant mountains of the Altai— the least populous region in Russia’s wildest district, Siberia. Under the warm rays of the sun, Altai’s alpine meadows make for heavenly hiking terrain while the glacial rivers cascading down from the snow-capped Altai Mountains are prime rafting waters.

• Last week of June: Scarlet Sails (Saint Petersburg only)
• July 7th: Ivan Kupala (folk holiday)
• Last Sunday of July: Navy Day
• August 2nd: Paratroopers' Day
• August 12th: Russian Air Force Day

Locals’ advice: Crowds are drawn in by the magic appeal of Russia’s fleeting summer season and prices rise. Of course, this is no surprise, but there is a catch to visiting in summer that most tourists aren’t aware of. As the last snows melt, Russia’s famous theatre troops pack up and head on tour overseas and only subpar performances are staged locally (though there are festivals aplenty).

Autumn in Russia

Fleeting are the golden autumn afternoons in Russia. Like sunburnt leaves quivering on trees, there’s no knowing how long they’ll stay. After the last two weeks of August (which are almost always miserable and grey), the sun suddenly reveals itself for what can be the entirety of September and sometimes even October! This period of surprisingly pleasant weather is known in Russian as Babye Leto. Ask the locals, and the majority will tell you that Babye Leto is the best time to visit Russia. The autumnal foliage of Russia’s famed forests seems to set the entire country ablaze. From buzzing metropolises to tranquil villages, the beauty of this season is gloriously apparent.

“I love the lush nature of wilting, In scarlet and gold clad forests” A.S. Pushkin

Many of Russia’s greats took their inspiration from this season. Pushkin made the low-lying hills of Pushkinskiye Goriy in the western region of Pskov famous with his odes to fall. There is no image more emblematic of Russian autumn than that of Pushkin’s secluded dacha surrounded by apple orchards. Karelia too is another region within reasonable distance of Moscow and Saint Petersburg whose other-worldly beauty would make it a worthy muse for any poet. At this time of year, swarms of mosquitoes are no longer an issue and the endless landscape of forest, powder-white cliffs and mirror-like lakes are flooded with nature’s bounty of mushrooms and cranberries.

On the opposite coast of Russia, autumn reveals itself in an entirely new light. In this far-flung territory, the air only really starts to warm up in the last weeks of summer. By September, the stark volcanic landscape is bathed in magnificent sunbeams and the temperature averages at a lovely 22c. This season is especially apt for exploring Primorsky Krai and its capital city, Vladivostok. Hikers, mountain-bikers and even surfers fly from all over to the make the most of the splendid weather in the “San-Francisco of Russia”.

• November 4th: Unity Day

Locals’ advice: There aren’t many celebrations of note in autumn. The lack of holidays, however, doesn’t translate to a lack of reasons to visit Russia. On the contrary, the lack of crowds makes it one of the best times to go! While the extravaganza of outdoor summer festivities dims down, locals retreat to snug jazz bars and richly decorated theatres. Russia’s prized prima-donna dancers return from abroad, heralding the start of the ballet season.

Winter in Russia

Visiting Russia in winter truly is an experience like no other. And, contrary to popular belief, one needn’t brave temperatures of -40c or megalithic snowstorms. Unless you have your sights set on Siberia or the Arctic Circle, temperatures shouldn’t go beyond -20c and will most likely hover around -7c during January, the coldest month. The snow is simply stunning and all the traditional winter activities that Russians relish, like ice hockey, cross-country skiing, troika-riding and ice-fishing, make holidays at this time of year very special. A changing climate, however, means that a white Christmas can’t be guaranteed in cities like Saint Petersburg and Moscow. For a snow-filled holiday that won’t disappoint, zip up your duffle coat and head to the Arctic Circle!

In the land of tundra and polar bear, daring tourists can travel to the coldest inhabited place on earth— Oymyakon, a village in Russia’s Far East where the mercury plunged below -70c. It may sound frightfully cold but, although Napoleon was scared of the Russian winter, there’s no reason you should be! Locals in the world’s largest arctic city, Murmansk, live perfectly normal lives with temperatures that often go below -30c. As long as you wear thermals and fleece-lined boots, you’ll be fine. Many Russians purposefully travel to places like Karelia, Baikal, the Urals and Yakutia to experience the sub-zero conditions. No, the Russians aren’t deranged! The cold truly does work wonders. Locals teach tourists how to make “ice art” by hurling cups of steaming water into the frigid air. Excursions by foot, bike or even snowmobile take visitors on adventures over the crystallised waters of vast lakes and the Aurora Borealis mesmerise those brave souls willing to wait out through freezing nights. If you have a fire in your soul.

• 31st December-8th January: Russian New Year *
• 7th January : Orthodox Christmas
• February 23rd : Defender of the Fatherland

* In Russia, New Year’s celebrations don’t end with the fireworks at midnight. Music, dancing, feasting, gift-giving and the terrific exuberance of almost everyone you meet lasts an entire week…as stipulated by Russian law!

Locals’ advice: Winter may be the low-season for foreign visitors but the first week of January is as packed and pricey as the height of summer, if not more so, as almost all Russians splurge out during this extraordinary nation-wide holiday. If you’re keen on immersing yourself in Russian culture, rowdy crowds, lavish parties and all, then New Year will be the best time to visit Russia.

Rules of Thumb When Planning a Russian Vacation

Being such an enormously diverse country, Russia is a year-round destination. Though there may be a better season to suit your interests and holiday plans, one could almost say that anytime is a good time to visit Russia. Should you wish to avoid crowds and paying higher prices, however, there are a few dates you should avoid. Namely, the periods when Russians go on holiday:

March 23-29th and May 1-10th (official holidays from May 1-3rd and May 8-10th)

June 11-14th and all of August

October 26th-November 2nd

December 30th-January 13th (official holidays from January 1-10th)

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises British nationals against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable. This includes:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, happening in some parts of the country
• lack of available flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide consular assistance

There is also a high likelihood that terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and Security’ section .

Security situation in Russia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. There are reports of drone attacks and explosions in areas in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, Moscow and St Petersburg.

Political rallies and demonstrations can take place in Moscow, St Petersburg and across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information. Be vigilant and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.

The situation remains unpredictable and could escalate without warning.

Leaving Russia

FCDO advises British nationals to consider leaving Russia.

If you do not need to be in Russia, we strongly advise you to consider leaving.

You cannot fly directly from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. Commercial flight options are limited and can sell out quickly. Check with your airline or travel provider.

British nationals should exercise extreme caution at all times. Travel within or out of Russia is at your own risk.

You cannot fly direct from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. There are limited commercial airlines with indirect flights via the Middle East, Serbia and Turkey. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.

Land borders may be busy. Be prepared for a long wait to exit Russia. You may also be questioned at the border. During periods of unrest, check the local media for updates on the situation before travelling.

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will be closed until at least 11 February 2024. Consult the  Finnish border guard website  for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

Some European countries have restricted or banned the entry of vehicles registered in Russia, this includes:

If you plan to drive a vehicle registered in Russia into Europe check that you are eligible to do so.

Some bus companies have international routes. The situation may change quickly. From 18 November 2023, Finland will restrict entry at some road border crossings (See ‘Travelling from Russia to Finland’). Check these companies for availability of buses, timetables and tickets:

• Ecolines – buses to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and other destinations in Europe
• Baltic Shuttle – buses from St Petersburg to Tallinn (Estonia)
• Lux Express – buses from St Petersburg to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia)

Travelling from Russia to Latvia

Check the travel advice for Latvia .

See the Latvian government website for information on crossing the border.

Travelling from Russia to Finland

Check the travel advice for Finland .

Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will remain closed until further notice. Consult the  Finnish border guard website  for up-to-date information. Further changes may be announced at short notice.

The border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to leisure boating from 15 April until further notice.

The train service from Russia to Finland is no longer available.

Travelling from Russia to Estonia

Check the travel advice for Estonia .

See the Estonian police and border guard website for information on crossing the border.

From 1 February 2024, it is not possible to cross the border by vehicle via the Narva-Ivangorod crossing point, whilst construction works take place on the Russian side. The crossing is open to pedestrians.

Travelling from Russia to Lithuania

Check the travel advice for Lithuania .

If you’re planning to cross into Lithuania by road from Kaliningrad oblast at the Kybartai border crossing point, see the Lithuanian state border crossing website .

Travelling from Russia to Norway

Check the travel advice for Norway .

Staying in Russia

If you decide to stay in Russia, you should:

• keep your departure plans under constant review
• ensure your travel documents are up to date
• follow local media
• stay alert to security warnings and follow the advice of local authorities
• take cover in buildings or underground and avoid windows in the event of drone attack
• sign up to email alerts for Russia travel advice

Read FCDO advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad and how to prepare.

Support for British nationals in Russia

The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.

In person consular support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.

If you need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.

Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

Dual nationals

Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities. The consular support FCDO can provide is severely limited. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us consular access.

In 2022, Russia declared a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces. Military recruitment continues. Anyone with a Russian passport could be conscripted.

In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Russia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, russia - avoid all travel.

The armed conflict in Ukraine has led to armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border. Drone strikes, explosions, and fires have occurred further into Russia’s interior. The impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine could also include:

• partial military mobilization
• restrictions on financial transactions
• increasingly limited flight options

If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available. If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service.

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Terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast

On March 22, 2024, a terrorist attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in Krasnogorsk, just outside central Moscow. There are reports of gunfire and explosions. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and fires continue to burn around the site of the attack.

Local authorities have cordoned off the affected area and have cancelled upcoming mass gatherings in Moscow. Further attacks could occur at any time.

If you are in Moscow Oblast:

• avoid the affected area
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• exercise extreme caution in public and avoid large gatherings
• contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia, in Moscow, if you require consular emergency assistance

Armed conflict with Ukraine

On June 24, 2023, there were reports of military tensions in the Rostov region.

Flight availability, already reduced following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, continues to be subject to unpredictable and significant limitations. If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available.

Some financial transactions, including those with Canadian major credit and ATM cards, are not possible. As a result, you may not be able to use your credit card for purchases within Russia or to withdraw cash at an ATM. Availability of essential services may also be affected.

Communications related to the current situation are scrutinized by local authorities. You may face heavy consequences if you discuss, share or publish information related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may also face considerable risks.

Security conditions are unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice. The ability of our Embassy to provide consular services in Russia may become severely limited.

There have been armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, notably in Bryansk and Belgorod Oblasts. Drone strikes, explosions and fires have also occurred at key infrastructure sites and military installations further into Russia's interior and in cities, including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

You may encounter an increased security presence with potential disruptions to transport and movement, especially in areas near Russian military installations.

Avoid all travel to Russia. If you decide to remain despite this advisory, be aware that:

• you may have to stay in Russia longer than expected
• you may be affected by shortages of essential products and services
• you may not be able to use your banking cards for payment or to withdraw funds
• you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

Additionally, while you remain in Russia, you should:

• review your personal security plans on a daily basis
• keep a low profile
• refrain from discussing political developments in public or online
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• make sure you have an adequate supply of cash, essential items and medications
• avoid any area where there are military installations or activity
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• make sure your travel documents are up-to-date, including those of your family
• contact your air company to check on flight availability
• communicate your travel plans to family and friends
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Russia to do so

Rostov Oblast

The Russian government has declared a state of emergency and maintains a significant military presence in Rostov Oblast. The situation along the Ukrainian border is unpredictable and could change quickly. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel to this region, as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your safety. If you are currently in this area, you should strongly consider leaving. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow to provide consular assistance in this district is extremely limited.

Republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, and Stavropol Krai

Terrorist attacks are frequent in the Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia republics and Stavropol region. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.

You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas and regions.

Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia

Tensions are high in Russia’s border regions with Georgia and may affect the security situation in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia republics. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Azerbaijan and Georgia are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have called for attacks on Russian soil. Incidents resulting in death and injury have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus region, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but may happen throughout the country. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• cultural venues, including concert halls, nightclubs, and event centres
• places of worship
• Russian airlines, airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities.

Violent crime

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died as a result of assaults. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and foreign aid personnel working in Russia have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys. Exercise extreme caution in crowds and open markets.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently and is often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals use various techniques to distract the victims, including requests for help. In such situations, walk away quickly. Preferred areas for criminals include:

• underground walkways
• public transportation and transportation hubs
• tourist sites
• restaurants and markets
• hotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked)

Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.

Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.

Criminal strategies

Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas to commit robbery.

Demonstrations and elections

Demonstrations take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Due to heightened political tensions, be vigilant and don’t discuss political developments in public.

Useful links

• More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
• Laws regarding minors involved in demonstrations

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

There have been cases of foreigners developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues in Russia. Remain vigilant and be aware that we can’t help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.

Only exchange money at major banks. Foreigners have been scammed in the past when exchanging money on the street.

Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.

Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Organized crime

Organized criminal groups are active throughout Russia, particularly in large cities. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money from their victims under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities.

Surveillance

Authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Power outages

Power outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ individuals is common.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence, particularly outside of Moscow.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Road safety

Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws and often drive and park on pedestrian areas. Accidents are common. Pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, don’t move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic.

Drive only during the day.

In winter, road travel can be hazardous due to ice and snow.

Public transportation

When travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and don’t leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

Most major cities have reliable public transportation including buses, subways or streetcars.

Use only registered taxis and don’t share a taxi with strangers. Foreigners have been victims of assault and robbery when using unregistered taxis.

Book taxis in advance either by phone or through taxi company apps. Avoid flagging down taxis on the street, but if you do, negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.

Marine transportation

Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Russian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

border_crossings_with_finland

Border crossings with Finland

Finnish authorities have closed border crossings along the land border with Russia. As of December 15, 2023, all land border crossings are closed.

Contact information and hours of operation – Finnish Border Guard

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Russia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required for stays in commercial accommodations (exceptions apply) Guest visa: required for stays in private accommodations Business visa: required Student visa: required Transit visa: required (exceptions apply) Exit visa: required

You must be submitted your visa request online to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Foreign visitors must leave Russia once the visa validity period has ended. To extend a visa, a foreign national must arrange with the territorial units of the migration service authorities prior to the validity end date to start the extension process.

Embassy of the Russian Federation

Tourist visa

You need a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa when you check in.

It is best if you book your travel through a travel agency, which will submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, which act as sponsors for tourist visas.

In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or detention upon departure.

Guest visas

You need a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (priglashenie) from the nearest Russian visa and passport office (UFMS) and send it to you in Canada. You must then take the invitation, the visa application and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Business visa

To get a business visa, you need to be sponsored by a Russian individual or organization (the host). It may take up to 3 months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent change (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.

You must have a valid visa to be allowed to leave Russia. If your visa expires, your sponsor must apply for an exit visa on your behalf. To avoid problems, including deportation, make sure your visa is valid beyond your intended departure date.

Visa exceptions

Contact your cruise company to find out if you need to apply for a Russian visa before your cruise starts. International cruise passengers may enter Russia at specific port cities without a visa for up to 72 hours. Your cruise ship tour guide must have all the authorizations required for your entry by the Russian authorities. While in Russia, make sure that you’re able to contact your cruise ship tour guide at any time, in case of emergency or any issue with local authorities.

Some Russian international airports have transit areas that allow for visa-free travel through Russia. If you plan to transit through Russia, check with your transportation carrier to see if transit visa exceptions apply to you.

Migration card

You must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry, but sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. Even if that’s the case, you are responsible to find a migration card and fill it out. You must keep and carry part B of the migration card throughout your stay. The card is required for hotel registration.

If the police request to see your migration card, you must comply. You must present it, your passport and your registered visa. You must also present the card to border officials upon departure.

If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you must fill out a new migration card every time you enter Russia.

Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.

Registration

All foreign visitors must register their arrival within 72 hours of entering the country (excluding weekends and national holidays). If you have made accommodation arrangements with a hotel for your entire trip, the hotel will take care of registering your stay with the authorities.

Visitors staying in private accommodations must register with the territorial office of the Federal Migration Service. Any Russian citizen with a resident registration (propiska) can register a foreigner staying at their home at a local police station or any post office. A small registration fee may apply. The visitor’s host must be present during the process.

Violation of the rules of migration registration may result in a fine. In some cases, visitors may face expulsion from Russia and a ban from re-entering of up to 5 years. 

Customs declaration form

Upon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, then go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables—including items that could be considered antique—may be confiscated upon departure.

You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings. You may also have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.

Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. You must declare any amount greater than RUB3,000. If you fail to declare, in writing, the amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.

Special permits and restricted areas

Travel to and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa, and you may have to pay an extra fee to include them.

Passport requirements for individuals holding both Canadian and Russian citizenships

If you have dual citizenship, you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport.

If your Russian passport expires prior travelling to Russia, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry into Russia only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. Renewing a Russian passport may take several months.

If you enter Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities abroad, you may not be allowed to leave on a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.

Entry ban on vehicles with Russian license plates

In September 2023, the Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) and Finland announced a ban on vehicles with Russian license plates entering their respective territories. The ban is enforced at the border as a result of existing European Union sanctions on the Russian Federation. Lithuania will allow an exception for travellers able to prove transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Other countries from the EU or the Schengen area have introduced similar bans. You should confirm with local authorities before travelling to the EU or Schengen area.  

Land border with Belarus

Only local residents are allowed to travel by land from Russia to Belarus. This restriction applies to cars, tour buses and trains.

Health entry requirements

If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than 3 months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for HIV infection. The certificate must be valid for 3 months from the date of testing and include:

• passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence)
• HIV test information (date of test, test results and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined)
• the length of your intended stay in Russia

Other tests (such as for tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than 3 months.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. A few quality facilities exist in larger cities and usually require cash payment upon admission. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Authorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places.

You must carry the following identification documents at all times:

• a valid passport with 2 blank pages for stamps
• a valid Russian visa
• an migration card
• a stamped registration notification

You may be fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities.

Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer’s name and identification and to contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Minors participating in demonstrations

It is illegal for minors (those under 18) to participate in unauthorized protests. Adults who involve minors in such protests could face up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to RUB1 million.

Although the laws of Russia do not prohibit homosexual activity, Russian federal law prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations.”

Public actions that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, a fine and deportation. Examples of such actions include dissemination of information (for example, through public statements) and public displays of affection. Same sex marriage is not recognized in Russia. Homosexuality isn’t socially accepted.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Russia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Russia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you are also a Russian citizen and reside in Russia or hold permanent residency status in another country, you must declare this citizenship or residency status to your local migration office.

You may also be subject to certain legal obligations, including military service. You may be detained, imprisoned, or fined larges sums if you try to avoid military service. Seek advice from the nearest Russian embassy or consulate before travelling to Russia, or consult official sources from the Government of the Russian Federation.

• Official information - Government of the Russian Federation  ( may not be currently available depending on your location)
• Military mobilization - Government of the Russian Federation (may not be currently available depending on your location)
• Requirement and consequences of non-compliance with the declaration of foreign citizenship - Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian, may not be currently available depending on your location)
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Russia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Russia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Russia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Religious activity

Religious activity is heavily regulated in Russia. If you plan to engage in religious activity, such as missionary work, make sure you are not inadvertently violating local laws.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

You may drive with a Canadian driver’s licence if you carry it and a Russian translation. You must obtain a local permit if staying longer than 6 months.

The legal blood alcohol content limit is significantly lower than in Canada. Those found guilty of drinking and driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences.

The traffic police can impose fines on drivers for traffic violations. They can conduct identity checks on pedestrians, but they are not authorized to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground metro systems.

Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited, and large quantities of any medicine will be scrutinized.

If you are travelling with medication, even over-the-counter medication, you must have a doctor’s note translated to Russian confirming that you need the medication. Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation for up-to-date information.

Imports and exports

The importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS devices, such as those used for geological mapping.

You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or may have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and can arrest you if you don’t have the necessary certificate.

Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate, or consult the Federal Customs Service prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements.

The currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB).

It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange counter. Carry new, crisp bills; well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. ATMs are common in main cities. ATMs will accept cards with 4-digit pin numbers, but you may experience problems with cards with 5- or 6-digit pin codes. In major cities, you can usually exchange Euros and U.S. dollars at various banks.

Forest fires

Forest fires are common between July and September, particularly in Siberia. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Seismic activity

Parts of Russia, such as Chechnya, the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands, are prone to seismic or volcanic activity.

Spring flooding throughout Siberia and parts of western Russia.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 112 or:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For calls originating inside Russia the “7” should be replaced by an “8”.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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In Need of Munitions, Putin to Visit North Korea

​Seeking more weapons for the war in Ukraine, the Russian president plans to return to the country on Tuesday for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.

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By Choe Sang-Hun

Reporting from Seoul

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia will visit North Korea this week for a meeting with its leader, Kim Jong-un, their second in nine months, as the two countries deepen military ties to support Mr. Putin’s war in Ukraine with North Korean weapons.

Mr. Putin last visited North Korea in 2000, when he became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit the nation. This week’s trip, beginning on Tuesday, highlights North Korea’s growing strategic importance for Mr. Putin, especially its ability to supply badly needed conventional weapons for the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Kim met with Mr. Putin in Russia’s Far East last September, ushering in a new era of relations between the two countries.

For Mr. Kim, it was a rare moment of his country, a pariah in the West, being sought after as an ally. For Russia, it’s a strengthening of ties with a country that is providing it with much-needed munitions for its war in Ukraine.

The two countries announced the two-day visit on Monday. “At the invitation of the chairman of state affairs of the D.P.R.K., Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on June 18-19,” the Kremlin said. A presidential aide told Russian state media that Mr. Putin would arrive in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, late on Tuesday evening and hold meetings on Wednesday.

​Days before the announcement, the Kremlin​ vowed to foster cooperation with North Korea “in all areas.”

Pyongyang and Moscow were Cold War-era allies whose relations cooled after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But in the past couple of years, they have grown closer again as a result of shared hostility toward the United States — Russia over its war against Ukraine and North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.

As the war in Ukraine has dragged on, Russia has found itself in urgent need of conventional weapons, especially artillery shells. North Korea has plenty to offer . In return, Mr. Kim wants to upgrade his weapons systems, and Russia has advanced military technologies and other aid to share.

Since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has sent Russia thousands of shipping containers’ worth of munitions, officials from the United States and South Korea say . Moscow, they say, has reciprocated by sending thousands of containers filled with economic and other aid.

In the weeks ahead of Mr. Putin’s visit, Mr. Kim flaunted what he has to offer Mr. Putin. While visiting munitions factories last month, he praised them for increasing production and showed off warehouses full of short-range ballistic missiles — of a kind similar to the North Korean missiles that Washington has said Russia fired at Ukraine.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny arms trade, which is banned under United Nations sanctions. But at the Group of 7 summit in Italy last week, the G7 leaders condemned “in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation” between the two nations, including Pyongyang’s export of ballistic missiles and Russia’s use of them against Ukraine.

“The fact that President Putin is making this trip means that because of its war in Ukraine, Russia is badly in need” of North Korean weapons, Chang Ho-jin, the South Korean national security adviser, told Yonhap News TV over the weekend. “The North Koreans will try to get as much as possible in return, because the situation looks favorable to them.”

Mr. Chang said South Korea had warned Moscow ahead of Mr. Putin’s trip that it “should not cross certain lines.” He did not elaborate. But some analysts in South Korea have speculated that during Mr. Putin’s trip, North Korea may seek Russian help in improving its nuclear weapons capabilities and try to reinstate a Cold War-era military alliance with Moscow.

Things had looked grim for Mr. Kim until the war in Ukraine created opportunities for him.

For years, his country’s economy was devastated by the sanctions the U.N. Security Council imposed to deter his nuclear weapons program. Mr. Kim’s attempt to lift the sanctions collapsed when his direct diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump ended in 2019 without an agreement .

Mr. Kim’s answer was to double down on his nuclear weapons program, while envisioning a “ Neo-Cold War ” in which his country hoped to elevate its strategic value for China and Russia in Northeast Asia while the United States, Japan and South Korea expanded their own military cooperation .

North Korea was among the few countries to openly support Mr. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In return, Mr. Putin invited Mr. Kim to the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East last year and indicated that Russia could help North Korea launch satellites. Mr. Kim wants satellites to better monitor his military targets but has had trouble putting them into orbit.

Mr. Kim toured sensitive Russian space and military facilities during his trip to Russia last year, at one point toasting with Mr. Putin to what he called their “sacred struggle” against the “band of evil” in the West.

Russia is barred by United Nations agreements from arming North Korea with military equipment, but the decision to welcome Mr. Kim into high-tech facilities that manufacture rockets and fighter jets underscored Russia’s ability to provide the sort of technology North Korea has long coveted in its standoff with the United States and its allies.

Faced with an onslaught of international pressure over his invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Putin has tightened his relationship with American adversaries around the world, including in Iran, North Korea and Syria, posing challenges for Washington outside Europe.

Closer cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has security implications for the United States and its allies. The use of North Korean missiles on the battlefield in Ukraine can provide North Korea with valuable data on how they perform against Western missile defense systems, defense experts said.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday: “Deepening military cooperation between Russia and the D.P.R.K. is a trend that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global nonproliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal invasion.”

In Moscow on Monday, Mr. Putin continued to reshuffle his military top brass, signing an order removing four deputy defense ministers who served for years under Sergei K. Shoigu, Russia’s previous defense minister. He issued another order that appointed four new people with no military background to serve as deputy defense ministers.

Leonid Gorin, a former deputy finance minister, became first deputy defense minister, as Mr. Putin tries to make sure the vast defense budget is spent efficiently. This continues his effort to remake the military leadership with more economic expertise. He recently named an economist, Andrei R. Belousov, to replace Mr. Shoigu.

Pavel Fradkov, a former Kremlin official who is the son of a former Russian prime minister, was appointed a deputy defense minister overseeing construction.

The closer ties between Russia and North Korea are already creating gaping holes in international efforts to strangle Mr. Kim’s ability to earn hard currency through illicit activities.

In March, North Korean TV showed Mr. Kim and his daughter riding in a Russian Aurus limousine that Mr. Putin gave him despite a ban on exporting luxury items to Pyongyang. State-sponsored hackers from North Korea are increasingly using Russian cryptocurrency exchanges to launder stolen funds . Last month, the White House said that Russia was shipping refined petroleum to North Korea at levels that exceeded Security Council limits.

South Korean analysts also worry that in return for North Korean weapons, Moscow may allow more migrant workers from North Korea to work in Russia and earn badly needed cash for Mr. Kim.

Importing such workers from North Korea is banned under Security Council resolutions. But this year, Moscow made it easier to flout the resolutions by using its veto power at the Council to disband a U.N. panel of experts that had monitored North Korea’s compliance with international sanctions.

Paul Sonne contributed reporting from Berlin, Ivan Nechepurenko from Tbilisi, Georgia, and Edward Wong from Washington.

Choe Sang-Hun is the lead reporter for The Times in Seoul, covering South and North Korea. More about Choe Sang-Hun

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

President Vladimir Putin of Russia will visit North Korea  for a meeting with its leader, Kim Jong-un, as the two countries deepen military ties to support Putin’s war in Ukraine with North Korean weapons .

Scores of countries at a two-day summit in Switzerland joined Ukraine in calling for “dialogue between all parties” to end the war , but world leaders were divided on how to engage Russia.

Images From the Border: Photographs from two trips along Ukraine’s northeastern border regions, in the months before Russia renewed an offensive there, reveal loss and transformation .

A Russian City Adapts:  While in Moscow the fighting feels far away, residents of Belgorod, 25 miles from the border with Ukraine, have learned to duck for cover when the sirens wail .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist in 2023?

Yes, traveling to Russia as a tourist in 2023 is possible. Here’s what to look out for if you’re preparing for your dream trip. 

Visa requirements

First things first, it is worth checking if you need a visa to cross the Russian border. In 2023, citizens of some 65 countries can visit Russia without a visa. This includes most of the post-Soviet states like Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Ukraine.

Additionally, citizens of some countries in South and Central America – including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Uruguay, Ecuador – do not need a visa to travel to Russia.

Citizens of Israel, South Africa, Cuba, Montenegro, Thailand, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Andorra, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Botswana enjoy visa-free regime with Russia, too.

For the full list of countries, click here .

* Data for the infographics is from November 2022 and was obtained from the Russian consular information website.

* The status of a particular country is subject to change. We advise additionally researching the relevant information in each particular case before booking any trip to Russia.

* Visa waivers may apply for holders of diplomatic or military service passports, select businessmen, air crew members, members of a ship or train crew, professional truck drivers, organized tourist groups and people who have official permission to live in some border regions.

Is it safe to travel to Russia right now?

Russia as a travel destination received a fair share of negative PR from various sources in early 2022.

Some official travel accounts run by governments of countries like the U.S. , Australia , Great Britain and others advise their citizens to abstain from non-essential travel to the country.

That said, it is always advisable to evaluate safety risks when traveling to any foreign country. Traveling to Russia is no exception. However, Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian cities have been widely regarded as being safe , especially in comparison to other popular tourist destinations.

Little has changed in major Russian cities from the point of view of tourists or local residents. Consequently, the most extreme and vocal concerns over security may be disregarded as being too alarmist.

That said, logistics pose the greatest challenge for tourists traveling to Russia in 2023. A number of countries closed their national airspace for Russian air companies resulting in more complicated logistics for tourists who intend to visit Russia in 2023.

However, specific changes depend on a particular country from where a tourist departs. In some cases, direct flight routes remain intact. For example, nothing has changed for tourists from China, India, Turkey, Middle Eastern countries and the majority of post-Soviet states. They can book direct flights to Russia’s main airports.

Tourists departing from European capitals will have to book connecting flights via Turkey or countries in the Middle East. This makes tickets more expensive and flights longer. However, it is still possible to travel to Russia from virtually any country in the world.

It should be noted that every country has its own nuances that must be taken into account beforehand. For example, the Indian Embassy in Russia advises Indian nationals against traveling to Russia via third countries. According to the embassy website, Indian travelers should choose only direct flights from Delhi to Moscow, otherwise they risk being denied entry into Russia.

In another instance, the British government prohibited its citizens from purchasing tickets on Russian airlines that were under sanctions. Nonetheless, the British authorities made an exception for those journeys originating in or within Russia: in this case, British nationals may purchase tickets from Russian companies without breaching UK sanctions.

Covid restrictions, vaccination status & quarantine

In 2022, Russian authorities canceled Covid-related restrictions for Russian citizens and foreign tourists, alike.

In 2023, foreign nationals no longer need to provide results of a negative PCR test when entering Russia by any mode of transport. Therefore, foreign travelers no longer need to take a coronavirus test in advance before departure.

Furthermore, Russian authorities lifted Covid-related restrictions that required visitors to provide a specific reason for visiting the country facilitating tourist traveling.

The only remaining Covid-related regulation is a requirement to fill in a questionnaire. Passengers – both Russian and foreign citizens – will be asked to fill out the paper version of the questionnaire on board during their flight to Russia.

Click here to find out who can travel to Russia without a visa in 2023.

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Watch CBS News

Russian President Vladimir Putin set to visit Kim Jong Un in North Korea

Updated on: June 17, 2024 / 3:32 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin  is set to visit North Korea for a two-day visit this week, both countries announced on Monday after months of speculation and amid international concerns about their military cooperation.

Last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to a remote Siberian rocket launch facility to meet with Putin . After that summit, Kim invited the Russian leader to visit Pyongyang.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said Putin will pay a state visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. It did not immediately provide details. Russia confirmed the visit in a simultaneous announcement.

This will be Putin's first trip to North Korea in 24 years. He first visited Pyongyang in July 2000, months after his first election when he met with Kim's father, Kim Jong Il , who ruled the country then.

There are growing concerns about an arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions to fuel Putin's  war in Ukraine  in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that would enhance the threat posed by Kim's nuclear weapons and missile program.

Military, economic and other cooperation between North Korea and Russia have sharply increased since Kim visited the Russian Far East in September for a meeting with Putin, their first since 2019.

U.S. and South Korean officials have accused the North of providing Russia with artillery, missiles and other military equipment to help prolong its fighting in Ukraine, possibly in return for key military technologies and aid. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied accusations about North Korean weapons transfers.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday the White House is "concerned" about the closer ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. 

"We're not concerned about the trip. What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between these two countries," Kirby said.

This concern was "not just because of the impact it's going to have on the Ukrainian people, because we know North Korean ballistic missiles are still being used to hit Ukrainian targets, but because there could be some reciprocity here that could affect security on the Korean peninsula," he said.

Any weapons trade with North Korea would be a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions that Russia, a permanent U.N. Security Council member, previously endorsed.

Andrei Lankov, an expert on North Korea at Kookmin University in Seoul, noted that in exchange for providing artillery munitions and short-range ballistic missiles, Pyongyang hopes to get higher-end weapons from Moscow.

Lankov noted that while Russia could be reluctant to share its state-of-the-art military technologies with North Korea, it's eager to receive munitions from Pyongyang. "There is never enough ammunition in a war, there is a great demand for them," Lankov told The Associated Press. 

There were signs that Kim was preparing to throw a lavish celebration for Putin as he tries to boost the visibility of their relationship to his domestic audience. The North Korea-focused NK News website said Monday that its analysis of commercial satellite images suggests that the North is possibly preparing a huge parade at a square in the country's capital, Pyongyang. Kim in recent months has made Russia his primary focus as he tries to strengthen his regional footing and expand cooperation with nations confronting the United States, embracing the idea of what he portrays as a "new Cold War. "

"This visit is a victory"

During telephone talks with South Korea's vice foreign minister on Friday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell raised concern that Putin's visit to the North would result in further military cooperation between the countries that potentially undermines stability in the region, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The list of countries willing to welcome Putin is shorter than ever, but for Kim Jong Un, this visit is a victory," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

"Not only does the summit upgrade North Korea's status among countries standing against the U.S.-led international order, it also helps bolster Kim's domestic legitimacy. Russia cannot replace China economically, but increasing cooperation with Moscow shows that Pyongyang has options."

Moscow has said it "highly appreciates" Pyongyang's support for Russia's military action in Ukraine and mentioned its "close and fruitful cooperation" at the United Nations and other international organizations.

Russia and China have repeatedly blocked the U.S. and its partners' attempts to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on North Korea over its barrage of banned ballistic missile tests. In March, a Russian veto at the United Nations ended monitoring of U.N. sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear program, prompting Western accusations that Moscow is seeking to avoid scrutiny as it allegedly violates the sanctions to buy weapons from Pyongyang for use in Ukraine. 

During a news conference in March, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said North Korea had already shipped about 7,000 containers filled with munitions and other military equipment to Russia. In return, Shin said that North Korea had received more than 9,000 Russian containers likely filled with aid. Kim has also used Russia's war in Ukraine as a distraction to dial up his weapons development as he pursues a nuclear arsenal that could viably threaten the United States and its Asian allies. This prompted the U.S. and South Korea to expand their combined military exercises and sharpen their nuclear deterrence strategies built around strategic U.S. assets.

Earlier this year, Putin sent Kim a high-end Aurus Senat limousine , which he had shown to the North Korean leader when they met for a summit in September. Observers said the shipment violated a U.N. resolution aimed at pressuring the North to give up its nuclear weapons program by banning the supply of luxury items to North Korea.

Putin has continuously sought to rebuild ties with Pyongyang as part of efforts to restore his country's global clout and its Soviet-era alliances. Moscow's ties with North Korea weakened after the 1991 Soviet collapse. Kim Jong Un first met with Putin in 2019 in Russia's eastern port of Vladivostok.  

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• North Korea
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“At the invitation of the Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on June 18-19,” the Kremlin said on Monday.

North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, also announced the visit but offered no further details.

Putin last visited Pyongyang in July 2000, four months after he was first elected president. He met with Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, who ruled the country then.

Moscow has said it “highly appreciates” Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s military action in Ukraine and mentioned its “close and fruitful cooperation” at the United Nations and other international organisations.

There are growing concerns about an arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions to fuel Putin’s war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that would enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

During a telephone call with South Korea’s vice foreign minister on Friday, United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell raised concerns that Putin’s visit to North Korea would result in further military cooperation between the two countries that would potentially undermine stability in the region, Seoul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Military, economic and other cooperation between North Korea and Russia have sharply increased ever since Kim’s visit to the Russian Far East for a meeting with Putin, their first since 2019.

Any weapons trade with North Korea would be a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that Russia, a permanent council member, previously endorsed.

Andrei Lankov, an expert on North Korea at Kookmin University in Seoul, told The Associated Press news agency that in exchange for providing artillery munitions and short-range ballistic missiles, Pyongyang hopes to get higher-end weapons from Moscow.

Lankov added that while Russia could be reluctant to share its state-of-the-art military technologies with North Korea, it would be eager to receive munitions from Pyongyang.

“There is never enough ammunition in a war. There is a great demand for them,” he said.

In recent months, Russia has been going out of its way to publicise the renaissance of its relationship with North Korea since the start of the war in Ukraine, causing alarm among the US and its allies in Europe and Asia.

For Putin, who has said Russia is locked in an existential battle with the West over Ukraine, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies.

Besides North Korea, Putin will also visit Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday.

Russian warships leave Havana's port after a 5-day visit to Cuba

A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, has left Havana’s port after a five-day visit to Cuba following planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean

HAVANA — A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine , left Havana’s port on Monday after a five-day visit to Cuba following planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise has been seen by some as a show of strength by Moscow against the backdrop of tensions as U.S. and other Western nations support Kyiv in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The submarine, a frigate, an oil tanker and a rescue tug slowly departed from the port on Monday morning.

It’s unclear what the fleet’s next destination is or where it will dock next in the Caribbean, although U.S. officials said days ago that the vessels could possibly also stop in Venezuela.

Officials with the Biden administration said last week that they were monitoring the vessels and confirmed that they did not pose a threat to the region or indicate a transfer of missiles. Still, the United States docked a submarine , the USS Helena, at its Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

The American naval base, located in the southeastern part of the island about 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) from the capital of Havana, is considered by the Cuban government to be illegally occupied territory.

Last week, the Russian ships arrived at the port after the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the fleet successfully conducted military drills in the Atlantic Ocean, simulating a missile attack on targets that could be more than 600 kilometers (375 miles) away.

The fleet, made up of the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the tanker “Pashin,” and the tug “Nikolai Chiker,” was received in Havana with a 21-gun salute.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the frigate on Saturday and interacted with the sailors, according to a post by the president on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío rejected the presence of the American submarine at Guantanamo Base, stating it was unwelcome and uninvited.

A State Department spokesperson said last week that Russia’s port calls in Cuba are “routine naval visits” and do not pose any danger .

On Thursday, a day after arriving, hundreds of people lined up to visit the frigate. The ship was also open to the public on Saturday, which is a common practice when vessels arrive at the port.

Canada’s navy patrol boat Margaret Brooke entered the Havana harbor on Friday.