Russia - Getting In

A passport and Russian visa are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through Russia by any means of transportation, including train, car or airplane. While under certain circumstances travelers who hold valid visas to some countries of the former Soviet Union may not need a visa to transit Russia, such exceptions are inconsistently applied. Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements by Russian officials and/or immediate departure by route of entry (at the traveler's expense). Carrying a photocopy of passports and visas will facilitate replacement should either be stolen.

All Russian visas, except transit visas, are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual or organization, known as the sponsor. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how they can be contacted, as Russian law requires that your sponsor apply on your behalf for replacement and extension of or changes to your visa. The U.S. embassy cannot act as your sponsor. Tourists should contact their tour company or hotel in advance for information on visa sponsorship.

For current information on visa requirements, U.S. citizens can contact the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle or the embassy:

Russian Embassy

2641 Tunlaw Road, NW

Washington, DC 20007

Tel.: (202) 939-8907, (202) 939-8913, (202) 939-8918

Fax: (202) 483-7579

http://www.russianembassy.org/consulate.html

All foreigners must have an exit visa in order to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued together with the entry visa; for longer stays, the exit visa must be obtained by the sponsor after the traveler's arrival. Russian law requires that all travelers who spend more than three days in Russia register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who stay in Russia for a period of weeks may be prevented from leaving if they have not registered their visas. Errors in the dates or other information on the visa can occur, and it is helpful to have someone who reads Russian check the visa before you depart the United States.

Many areas along Russia's southern borders are not manned, and checkpoints are only on main roads. Russian soldiers can be bribed due to their low pay and acceptance of side income.