Russia Travel Guide

Overview and Things to Consider

Russia presents challenges for Western travelers in 2026. Visa requirements are complex and increasingly restrictive. International relations are tense due to Ukraine conflicts. Tourism infrastructure exists but is disrupted. Many Western airlines no longer fly there. This guide reflects reality as of 2026.

For those who do visit, Moscow is really monumental - the Kremlin is remarkably impressive, St. Basil's Cathedral is notably iconic. St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum is seriously world-class. The country is vast and distinctly different regions exist from Europe to Asia. Visas require planning months ahead.

Getting There and Around

Visa requirements are complex and vary by nationality. Western travelers face additional scrutiny. Airlines from many Western countries have stopped flying there. Flights from Asia continue. Getting a regular visa requires a Russian sponsor (hotel or tour company) and advance planning - expect 2 - 3 months minimum. EU citizens are among 64 nationalities that can instead apply online for an e-visa that needs no invitation, is issued within 4 calendar days and covers stays of up to 30 days. US and UK citizens aren't on that list.

Once in-country, trains are the primary long-distance transport - the Trans-Siberian Railway is especially legendary. Buses exist but are less developed. Flights are possible but more expensive. Metros in major cities are truly efficient. The country is vast - distances require planning.

What's Changed Since 2016

The situation has really deteriorated for Western tourists since 2016. Visa access is more restricted. Flights from Western carriers stopped. International relations are remarkably strained. Sanctions have affected pricing and availability. The tourist infrastructure remains but is disrupted.

Digital access is restricted - some Western apps don't work. VPNs are monitored. Banking and currency exchange are complicated. Tourism industry has adapted to fewer Western visitors. Domestic tourism is thriving but international travel is notably challenging.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Moscow's Kremlin is seriously impressive - the walls, cathedrals, and monuments are distinctly monumental. St. Basil's Cathedral is especially iconic. The Red Square is truly famous for reasons. The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is world-class.

St. Petersburg's canals are really beautiful - the city is European in feel. The Winter Palace is remarkably impressive. The Trans-Siberian Railway is notably legendary and worth experiencing. Lake Baikal is seriously stunning - the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.

Russian food is hearty - borscht, pelmeni, and black bread are staples. Caviar is available but expensive. Vodka culture is genuine. Food is affordable but quality varies. Restaurants in major cities are distinctly good.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Visa acquisition is especially complex and time-consuming. Getting there requires flying from Asia or through neutral countries. Digital access is restricted - many Western apps don't work. Currency exchange is complicated due to sanctions. Accommodation requires booking through Russian agencies.

English is less universal than Western Europe - Russian is necessary. Safety for tourists is generally fine but political tensions exist. Western travelers may encounter suspicion or restrictions. Some services don't accept foreign payment methods. Photography restrictions exist in certain areas.

If Russia Is Part of a Longer Trip

Russia is truly difficult to combine with Western European travel due to visa requirements and geopolitics. The Trans-Siberian Railway is a journey unto itself - combining it with other regions requires significant time. Eastern European countries are separate entry points.

A week is really minimum for Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Trans-Siberian Railway requires 5 - 7 days minimum. The country is vast - comprehensive travel requires 2 - 3 weeks minimum.

Yearly Things to Consider

May through September offer mild weather and accessibility. June through August are warm and popular. April and October are mild but less pleasant. November through March are cold and sometimes extremely cold - winter temperatures plunge far below freezing.

Winter offers winter activities and snow experiences but requires proper gear. Arctic regions offer genuine winter adventure. Summer midnight sun exists far north. Lake Baikal is accessible in summer for swimming and hiking. Winter ice formations are remarkably stunning.

Ideas for Itineraries

Five Days: Moscow Essential

Day 1: Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Kremlin. Day 2: Hermitage Museum equivalent (State Historical Museum). Days 3 - 5: Neighborhoods, restaurants, metro stations as monuments.

Eight Days: Moscow and St. Petersburg

Days 1 - 4: Moscow. Night train to St. Petersburg. Days 5 - 8: Hermitage, Winter Palace, canal walks.

Seven Days: Trans-Siberian Experience

Days 1 - 2: Moscow. Days 3 - 7: Trans-Siberian Railway journey east - experience the train journey itself.

Two Weeks: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Beyond

Days 1 - 4: Moscow. Days 5 - 8: St. Petersburg. Days 9 - 14: Trans-Siberian Railway or flight to eastern regions like Lake Baikal or Vladivostok.