Immunization Stamps: A Requirement For Russia-Bound Passports?

Russia is a country of diverse terrains, rich history, and unique experiences. However, before embarking on your journey, it is essential to understand the recommended and required immunizations to ensure a safe and healthy trip. The CDC and WHO suggest vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). Additionally, Russia requires a passport and tourist visa for entry, and it is important to be aware of the country's strict visa and immigration laws.

Do I need a passport or visa to enter Russia?

Yes, you will need a passport and a visa to enter Russia. The Russian government maintains a restrictive and complicated visa regime for foreigners who visit, transit, or reside in the country. A valid visa is necessary to depart Russia, and you will be prevented from leaving if you overstay your visa, even by one day.

To enter Russia, you must possess a valid passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travellers must apply for their visas in advance.

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you may enter Russia without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Cabo Verde
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Croatia
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Israel
• Jamaica
• South Korea
• Laos
• Macao
• Montenegro
• Nauru
• Nicaragua
• Palau
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Qatar
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• The Republic of South Africa
• Suriname
• St Kitts and Nevis
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela

Additionally, citizens of China and Iran may visit Russia without a visa for up to 15 days during one trip, but no more than 90 days within any 180-day period if travelling as part of a tour group of 5 to 50 people.

Please note that Russia has strict rules around medication carried into the country for personal use, including some medications that you can get over the counter in other countries. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Russia, and always carry a doctor's letter to confirm your need for each medication.

What immunizations are recommended or required?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Russia: hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water and is recommended for most travellers. Polio is also transmitted through food and water and is recommended as an adult booster for most travellers to any destination. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by mosquitoes and is recommended for travellers to rural areas in the Far Eastern maritime areas south of Khabarovsk, usually between July and September.

Tick-borne encephalitis is common throughout Russia, particularly in the southern regions of the country. The rabies vaccine is recommended for certain travellers based on their destination, activities and length of stay. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids and is recommended for travellers to most regions.

The influenza vaccine changes annually. COVID-19 is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Pneumonia requires two separate vaccines, which are recommended for all travellers aged 65+ or who are immunocompromised. Meningitis is recommended for anyone unvaccinated or at increased risk, especially students. Chickenpox is recommended for those unvaccinated who did not have chickenpox. Shingles can be given to those who have previously had shingles.

The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) requires only one adult booster of pertussis. The MMR vaccine is recommended for anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957.

What are the entry and exit conditions for Russia?

The entry and exit conditions for Russia are stringent and subject to change, so it is important to check for the latest information before travelling. Here is an overview of the key conditions as of December 2024:

• Passport and Visa: A valid passport and tourist visa are required for travel to Russia. Russian immigration policies are strict, and violations may result in expulsion from the country.
• Vaccinations: Some vaccines are recommended or required for travel to Russia. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).
• Biometric Data: From December 2024, foreign travellers will be required to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints, upon arrival.
• SIM Card Registration: From January 2025, foreigners will need to register their ID and confirm registration on the government services portal to purchase a Russian SIM card. The number of subscriber numbers per person will be limited.
• Currency Restrictions: Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there are restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Russia. Travellers cannot carry more than the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash when exiting Russia, and a customs official's stamp is required for the declaration to be valid.
• Customs Declarations: All travellers entering Russia must declare cash amounts exceeding USD 10,000, as well as certain types of goods, including jewellery and antiques. Failure to declare these items may result in confiscation and legal consequences.
• Exit Plan: Due to the ongoing military conflict with Ukraine, the security situation in Russia is volatile, and departure routes may be disrupted without warning. It is recommended to have an alternate exit plan and review personal security plans.
• Travel Warnings: Many countries, including Australia, advise against non-essential travel to Russia due to the dangerous security situation, the impact of the military conflict with Ukraine, and the risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. There is also a high threat of terrorism, with active terrorist groups operating in the country.
• Visa-Free Entry: It is important to note that Russia offers visa-free entry for certain commercial cruise ships. However, travellers must still comply with other entry requirements, such as submitting biometric data and customs declarations.

What are the local laws and customs?

Russia has strict visa and immigration laws, and it is important to ensure that your documents are in order before your visit. You will need a visa to enter Russia unless you are travelling on certain commercial cruise ships. You cannot get a visa on arrival, and if you arrive without one, you will be fined, detained, deported, and possibly barred from re-entering.

Make sure you apply for the correct visa type, and check that your passport details are correct. It is impossible to amend visa details once you are in Russia. From December 2024, biometric data will be collected from foreign travellers at major ports of entry. Children under 6, diplomats, employees of international organisations, and their families will be exempt from this.

If you are staying for more than 7 working days, you must register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and pay a registration fee. Most hotels will do this for their guests, but it is your responsibility to confirm that they have done so. If you do not register, you may be fined or your departure delayed.

You must leave Russia before your visa expires. Some visas, including tourist visas, cannot be extended, and if you overstay, you will not be allowed to leave until your legal status has been determined by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. You may be detained until this has been processed, and you may be banned from re-entering the country.

It is illegal to photograph military places, strategic sites, and other sensitive areas, such as passport control and guarded railway sites. It is also illegal to use commercial film, television, or camera equipment in public areas without permission, although hand-held home video cameras are allowed. Using drones without permission from the Russian aviation authority is prohibited. Penalties for breaking these laws include fines, jail, and deportation.

Russia has strict rules around medication carried into the country for personal use, and if you do not declare restricted medications, you could be detained. If your medication contains narcotic or psychoactive substances, you must carry a prescription in your name, translated into Russian and notarised.

Russia has imposed restrictions on the export of certain categories of goods, including foreign-made medical products, antiques, artworks, and items of historical significance. If you want to export any of these items, you must obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Culture in advance of your travel. You must also declare each item to border authorities when you leave Russia, and be ready to show receipts for each item.

Other local laws and customs to be aware of include:

• It is common to be questioned and have your electronic devices inspected at the border.
• You must carry your passport, visa, and migration card at all times. Authorities will not accept copies.
• It is illegal to use or carry any illegal drugs. Penalties are severe.
• Conscription occurs regularly in Russia, and the government may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. The maximum age of conscription is 30 years old.
• Russia severely restricts free speech. Publishing and distributing information related to the Russian leadership, government, government policies, armed forces, and any military operations may be considered illegal.
• Same-sex relationships are technically legal but are not widely accepted. Violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community occurs. Russia bans "LGBTQIA+ propaganda", criminalising any act regarded as an attempt to promote what it calls "non-traditional sexual relations".
• Criminals may try to trick you by changing money in the street or a bank queue. Only exchange currency at banks.
• Petty crimes, pickpocketing, and muggings are common, particularly in large cities. Hot spots include the Izmailovsky Market, other tourist attractions, and the Moscow and St Petersburg metros.
• Credit card and ATM fraud is also common. Only use ATMs inside banks and during business hours, and always hide your PIN.
• People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis. Only use official taxi apps or companies, and never flag down taxis on the street.
• Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are risks. Be careful when drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits, and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks.
• There is a high threat of terrorism in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks, which may occur in public places, including popular tourist sites.
• Military activity is currently underway in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod, where a federal state of emergency has been introduced.
• There is a high risk of kidnapping in parts of the Northern Caucasus. Foreigners have been targeted in the past.
• Severe weather during winter can disrupt travel. Take care when walking in snowy and icy conditions, and when driving, use appropriate equipment such as winter tyres or chains.
• Spring flooding is common in some parts of Russia and can result in large-scale evacuations and the unavailability of essential services.
• Forest and peat fires can occur in the summer, including in the Moscow region.
• The North Caucasus and the far eastern region of Russia can experience earthquakes.
• The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.

What are the recommended safety tips for Russia?

Russia is a vast country with diverse terrains and a rich, well-preserved history. It is considered a 'traveller's dream' due to its unique accommodations and adventures. However, it is essential to follow certain safety tips to ensure a pleasant journey. Here are some recommended safety tips for travelling in Russia:

• Be aware of the political climate: Avoid commenting publicly on political developments or participating in any protests or demonstrations. Russia's political climate is less open than many Western nations, and expressing opinions can lead to confrontation.
• Stay informed about security threats: There is a high threat of terrorism in Russia, with groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups calling for attacks. Stay alert to possible threats and always have an exit plan. Military activity and security incidents, such as drone attacks and explosions, are also common in certain regions, including those bordering Ukraine.
• Follow local laws and restrictions: Russia has strict laws and regulations that may differ from those in your home country. For example, it is illegal to take photos of military or secure areas, and there are severe restrictions on publishing and distributing information related to the Russian armed forces. Breaking these laws can result in detention or deportation.
• Be cautious in busy areas: Pickpocketing and theft are common in tourist areas and around major transportation hubs. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets and railway stations.
• Use reputable transportation services: Avoid unlicensed taxis as they may be unsafe and charge excessive fees. Instead, use official taxi apps, public transportation, or book through your hotel.
• Follow food and water safety guidelines: Prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practising good hygiene, and opting for fully cooked dishes. Drink bottled or filtered water to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.
• Be vigilant when consuming alcohol: Avoid drinking on the streets as it is illegal in Russia. Be cautious of counterfeit alcohol sold in shops, and only purchase recognised brands with proper labels.
• Take precautions against bug bites: Use insect repellent, wear long attire, and be mindful of bug activity times. This is especially important as diseases like tick-borne encephalitis and rabies are prevalent in Russia.
• Stay informed about cultural differences: Russia has different cultural norms than many Western countries. For example, smiling is less common, and displaying LGBT+ symbols like the rainbow flag is prohibited. Be respectful and aware of these differences to avoid unintentional offences.
• Keep your passport and other important documents secure: Always carry your passport, visa, and migration card with you. Make copies of these documents and store them separately in case of loss or theft.
• Be cautious when crossing roads: Drivers may not follow traffic rules, so be extra careful when crossing roads, even at zebra crossings or red lights.
• Be aware of restricted items when passing through customs: Some items, such as works of art, cultural valuables, and certain medications, may be restricted or prohibited from being brought into or out of the country. Check the latest customs regulations before travelling.
• Solo female travellers should exercise caution: While Russia is generally safe for solo female travellers, it is important to follow general safety guidelines, such as avoiding isolated areas and staying in tourist-friendly zones.
• Learn basic Russian phrases: English is not widely spoken in Russia, so knowing some basic Russian phrases can be helpful for communication. Additionally, carrying a guidebook or map can assist with navigation and directions.
• Be aware of extreme weather conditions: Russia experiences extreme weather, with cold winters and mild summers. Check the weather forecast before travelling and pack accordingly, especially if you plan to visit during autumn or winter.

Frequently asked questions