Exploring Russia Solo: Is It Safe?

Russia is the world's largest country, with world-class art, epic landscapes, and a multifaceted society. However, due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the UK, US, and Australian governments advise their citizens against all travel to Russia. Here are some key points to consider if you are thinking of travelling to Russia alone:

- The US and Australian governments have limited ability to help their citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow.

- There is a high risk of terrorism in Russia, with terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups continuing to call for attacks.

- Foreigners, including US and Australian citizens, are at risk of arbitrary detention or arrest by Russian authorities.

- There is a risk of wrongful detention of US and Australian citizens by Russian authorities, and authorities may not notify the US or Australian embassies about the detention of their citizens.

- US and Australian credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia.

- Commercial flight options out of Russia are minimal and often unavailable at short notice.

- Russia has strict visa requirements, and you must have a valid visa before travelling to the country.

- If you are travelling alone with a child, Russian border authorities may require documentary evidence of your relationship with the child and written permission from the other parent.

Visa applications and registration

Visa Applications

To enter Russia, you must obtain a visa in advance. This can be done by applying in person at a Russian embassy or consulate and providing biometric data. Alternatively, citizens from 52 countries, including many EU countries, China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries, can apply for an e-visa online. However, it is important to note that e-visas may be temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. It is recommended to start the visa application process at least a month before your trip and to use a specialist travel agency for visa arrangements and transport bookings.

Visa Registration

Upon arrival in Russia, you must register your visa within seven working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. This requirement applies regardless of the length of your stay. If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or other lodging, the accommodation is responsible for registering your visa. However, if you are staying in a private residence, your landlord, friend, or family member must register your visa on your behalf. Failure to register your visa can result in fines or delays in your departure from Russia.

It is important to be aware that Russian visas have specific entry and exit dates, which are written in the European calendar format (day/month/year). Overstaying your visa can result in deportation and a possible entry ban. Additionally, Russian authorities may not allow you to depart the country until your legal status is determined, which can take up to 20 days. Therefore, it is crucial to plan your travel dates accordingly and ensure that your visa is registered correctly.

Safety and security

Russia is considered to be a safe destination for tourists, with large cities deemed even safer than some European locations. However, it's important to remain vigilant and follow certain safety protocols to ensure a secure trip. Here are some essential safety and security tips for travelling in Russia:

Safety Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like tourist attractions, metro stations, and public transport during rush hours.
• Protect your belongings: Keep your wallet in your front pocket, and avoid using your back pocket. Always keep an eye on your bag and secure your belongings.
• Separate your valuables: Keep your passport and other valuables separate from your wallet. Leave any unnecessary valuables and large sums of money in a hotel safe.
• Be cautious with cash: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards where possible, and only withdraw cash from ATMs or banks when needed.
• Ignore persistent vendors: Ignore street vendors and people dressed as Russian royalty or cartoon characters who aggressively seek money from tourists for photos.
• Use reputable transport: Opt for reputable taxi apps or companies, such as Yandex Taxi or a private driver. Always wear your seatbelt.
• Drink bottled water: Avoid drinking tap water in Russia. Stick to bottled water or water provided by your hotel.
• Beware of street food: Avoid buying food or drinks from street vendors. Only purchase labelled vodka and caviar from reliable sources.
• Trust the locals: Communicate with locals and follow their advice. They are often friendly and willing to help with valuable tips and recommendations.
• Dress appropriately: When visiting churches, women should cover their heads and shoulders, and men should remove hats and avoid wearing shorts.
• Learn basic phrases: Learn some basic Russian phrases, including "спасибо" ("thank you"). This can be helpful when navigating or asking for directions.
• Be cautious when drinking: Avoid drinking on the streets, and be mindful of drink spiking, which can lead to robbery or abuse.
• Stay informed: Check local media and stay updated on political and security developments, especially regarding protests and demonstrations.
• Avoid political discussions: Avoid commenting on political issues or publicly supporting Ukraine. Russian authorities may negatively perceive such actions.
• Be cautious with LGBTQIA+ symbols: Displaying LGBTQIA+ symbols, such as the rainbow flag, is considered illegal and can lead to persecution.
• Be vigilant at railway stations: Keep a close eye on your belongings at railway stations and on night trains. Use storage compartments when available.
• Avoid unregistered taxis: Use registered taxi apps or ask your hotel to arrange reputable taxi services. Agree on the fare in advance to avoid overcharging.
• Be cautious with medication: Research and double-check if any medication you need is legal in Russia. Some medications may be restricted or require additional documentation.
• Solo female travellers: While Russia is generally safe for solo female travellers, it is essential to exercise the same caution and awareness as you would in any other country.
• Customs considerations: Familiarise yourself with prohibited items and souvenirs. Some items, such as works of art, cultural valuables, and certain medications, may require official permission or have weight restrictions.

LGBTQI+ travel

The Propaganda Law makes it illegal to promote 'non-traditional sexual relationships' in the presence of minors. This means there are no legal gay pride events, and speaking openly about gay rights can result in a fine, detention, and/or deportation. The law has alienated LGBTQI+ communities and depicted LGBTQI+ lifestyles as the opposite of traditional Russian family values. It has also given macho male patriarchs a metaphorical stick with which to beat their children, and turned the LGBTQI+ community into a target for anyone who mistrusts the West. Foreigners are vulnerable; in 2013, four Dutch visitors were jailed for making a film about LGBTQI+ life in the city of Murmansk.

Hate crimes against the LGBTQI+ community, particularly gay men, have continued to rise since the introduction of the Propaganda Law, and the police often turn a blind eye. In Chechnya, the Kremlin supports violence towards the LGBTQI+ community and encourages 'honour killings' by members of the victim's family.

If you are visiting the LGBTQI+ scene in Moscow or St Petersburg, be careful when leaving a premises, especially at night. Book a taxi with a trusted firm in advance and be sure to arrange a safe place to be picked up and dropped off.

Use a VPN to stay safe online in Russia. The government has been monitoring and censoring online use more and more.

Public behaviour

Russia is a fascinating country to visit, but there are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to public behaviour. Here are some dos and don'ts to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip:

Do be mindful of how you dress when visiting churches. It is considered disrespectful to show a lot of bare skin when entering a place of worship. Women should cover their heads and shoulders, and it is recommended to wear a long skirt. Some churches provide wraps at the door if needed. Men should also dress modestly and avoid wearing hats or shorts.

Don't take photos of government buildings, military sites, or any sensitive areas. This includes stations, official-looking buildings, and military structures. Travellers have been arrested and fined for photographing these types of locations.

Do be prepared to show your documents if stopped by the police. It is wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa, and registration at all times. This includes travel documents that indicate your return trip. You may also encounter special tourist police near major attractions, who are there to assist travellers.

Don't comment publicly on political developments or participate in any protests or demonstrations. Russia has strict laws and negative attitudes towards foreigners, especially those from Western countries. Avoid any actions that could be perceived as supporting Ukraine or criticising Russia.

Do be aware of the risk of terrorism. Terrorist groups have targeted Russia, and attacks can occur in public places, including popular tourist sites. Always stay alert and be cautious when visiting crowded areas.

Don't carry or use illegal drugs. The penalties for drug possession and use are severe in Russia.

Do familiarise yourself with local laws and customs. For example, it is illegal to take photos of certain military places and to use drones without permission. Also, be mindful of religious regulations and restrictions on free speech.

Don't rely solely on bank cards or ATMs. Cards issued outside of Russia may not work, and there are limited transportation options and restrictions on financial transactions. Ensure you have multiple payment options and that your travel documents are up to date.

Do be cautious when consuming food and drinks. Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, and be wary of drink spiking. Stick with people you trust, especially in bars, nightclubs, and when using taxis.

Don't flash large amounts of cash or valuables. Petty crimes, pickpocketing, and muggings are common, especially in tourist areas. Always keep your personal belongings close and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your solo trip to Russia is safe and enjoyable. Remember to research the latest information before your trip, as the situation in Russia can change rapidly.

Health and insurance

According to Article 27 of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation, all foreign nationals and travellers must obtain mandatory medical insurance for their stay in Russia before departing from their home country. This insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Russia.
• A minimum coverage amount of €30,000 to €35,000.
• Valid across the whole of Russia or Europe (including Russia).
• Include the date, stamp and signature of the insurer, the policy number, the insured individual's full name, and the insurer's full address and contact details.
• List of covered medical services and transport, including repatriation.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in deportation or a fine.

Russian healthcare has declined since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, and services are now substandard. It is therefore essential to have a high-quality travel insurance plan that covers emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, medical evacuations, and more. Some plans also cover trip cancellation.

Recommended vaccines for travel to Russia include routine vaccines such as MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Polio, and the Flu. The CDC also recommends getting the Hepatitis A vaccine due to the high risk of consuming contaminated food and water, and Hepatitis B if you plan on having sex or getting a tattoo or piercing. The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for those planning to spend a lot of time outdoors in remote areas, and the Rabies vaccine for those who will be spending time outdoors or with animals.

In addition to the above, it is important to be aware of other health risks when travelling to Russia. For example, do not drink tap water as it may cause diseases due to improper sanitation. Only drink bottled water, and use it for brushing your teeth as well. Be cautious of unlabelled vodka, as it may contain dangerous ingredients such as shoe polish, sawdust, or paint thinners.

In terms of safety, it is recommended not to walk alone in deserted places or carry large sums of money on the street. Avoid hitchhiking or accepting lifts from strangers, and try to stay sober if other travellers invite you to drink and dine with them, as tourists can be targeted by scams. Always keep your passport on you, as you may be harassed, fined, or arrested if you cannot produce it when asked by the police.

Frequently asked questions