Russia

Migration card

All foreign visitors receive a migration card on arrival in Russia.

If you receive a paper migration card, keep the stamped exit portion of the card with your passport.

The migration card covers both Russia and Belarus. You’ll need to show the stamped card to passport control when leaving the last of the two countries.

If you lose your migration card:

• your departure could be delayed
• you could be stopped from staying at a hotel in Russia

You can get a replacement from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is complex and could delay your departure.

Biometric finger-printing

In 2017, the Russian Government said it would introduce biometric fingerprinting for all foreigners entering Russia. They haven’t announced dates for this yet.

Travel with children

If you’re travelling with a child, you may need to show evidence of parental, custodial or permission rights. This is particularly the case for dual nationals. See Local laws

More information:

Electronics

The government strictly controls the import of electrical and some high technology equipment.

The rules are complex.

You may import terminal global positioning systems (GPS) devices if you declare them on arrival. However, you’ll need a special permit to import a GPS device connected to a computer or an antenna.

Authorities can detain you if you don’t have a permit.

You’ll need to show proof of advanced approval to import a satellite phone. Request approval from the Federal Service for the Supervision of Communications.

Russian border officials can demand to inspect any electronic device when you leave. This includes installed software.

Travel between Russia and Belarus

The government doesn’t allow foreigners to cross the land border between Russia and Belarus.

If you travel between Russia and Belarus, it must be by air.

If you’re travelling between Russia and Belarus, you must have visas for both countries.

Visa-free entry into Belarus doesn’t apply to travellers arriving from or travelling to Russia.

Contact the Embassy of Russia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for details.

Registering your stay in Russia

If you stay more than seven working days, including your day of arrival and departure, you have to register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You have to pay a registration fee.

Most hotels do this for their guests, but you’re legally responsible. Confirm with check-in staff on arrival that they’ve registered you.

If you’re not staying at a hotel, the registration process can be complex.

If you’re travelling on a visitor-type visa, register at the nearest post office.

If you’re travelling on a visa that lets you work, register through your employer. Confirm with your employer that they’ve registered you.

If you don’t register, authorities can fine you or delay your departure.

Visa overstays

Make sure you leave Russia before your visa expires. Some visas, including tourist visas, can’t be extended.

If you overstay your visa, you won’t be allowed to leave Russia until the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs determines your legal status or deports you.

Authorities can detain you until they’ve processed your case.

Penalties for overstaying include fines and deportation.

You may be banned from re-entering.

Exporting goods

Russia has strict regulations covering the export of antiques, artworks and items of historical significance. This is for items purchased in Russia or imported to Russia from overseas. It includes modern art and posters if they are particularly rare or valuable.

Authorities may not allow the export of items more than 100 years old.

If you want to export any antiques, artworks or items of historical significance:

• keep receipts of your purchases
• obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Culture in advance of travel — export permits are never issued at the airport
• declare each item to border authorities when you leave Russia
• be ready to show each item to border authorities
• be ready to show receipts for each item to border authorities

Don’t try to export items requiring permits without the relevant paperwork. This is a serious offence.

Legislation about the export of artwork and antiques from Russia may change without warning.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government