Russia

As Russia moves forward into the 21st century, it leaves behind a turbulent history of tyranny and a crippled economy: from Ivan the Terrible to Peter the Great, from the fall of the Tsars to the dictatorship of the Soviet government; today Russia is a nation embracing its newfound freedom and future potential, whilst enjoying a renewal of the rich cultural heritage of its past.

Despite the visible effects of hardship and economic disparity, and its previous isolation from the rest of the world, travellers will encounter a country of enormous diversity and vitality, with cultural treasures and historical monuments, great imperial cities and glittering cathedrals. Visitors will experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky, the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet, and marvel at priceless Russian icons and the unique style of decorative onion-domed architecture.

Most westerners associate Russia with the great imperial centres of Moscow and St Petersburg, and although these two cities, the capital and the beautiful 'Venice of the North' are a must-see, they are a mere scratching on the surface of this vast and varied land. Straddling two continents and 11 time zones, the Russian Federation is the largest country on earth, nearly twice the size of the United States of America. Within this impressive expanse lie natural wonders such as Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, and beautiful mountains, rivers and forests abounding with wildlife as well as timeless traditional villages scattered across the Siberian landscape.

Visitors taking the opportunity to explore Russia will not be disappointed: its impressive museums, overwhelming sense of history, culture and unspoilt wilderness will leave one with a desire to see more.

Climate

The main holiday season for Russians and foreigners is during the warmest months of July and August, but it also rains a lot at this time. The best times to visit are May and June or September and October, avoiding most of the crowds and the rain. Winters are very cold and bitter, especially in Siberia.

Money

The official currency is the Rouble (RUB), which is divided into 100 kopeks. Most major credit cards, like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in the larger hotels and at places that deal with foreign tourists. Currency can be changed at banks, currency exchange booths and hotels. Travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to cash, but if necessary it is advised to take them in US Dollars or Euro. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get rubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US dollars or Euro notes to change once there. It is illegal to pay for goods or services in hard currency, though it is often accepted.

Passport Visa

Valid visas in expired passports or other expired travel documents are not accepted. Visitors must carry ID at all times whilst in Russia; a photocopy of your passport and visa will suffice. An Immigrant Card will be issued on board the aircraft or on arrival. All visitors staying for longer than three days must register with the local police upon arrival; if staying in a hotel, the hotel will arrange this. Anyone travelling on a tourist visa must hold vouchers from the hotel or travel agency. Passengers are required to hold return/onward tickets and documents required for the next destination. Exit permits are required on departure. These are usually issued with the visa, or can be obtained at hotels not less than two days before departure. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
• British citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
• Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
• Australian citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
• South Africans must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
• Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required.
• New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required.

Health

Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, tuberculosis and typhoid fever (long-term travellers), as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. There is also a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in rural and wooded areas, particularly in the Ural and Siberian regions. HIV/AIDS is on the increase. Measles outbreaks occur. Drinking water should be treated; bottled water is readily available. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK entitling citizens to free health treatment in hospital. Local state medical facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents should they require private care. Blood transfusions should not be performed in Russia, due to uncertainties concerning the blood supply. Essential medications and supplies may be limited. There have been outbreaks of bird flu in a number of regions of Russia, including around Moscow, but there have been no reports of human infection. Travellers are advised to avoid contact with domestic, caged and wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.

Embassy Consulates

• Russian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 298 5700.
• Russian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 3051 1199.
• Russian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4341.
• Russian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 9033.
• Russian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 1337.
• Russian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 492 3525.
• Russian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 476 6113.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 728 5000.
• British Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 7200.
• Canadian Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 105 6000.
• Australian Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 6070.
• South African Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 540 1177.
• Irish Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 937 5911.
• New Zealand Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 3579.