Russia

Passports and Visas

Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Russia. Visitors should ensure that they apply for the correct type and duration of visa. Visitors should apply for visas well in advance during peak travel periods. Singaporeans are advised to check the details listed on the visa, particularly the validity dates and passport number, upon issue. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure.

Singaporeans may apply for an e-visa online. Visitors should read the information listed on the Russian Embassy’s website and note any restrictions in obtaining an e-visa, such as restrictions on entry and exit borders. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency or the Russian Embassy for up-to-date information. The contact details of the Russian Embassy in Singapore and more information on visas can be found on their website (https://singapore.mid.ru/en/).

Business travellers holding APEC travel cards with “RUS” printed on the reverse side may wish to double check with the Russian Embassy on possibility to travel to Russia visa-free for up 90 days in each 180-day period.

Visitors arriving by cruise ships that dock for less than 72 hours in St. Petersburg (and some other port cities) may be allowed to enter Russia visa-free if they are part of a tour organised by the cruise operator or registered tour operator. Visitors should check with your cruise operator on whether you need to obtain a Russian visa as this was suspended during COVID.

Visitors departing Russia by train, particularly those embarking on overnight journeys, should ensure that their visa is still valid when the train crosses the border.

Migration card

You must sign an immigration (migration) card at passport control each time you enter Russia. Immigration officials keep one half and return the other half to you. Keep it with your passport and show it when requested, including when departing Russia.

There are many hotels and hostels that will not check in guests who are unable to produce a migration card. Visitors who lose their migration card should seek assistance from their hotel/host to obtain a replacement from the nearest federal migration service office within three days. Please provide the original travel documents used to enter Russia for a gratis duplicate card. Visitors who cannot produce a valid migration card upon departure may experience delays or fines when leaving Russia.

Registration

All foreigners are required to register with the Russian authorities within 7 working days of arrival. Most major hotels will do this for you automatically, but you should confirm with the hotel staff that this has been done. For those staying in private accommodation (e.g. airbnb), your host must do this for you. Failure to register may result in a fine and problems when exiting or re-entering Russia in the future. If you are visiting multiple destinations within Russia, you are required to register your arrival at each destination.

Over-stayers

The local authorities take a firm stance on foreigners who over-stay on their visas. Those that do so without valid reasons will experience issues, including fines, detention and deportation when trying to leave Russia. Under the Russian law, the overstayer’s sponsor must assist to apply for an exit visa on the former’s behalf. Over-stayers will also find it challenging to secure accommodation, as most hotels and hostels will not accept guests without valid visas.

Travel between Russia and Belarus

From 11 January 2025, Russia and Belarus entered into an agreement for mutual recognition of visas (http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202501100001 - in Russian only). However, visitors should continue to check to see if there are any changes to the agreement. Due to the agreement, some land borders are now possible for visitors to cross. Visitors should check which land borders are possible for them to cross in the Annex to the mutual recognition of visas on https://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/viezd_vyezd/agreement/

Singaporeans flying into Russia from Belarus or vice-versa are subject to immigration control. If you are transiting through Russia when flying into Belarus or transiting through Belarus when flying into Russia, please contact the nearest Russian or Belarusian Embassy/Consulate to check if a transit visa is required, especially if you do not possess a valid Belarusian or Russian visa. If you are planning on travelling by rail between the two countries, please contact your train or tour operator when making your booking to seek their advice. You may also approach the nearest Russian or Belarusian Embassy/Consulate for the latest information.

The following advice applies to travellers visiting common tourist destinations within Russia (e.g. Moscow, St Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Ulan-Ude, Vladivostok, etc.). Singaporeans may approach the Singapore Embassy in Moscow for specific advice if you are travelling to a remote region of Russia.

Demonstrations

Public demonstrations and rallies may occasionally occur in large cities across Russia. Travellers are encouraged to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. If you encounter a demonstration, exercise caution, leave the area as soon as possible, and check the local media for updates on the situation and traffic.

Driving in Russia

Road conditions are often challenging outside of major cities and traffic regulations are not always adhered to. In winter, road travel can be hazardous due to ice and snow. Motorists should ensure that they have all the necessary documents to drive legally in Russia as traffic police may stop vehicles for spot checks. Please check with your car rental company for the most up to date requirements. Singapore driving licenses would also need to be officially translated and notarised at a notary public in order to be used in Russia. An international driving permit is recommended.

Russia has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Those found guilty of drink-driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention.

Fraud

As a number of Singaporean nationals have been victims of fraud, please exercise caution when using a dating service, speaking to strangers who appear to be asking for some sort of assistance, and be wary of sending money to unknown recipients.

Natural disasters

Parts of Russia periodically experience seismic or volcanic activity. There are also occasional occurrences of flooding in the Southern regions and forest fires may occur in Siberia and the Far Eastern areas in the summer. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate and affect those with respiratory ailments.

Petty crime

In major cities like Moscow, petty crimes like purse snatchings, and pick-pockets, most commonly occur in crowded areas and transport hubs. Travellers should also be alert to theft from unattended vehicles and from hotel rooms.

Public transport

Use only registered taxis and do not share a taxi with a stranger. Where possible, ask your hotel to order a taxi for you or use well known ride-hailing apps such as Yandex. [Note: Not all drivers on Yandex accept cash and visitors are advised to take note of the payment method.]

We advise Singaporeans to adhere to local laws during their stay in Russia. Singaporeans are subject to all local laws and penalties. Singaporeans are advised to research local laws prior to arrival, especially for extended stays. Listed below are some offences under Russian law that travellers should be aware of:

1. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

2. Foreigners are required to carry their original passport, entry and exit visa and registered migration card with them at all times as police officers do conduct identity checks in public places. A copy is not sufficient.

3. Russian federal law prohibits public actions that promote homosexuality and non-traditional sexual relations. Public actions that contravene this law may lead to an arrest, fine or deportation.

4. Photographing any military establishment or site of strategic importance is banned.

5. Religious activity is regulated in Russia. Foreigners visiting Russia for missionary work or to engage in a religious activity should make sure they are not inadvertently violating local laws.

6. There are strict regulations covering the exports of antiques, artworks and items of historical/cultural significance. Export permits from the Russian Ministry of Culture are required to export such materials and each item must be declared at the point of departure. Permits cannot be issued at the airport and must be obtained in advance. Attempting to export such items without the relevant paperwork is a serious offence.

Due to the current situation in Russia, visitors should note that there may be limits to what the Singapore Embassy can assist with, especially if local laws have been broken.  

Travel Insurance

Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance when travelling to Russia and be familiar with the terms and coverage of the insurance (e.g. whether medial evacuation will be covered) should adverse situation occur.

Money

Due to sanctions, most international credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa do not work in Russia. UnionPay may be accepted at some places but this is not common. Visitors may not be able to use international credit or debit cards to withdraw money from local ATMs either.

Most money changers in Russia do not accept Singapore dollars. If you plan to buy roubles (RUB) in Russia, please bring along new US dollars or Euros. Old and torn notes may not be accepted at money changers and visitors should ensure they have sufficient US dollars and Euros. Foreigners may be required to present their passport when exchanging money at banks, hotels and money changers. It is illegal to pay for general transactions with foreign currency.

Customs

As with most countries, Russia has restrictions on the amount of money and types of goods that may be imported and exported. Foreigners may import and export foreign currency of up to 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent) without declaring it. A customs declaration should be made if you exceed this limit. Russian authorities require travellers to declare certain categories of goods such as antiques and valuable musical instruments. If you make a declaration, please ensure that it is stamped by the Customs official at your port of entry, otherwise your foreign currency and non-declared items may be confiscated when you leave Russia. Visitors are advised to check the Federal Customs Service website before arrival and departure.

Healthcare

Most staff at Russian state hospitals do not speak English. A few international clinics catering to foreigners are available in larger cities, but services are costly and they usually require cash payment or proof of insurance upon admission.

SIM cards

Visitors would not be able to purchase local SIM cards in Russia at the regular shops as there are specific requirements that a visitor may not be able to fulfil, e.g. to obtain an individual insurance account (SNILS) and create a Gosuslugi account.

Foreign SIM cards will also be blocked for 24 hours when the SIM card is activated in Russia. Voice calls may work during this period depending on your phone plan. Some operators may send an SMS with a verification link or CAPTCHA that can restore mobile data or SMS sooner but this is not guaranteed and visitors may only be able to access internet via Wi-Fi connections, e.g. at the hotel.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.