Moscow Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport and visa. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, Russian authorities require a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the travel. This letter should be in Russian or accompanied by a certified Russian translation. It must include: child's details, travel dates, destination, accompanying adult's details, and parent's contact information. Both parents' consent is required if the child travels with a third party. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. These requirements are strictly enforced.

Pets entering Russia require: veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel by an accredited veterinarian, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), microchip identification meeting ISO standards, and for dogs and cats, a certificate showing treatment for parasites. EU pet passports are accepted from EU countries. Pets must be declared at customs. Certain breeds may be restricted. Airlines have additional requirements for pet transport. Russia requires a veterinary control certificate obtainable at the border. Check with Russian veterinary service (Rosselkhoznadzor) for current requirements. Some breeds of dogs are prohibited or restricted.

Tourist visas typically allow stays up to 30 days and cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, natural disaster). For longer stays, you must apply for an appropriate long-term visa before entering Russia: Business visa (up to 1 year, multiple entry), Student visa (duration of studies), Work visa (duration of employment contract), or Private visa (up to 90 days). Overstaying your visa is a serious violation resulting in fines, deportation, and entry bans. If you need to stay longer, you must exit Russia and apply for a new visa. Temporary residence permits and permanent residence are available for those qualifying under specific programs. Consult Russian immigration authorities or an immigration lawyer for long-term stay options.

Business visa requires an official invitation from a registered Russian company or organization. The invitation must be approved by Russian migration authorities. Business visas can be single, double, or multiple entry with validity from 30 days to 1 year. You must register within 7 business days of each entry. Business travelers should carry: invitation letter, business registration documents, letter from employer explaining purpose of visit, and proof of business activities. Multiple-entry business visas allow stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Working on a business visa is generally prohibited - employment requires a work visa and permit.

Transit passengers remaining airside for less than 24 hours typically do not need a visa. If you need to enter Russia during transit (to change airports, overnight stay, etc.), you need a transit visa valid for up to 3 days. Transit visas require: confirmed onward ticket, visa for destination country (if required), and transit visa application. Some nationalities may obtain transit visa on arrival in specific circumstances. If transiting through Moscow between international flights at the same airport without leaving the international zone, no visa is usually required. However, always verify based on your nationality and specific situation.

Russia does not recognize dual citizenship for Russian nationals. If you are a Russian citizen (even if you hold another citizenship), you must enter and exit Russia using your Russian passport. Using a foreign passport as a Russian citizen can result in denial of entry or exit. Russian citizens living abroad must comply with Russian military service requirements. If you have any claim to Russian citizenship (born in Russia, parents are Russian citizens), verify your status before traveling. Non-Russian dual citizens should use the same passport for entry and exit.

Foreign journalists and media workers must obtain appropriate accreditation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before entering Russia. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa is prohibited and can result in deportation and entry bans. Media equipment may require special declaration and temporary import permits. Filming or photography in certain locations requires permits. Professional media activities are strictly regulated. Contact the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department well in advance of travel for accreditation procedures.

Students require a student visa based on an official invitation from a Russian educational institution. The institution must be registered with Russian authorities to host foreign students. Student visas are typically issued for the duration of the academic program. Students must register with local authorities within 7 days of arrival (usually handled by the educational institution). Students may need to undergo medical examination in Russia. Part-time work on a student visa is restricted and requires permits. Bring original educational documents, as they may be required for enrollment and visa extension.