How Sanctions Impact Travel to Russia What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Spasskaya Tower - the main tower on the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin (June 2024)

Since I’ve been living outside of mama Russia for what feels like forever now, most of the people around me are from different parts of the world. And naturally, conversations about Russia come up a lot. One thing I keep hearing is: “I’ve always wanted to visit your country — but… is it even safe now?”

It’s such a familiar tune, and honestly, I get it. The war changed a lot. The headlines are heavy, and the political climate is complicated. But as someone who still visits regularly — and still calls this place home — I can offer a bit of a different perspective.

Let’s start with what people fear most: getting stopped at the border, interrogated, jailed, or deported. Sounds dramatic, but these are real concerns people share with me. In reality? Russian immigration officers often treat foreign travelers better than locals. Even if you’re asked to step aside for an extra check (which can happen anywhere), it’s usually polite, calm, and procedural. No one’s waiting to punish tourists.

If anything, there’s a quiet effort from the inside to shift how the world sees Russia. Maybe not through the media — but through people. People who come, explore, talk, take photos, and leave with stories that don’t fit the usual narrative.

So if you're like many of my friends still asking, “Can I travel to Russia in 2025?” — my answer is: yes, you absolutely can.

Visas (both traditional and electronic) are being issued as usual. Cities are alive and well. Cafés are buzzing, people are out shopping, trains are on time, and daily life continues with its usual rhythm — fast-paced, emotional, chaotic, warm.

White Square, Moscow

That said, it’s not the same as it used to be. Traveling to Russia in 2025 comes with a few changes:

• Flights: There are no more direct flights from most of Europe. You’ll likely have a layover — Istanbul, Dubai, Belgrade, or Doha are popular routes now.

• Payments: International Visa and MasterCard don’t work in Russia anymore. Travelers usually bring euros or dollars and exchange them upon arrival. Some get a local MIR card, or use apps that connect to Russian systems.

• Blocked Apps: Instagram, Facebook, and some Western media sites are blocked. But honestly, we’ve all used VPNs at some point, and there are plenty of free ones that work just fine.

Despite all of that, people are still coming. Those with friends or family here, yes. But also just curious travelers — artists, photographers, adventurers — who want to see Russia with their own eyes, beyond the politics.

And lately, especially with peace talks on the table again, there’s been a quiet but noticeable return of Western tourists. Moscow’s boulevards don’t feel empty, and St. Petersburg still has its dreamy glow.

It might not be the easiest trip to plan, but it’s still a deeply rewarding one. And if your heart tells you to go — go. Travel smart, stay informed, and be open. Russia is still full of stories, contradictions, beauty, and warmth. And it’s waiting for those who want to see it for themselves.

New & Old Moscow in one photo

Is It Safe to Travel to Russia in 2025 — or Is It Too Risky?

Historical Museum, Moscow

Yes, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. Yes, there have been attacks in the Russian border regions — places like Belgorod, Rostov, and Kursk. But let’s not forget: Russia is huge. The kind of huge that makes most maps seem like vague sketches.

Foreign ministries in many countries still advise against travel to Russia. It’s something most people see in bold red letters on government websites, and it understandably makes them pause. But in reality, these warnings are often political — cautious statements, rather than specific alerts about actual dangers for tourists.

Of course, the hesitation is real. You hear “Russia” and “war” in the same sentence, and your brain sounds the alarm. But if you’re not there to make a political statement — your experience is likely to be far more ordinary than expected. Even beautiful.

You’ll meet people who are kind, helpful, sometimes reserved, sometimes incredibly warm. People who’ll go out of their way to help you order a coffee or find the right train. In all the years I’ve come and gone, what I always take with me aren’t the headlines — it’s the quiet gestures, the laughter, the unexpected conversations.

Still, some things are best left alone:

• Avoid any kind of protest or public gathering — even as an observer.

• Don’t get involved in loud political conversations, especially in public or on social media.

• When asked about the war, answer politely or keep it vague. You’re a guest.

• And yes, be mindful of what you’ve posted online. The Russian visa form does ask for your social media links, and while this might seem odd, it’s better to be cautious than defiant.

None of this is meant to scare you — just to prepare you.

Russia today isn’t the same as it was a few years ago. But it’s still full of people who live, work, dance, dream. People who’ll make you tea if you look a little lost or cold. People who will remind you that the world is bigger, more layered, more human than the daily news can ever show.

The eVisa: For When You Just Want a Taste

If you’re planning a short visit — say, to see Moscow or St. Petersburg — the electronic visa (eVisa) is the easiest route. No need to visit an embassy, no piles of paperwork, and no long waits.

You apply online, upload your passport, a digital photo, and proof of travel insurance that covers Russia, and in about four days — that’s it. You get a single-entry visa that’s valid for a stay of up to 16 days, with 60 days to use it from the moment it’s issued. It costs about $52 USD, and many countries are eligible — including the entire European Union and parts of Asia. It’s perfect for a quick dip into Russia.

A few things to note: The eVisa doesn’t let you travel into Russia through every land border. Some entry points — like those from Kazakhstan, Georgia, or Estonia — might still require a traditional visa, so check carefully if you’re going overland. And it doesn’t cover Belarus, so if you're planning a twin-city adventure with Minsk, keep that in mind.

The Bolshoi Theatre

The Traditional Visa: For When You Want More Time or More Freedom

Now, if you want a longer stay or multiple entries, or you’re from countries like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia (which don’t have the eVisa option right now), you’ll need to go the traditional route: through a Russian embassy or a visa center.

It sounds complicated, but it’s manageable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid passport

• Two passport-sized photos

• Travel insurance — Western providers no longer cover Russia, so go local. I often recommend the Russian company Solidarity — it’s reliable, and it’s what many travelers use these days.

• A letter of invitation — this can be from a hotel, travel agency, or even a friend hosting you.

Processing time: Non-urgent applications usually take about two weeks. In a rush? Many centers offer expedited processing (in 2–3 days), though at a higher fee.

Each consulate has slightly different rules and fees depending on your country, so your best bet is always the official embassy or visa center website. Don’t trust shady middlemen or sketchy "express" services — this is one area where cutting corners can seriously backfire.

Getting to Russia with Stopovers: The New Flight Reality

Gone are the days of hopping on a direct flight from Paris or Berlin to Moscow. These days, getting to Russia means making at least one stop — usually in a country that has maintained open air routes with Russia.

If you’re flying from Europe your best bet is to route through one of these cities:

• Istanbul (Turkey): Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are lifesavers. They run regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major cities. I’ve used this route more times than I can count — it’s reliable and surprisingly efficient.

• Belgrade (Serbia): Air Serbia is another solid option. Serbia never stopped flying to Russia, and Belgrade offers connections to plenty of European cities.

• Dubai or Abu Dhabi (UAE): The Emirates haven’t closed the doors either. Emirates, Etihad, and FlyDubai all keep the Russia route active, and the airport experience is, well, Dubai-level polished.

• Doha (Qatar): Qatar Airways also continues service to Moscow — if you’re a fan of long-haul comfort, this is a good one.

• Cairo (Egypt): EgyptAir connects to several Russian cities — less fancy, maybe, but it works.

So, how do you book?

This is where things get tricky — and where I usually get messages from friends saying “I can’t find flights!”

Many Western travel websites and aggregators have removed Russian destinations from their search results. That doesn’t mean the flights don’t exist — they’re just hidden. The key is to use Russian-based or neutral platforms.

My go-to: Aviasales.ru

It’s basically the Russian equivalent of Skyscanner. You can search for flights, compare stopovers, and book tickets — and yes, it accepts international cards, unlike many official Russian airline websites. Bonus: Aviasales also shows hotels, and the booking experience is much like what you’d find on Booking.com — familiar and painless.

Travel Insurance: A Quiet Necessity

Whether you’re applying for an eVisa or going the traditional route, travel insurance is not optional — it’s a must. Russian consulates will ask for it as part of your visa documents, and, even if they didn’t, I’d still recommend getting one. Things happen. You might twist an ankle on a cobblestone in Suzdal or catch a cold after a long train ride through Karelia — and without coverage, you’ll end up paying foreigner prices for every doctor’s visit.

Before all the sanctions, many Western insurance companies included Russia in their coverage. These days, not so much. Most now exclude Russia entirely, which complicates things a bit… but not too much.

I usually recommend a Russian insurance company called Solidarity (Согласие). They’re one of the few who have adapted to the new reality — their website is available in English, they accept foreign cards (Visa, MasterCard, even American Express), and policies meet all the visa requirements.

It might sound formal and bureaucratic, but in reality, getting insured is a quick process. You fill out a form online, pay with your card, and download a PDF — that’s your policy. Print it out and include it with your visa documents. Done.

It’s one of those things you hope you never need — but if you do, you’ll be so glad you took five minutes to sort it out before your trip.

Money in Russia: What Works and What Doesn’t

Let’s talk money — because this is where things have changed the most for travelers in recent years. Ever since sanctions kicked in, foreign bank cards just don’t work in Russia anymore. If you’re used to tapping your Visa or MasterCard wherever you go, it’ll be a bit of a reality check.

Foreign cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) issued outside of Russia? They won’t work. Not at ATMs, not in cafés, not online. No exceptions.

UnionPay, the Chinese alternative, is accepted at some banks like Gazprombank or Raiffeisen, but it’s hit or miss. If your home bank issues it — and that’s a big if — it might work for larger purchases or hotels. Still, don’t count on it for daily expenses.

If you're staying for a while or visit often, you can open a Russian bank account. Tinkoff (now T-Bank) and Sberbank are the most foreigner-friendly options. You’ll need to go in person with your passport, and in most cities, someone will speak enough English to help. Once you get a local card (MIR system), you’re golden — you’ll be able to pay for everything, from metro rides to cinema tickets, like a local.

But the simplest and most reliable option? Cash.

You can bring in up to 10,000 USD or EUR without declaring anything at the border. Anything more, and you’ll need to fill out a customs form.

Exchange rates fluctuate and you’ll get the best deals at smaller exchange points in the city (the ones that look low-key, not the flashy kiosks at the airport).

One tip: make sure your bills are clean and crisp. Torn corners, stamps, or folds can get your cash rejected. Russians are oddly picky about this.

Finding a Place to Stay: How to Book Hotels in Russia with a Foreign Card

Booking a place to stay in Russia used to be effortless. Just hop on Booking.com or Airbnb and you’re set. But now that most Western platforms have pulled out, things take a bit more digging — though it’s far from impossible.

Over time, I’ve found a few reliable local gems that work well and, most importantly, accept foreign cards.

Zenhotels. It’s super straightforward, offers everything from no-frills hostels to five-star hotels, and works beautifully for both Moscow and smaller towns. If you’re someone who likes options, it’s a solid bet.

Other platforms like Aviasales.ru, Ostrovok.ru, OneTwoTrip.ru, and even Yandex Go (yes, the same app used for taxis and food) let you book accommodation across the country, and many of them accept international cards at checkout. These services are in Russian by default, but most have an English version, or at least a browser translation does the trick.

If you're staying longer or want a more local feel, I’d say go for an apartment rental — there are short-term options on local platforms, and some can be booked directly with the host once you’re there. Just keep in mind: many of those require cash or a Russian card.

It’s not as seamless as it used to be, but you’ll always find a place — and often one with a better view or vibe than a big chain hotel.

Staying Connected: Internet, eSIMs, and Russian Workarounds

Being connected in Russia isn’t as smooth as it used to be, but there are still solid options to keep your maps running and your Telegram chats going strong.

If your phone supports eSIM, you’re in luck. Services like Holafly or Manet offer eSIMs that work in Russia — you just buy it before your trip, install it, and voilà: you land with data already on. That alone is worth it, especially if you need to check directions or message someone the moment you arrive. You’ll keep your usual number for apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which makes life a lot easier.

That said, these eSIMs won’t give you a Russian number, which is sometimes a hassle. A few apps — like Yandex Go for taxis — require local SMS verification. So unless you're traveling with a Russian SIM, they might not let you in.

As for WiFi, most hotels, cafés, and even park benches in Moscow or St. Petersburg offer it. But there’s a catch: many public networks ask you to confirm via SMS to a Russian number. If you don’t have one, you might get stuck staring at the “waiting for SMS” screen. Some spots — especially in touristy areas — skip the SMS requirement altogether.

Social Media and Blockages: Don’t Forget Your VPN

If scrolling through Instagram with your morning coffee or catching up on YouTube before bed is part of your daily rhythm — don’t worry, it can still be part of your trip. You’ll just need a little preparation.

In Russia, some Western apps and platforms are blocked — Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, even things like Netflix. It’s the digital version of a closed door, but thankfully, there’s a key: a VPN.

The important thing is to install your VPN before you arrive. Many VPN websites are themselves blocked once you’re in Russia, so setting it up in advance saves you the headache. I use it mostly to stay connected with the outside world — share stories, catch a favorite show, or just message friends without weird restrictions.

It’s not a big deal, just another small adjustment — like packing a universal adapter or remembering to bring cash. Once it’s on, you won’t even notice it running in the background.

Traveling to Russia today isn’t what it used to be. The logistics have changed, some apps don’t work, and there’s a new layer of complexity that didn’t exist a few years ago. But at its core, the country remains the same — layered, unpredictable, human.

The old ladies still sell flowers in underpasses. The samovars still whistle. The metro still glides beneath mosaicked ceilings. And people still open their homes, still raise a toast, still walk you to the door when you leave.

If you go, go with awareness — but also with open eyes and a light heart. Respect the current realities, of course. But don’t let fear or headlines be your only compass. The streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg aren’t battlegrounds; they’re stages of daily life, filled with ordinary beauty and quiet resilience.

So yes, traveling to Russia now takes more planning and sensitivity. But if you’ve always dreamed of it — if something about the place speaks to you — know that it’s still there, waiting, layered in history and still very much alive.

And if you ever go, maybe I’ll be there too — having coffee on a quiet boulevard, watching the city go by.