Russia: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic

Extreme

Overall verdict for Russia: Extreme. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.

Russia: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Sex & dating, Photo & video

The 23 topics at a glance

Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed

💊Drugs🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk 💉MedicinesAllowed, with limits 🛡️Theft & scamsAllowed, with limits 🐾AnimalsRelaxed 🚬SmokingAllowed, with limits 🍺AlcoholAllowed, with limits ❤️Sex & dating🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk 👕Dress codeRelaxed 🕌ReligionAllowed, with limits 🚗DrivingAllowed, with limits 📷Photo & video🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk 🔪WeaponsBanned or serious risk 💶FinesAllowed, with limits 🛂Visa & customsBanned or serious risk 🤝BehaviorBanned or serious risk ⛓️Jail riskBanned or serious risk ⚖️ExtraditionRelaxed 📡Internet & VPNBanned or serious risk 🚁DronesBanned or serious risk 💵Cash & currencyRelaxed 🩺Vaccines & healthRelaxed 💻Remote workAllowed, with limits 🗣️Politics & protestBanned or serious risk

Get the exact rules for your trip

This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Russia, offline, in 23 languages.

Russia: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

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How Russia compares

With 10 of 23 topics flagged red, Russia is stricter than 34 of the 34 other countries in Europe (regional average: 2.2). Worldwide, Russia ranks #17 of 148 for strictness (tied with 6 other countries).

What sets it apart

Internet & VPN: flagged red here, while only 5 of 148 countries are this strict.
Visa & customs: flagged red here, while only 10 of 148 countries are this strict.
Behavior: flagged red here, while only 19 of 148 countries are this strict.
Extradition: relaxed here, while 146 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.

What to watch most in Russia

🛂 Visa & customs · Guides by topic

Most countries require a passport valid at least six months beyond your arrival date.
Airlines refuse boarding without proof of onward travel where the destination requires it.
Electronic authorisations are not visas and can be refused — apply days ahead, not hours.

🤝 Behavior · Guides by topic

Insulting the head of state, the royal family or the flag is a criminal offence in a number of countries.
Losing your temper in public — shouting, aggressive gestures — is treated far more seriously in Asia than in Europe.
Rude gestures that are trivial at home can be a public order offence elsewhere.

Russia at a glance

CapitalMoscow

CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)

LanguageRussian

Emergency number112

Driving sideRight

Mains voltage220 V

Calling code+7

Plug typesC · F

Land borders🇦🇿 AzerbaijanBelarus🇨🇳 China 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇬🇪 GeorgiaNorth Korea🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇲🇳 Mongolia 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇱 Poland 🇺🇦 Ukraine

Frequently asked questions

Is Russia strict with tourists?

Overall verdict: Extreme. 10 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Sex & dating, Photo & video, Weapons, Visa & customs, Behavior, Jail risk, Internet & VPN, Drones, Politics & protest), 8 require caution.

What can get me fined or arrested in Russia?

The strictest topics for travellers in Russia are: Drugs, Sex & dating, Photo & video, Weapons, Visa & customs, Behavior, Jail risk, Internet & VPN, Drones, Politics & protest. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.

Where do I find the exact rules for Russia?

In LawsTravels: open Russia, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.

What is the emergency number in Russia?

In Russia, dial 112. Capital: Moscow. Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB). Main language: Russian.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Russia?

In Russia, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 220 V. Calling code: +7. Plug types: C · F.

Countries with the closest profile

🇲🇲 Myanmar 🇨🇳 China 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 🇩🇯 Djibouti 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇹🇷 Turkey

Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.