If a foreign citizen plans to arrive in Russia, he needs to cross the Russian state border. In accordance with the Federal Law as of April 01, 1993 “On the State border of the RF” the state border is the checkpoint within the railway, car station, sea / river port, airport, military airport opened for international flights. The Russian Government establishes the checkpoint borders and the list of checkpoints across the state border of RF.
The reason for crossing the state border is the presence of valid documents for entry in RF or departure from the RF.
Therefore, a foreign citizen can cross the border on foot, by car, plane, and train and even by bicycle. Please note that it does not matter how a foreign citizen crosses the border, documents requirements are the same for all.
The list of necessary documents for those who entry in Russia is specified on the websites of Consulates and visa centers. The list of necessary documents for those who depart from Russia is specified on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Please also note that there are quite strict custom rules while crossing Russian border. There are some restrictions on the carriage of some goods, equipment, alcohol and tobacco products. It is strictly prohibited to export jewels and metals that cost more than $ 25,000, more than 5 kilograms of fish and seafood. There are also some restrictions caviar export.
Pay attention to the declaration of goods, including cash in the amount of $ 10,000. Cash can be in any currency, but must not exceed this sum.
Information about goods transportation across the border as well as goods and money declaration is available on the website of the Federal Tax Service.
In emergency cases of Russian citizens staying abroad our country created DCMSM- Department of Crisis Management Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information is available on the website sos.mid.ru
Further, we analyze the features and nuances of each option of crossing the border. However, please note that it does not matter how a foreign citizen crosses the border, in any case, he needs to have valid foreign passport as well as Russian visa (if applicable).
As a rule, foreign citizens entering Russia, have transit, tourist or business visa. The same rules are applicable for Russian citizens. In case of moving to visa county Russian citizens must also have valid visa if other procedure is not stipulated by international agreements and treaties between Russia and the country of destination.
Crossing the border on foot
There are very few border checkpoints in Russia where it is possible to cross the border on foot.
For example, according to the intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan citizens of these countries can cross the border on foot through any checkpoint. However, to avoid any misunderstandings at the border, it is always better to clarify the necessary details in the border service. We ensured that the border guards very kindly responded to phone calls and provided detailed explanations.
Please note that while crossing the Russian border every foreign citizen (except Belarusians) receives migration card. It is filled automatically after scanning the passport of a foreign citizen at most Russian checkpoints.
Crossing the border by bicycle
Now cycling is becoming increasingly popular. Many bicycle clubs are opened. Many agencies sell bike tours. Bike tourism is not yet developed in Russia, but many foreign citizens are going to entry in Russia by bike. Please pay attention that crossing the border by bike is not available at every checkpoint.
A foreign citizen should take into account this fact and explore the route in advance before the trip. It is necessary to have passport with valid visa (if applicable), health insurance policy for the all period of stay in Russia. In addition, border guards can check the bike helmet and brakes.
Russian citizens crossing the border with Finland by bike should also have helmets. As a rule border guards do not pay attention to helmets but the absence of helmet is the reason to deny in crossing the border. Our cyclists who move to Europe should also remember that there are fines for moving without special marking in dark time.
Unfortunately, due to situation with migrants in Europe Finland prohibited crossing its border by bike at some checkpoints. It is prohibited to cross Russian-Finland border on foot and migrants moved to Europe bought bikes for entering Finland.
Therefore, we would like to remind one more time: please take into account all nuances while planning your trip.
Crossing the border by car
Both Russians and foreigners prefer to cross the border by car. It allows them to be mobile, to travel not only on tourist routes and detailed study destination country.
A driver and his passengers should prepare the necessary documents before crossing the border:
- passport with valid visa (if visa applicable);
- medical insurance policy;
- international drive license;
- certificate of registration of a car;
- Green Card;
- power of attorney for driving a car with the obligatory indication of the right to travel abroad (if applicable);
- hotel booking
Pay additional attention to car insurance policy. "Green Card" is a mandatory insurance of civil liability of car owners going abroad by car. The aim of this type of insurance is to protect the interests of car owners in case they damage property of third parties/health/life because of an accident. "Green Card" policy allows the use of a car in another country that is a member of this system. As a rule, such policy can be bought while crossing the border. The cheapest policy will be close to the border. Please also note that there are two variants of policies in Russia: the first one is valid on the territory of Ukraine, Belorussia, Moldavia; the second one – all Europe.
In addition, border guards can check the pass inspection document as well as proof of having enough money for the trip.
It is also necessary to remember the rule of “green” and “red” ways. The first one is for those who do not need to declare goods, drinks and other things; “red” way is for others. It’s necessary to fill declaration in both cases. Those who move via “green” way specify their car in declaration. Those who move via “red” way specify their car in declaration as well as declared goods
As a rule crossing the border by car does not require any additional costs, the above-mentioned documents are enough.
Crossing the border by train
Train is the very convenient way for crossing the border. Valid passport is also necessary for it. If a foreign citizen is from visa county, he should receive visa in the Consulate or visa center abroad in advance.
Even if a foreign citizen often cross Russian border, he should always check the requirements to necessary documents. Foreign citizens receive migration cards at the border. As a rule, this card s filled automatically. However, if a foreign citizen crosses the border by train, he should fill the migration card himself.
Entry order is also regulated for Russian citizens who move to countries bordering with Russia. Tourists who move to Kaliningrad region should pay special attention to crossing border rules. Kaliningrad region is the Russian part but it is separated from Russia by Lithuania. As train goes through Lithuania, Russian citizens must have transit Lithuanian visa.
The checking of the necessary documents is happened in train: passengers have no right to move in train while crossing the border, at the same time border guards check the validness of passengers’ documents. In case of absence of such documents a passenger have no right to cross the border and he should leave the train.
Therefore, a foreign citizen should plan his route as well as specify entry requirements in advance while planning trip.
Crossing the border by cruise ship
Sea and river voyages attracts tourists all over the world.
Routes of the largest cruise companies cover the whole world and provide new impressions. Unfortunately, this category of tourism is poorly developed in Russia. Only few foreign citizens cross Russian border by water. It is connected with imperfection of Russian ports.
If a foreign citizen from visa country arrives in Russia by cruise ship, he has the right to cross Russian border without visa if the cruise ship stays in port not later than 72 hours and a foreign citizen spends the night at ship.
If Saint-Petersburg is the only one port on the route of cruise ship and a foreign citizen leaves the ship only with organized tour, he has no need to receive visa. At the same time border guard have the right to ask a foreign citizen to show his tour voucher and can deny to entry Russia without this voucher.
The most spread variant of crossing the border - by plane
The most convenient way for tour and other trips is travelling by plane. Nowadays people travel by plane. This method of travelling combines comfort and speed. Traveler can reach the destination place very quickly.
Both foreign citizen and Russian citizen have only one way – way to the airport in case he plans to travel by plane. How many documents are needed? To tell the truth no more than in other border crossing way:
- passport with visa (if applicable);
- tickets.
Additionally border guard can demand the following documents:
- medical insurance policy;
- hotel booking;
- proof of having enough money for the trip.
In any case, whatever way of crossing the border you choose, if you need a visa or different tickets, you can always use the services of Confidence Group. Our company offers a full range of exit and entry visas issuing, individual tours and tickets booking.
Have a nice trip!
