Crossing a Russian Border

Before traveling to Russia, a foreigner should verify the latest requirements with the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate since Russian immigration and visa laws change regularly. In order to cross the border without any difficulties, stick to the following STEP-BY-STEP CUSTOMS GUIDANCE:

• Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including Passport should be valid 6 months beyond intended stay; Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel; Russian visa (if required); HIV Certificate (if required); Medical Insurance (if required); Other documents

• Fill out the customs declaration form available in several languages.These completeed forms are returned to customs together with a new form on departure.

• Fill out a migration card, depositing one part with immigration authorities at the port of entry and holding on to the other part for the duration of their stay. Upon exit, the migration card, which serves as a statistical tool and a record of entry, exit, and registration, must be submitted to immigration authorities. The card is also necessary to register at hotels.

• Once you have exited passport control, check to make sure Arrival/Departure Card, which you received at the consulate alongside your visa, is stamped by the officer. The stamp must indicate the current date with an arrow directed towards the date [DD MM YY D ], where DD means day, MM - month, YY - year, D - just any digit. If you have a single entry visa, the officer will take the card away. If you have a double or multiple entry, you will keep the Card for your future visits.

• On departure date make sure you have a Registration Mark in your Migration Card – otherwise you may be fined. State fee is about $50 or 1500 rubles.

• On departure Your passport should also be stamped with the so-called "exit-stamp". The arrow after the date should look to the right, outwards the date.

It’s woth keeping in mind

• Before ordering your tickets to Russia, please check the start date of your visa. You cannot enter the country before this date. Before ordering your tickets from Russia, please check the expiration date of your visa. You cannot exit the country after this date.
• Items of considerable value such as diamond jewellery and computers, should be noted on the customs form on entry.All such valuables must be reexported or import duty will be charged.
• On arrival and departure all items go through X-ray machine.
• Travelers, who overstay their visa’s validity, even for one day, will be prevented from leaving until their sponsor intervenes and requests a visa extension on their behalf.
• Migration cards are available at all ports of entry from Russian immigration officials (Border Guards). The cards are generally distributed to passengers on incoming flights and left in literature racks at arrival points. Lost/stolen migration cards cannot be replaced.

Apply for your Russian visa support online

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