Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia, with the Russian government declaring martial law in border areas with Ukraine. Despite its history of criminal activity in the 90s, Russia is generally safe as much as other European countries. However, U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of natural disasters and climate. The Department of State’s Travel Advisory level for Russia is at “Level 4: Do Not Travel”, and the situation is unpredictable and could escalate without warning.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Department of State’s Travel Advisory level for Russia is at “Level 4: Do Not Travel”. Foreigners, including Australians, are at ongoing risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine.
While it is safe in large cities and not-so-touristy areas, there is a worldwide caution alert regarding potential terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions. Security measures are set by local authorities and will differ between regions. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention, and the armed conflict with Ukraine has had impacts on commercial flight availability and access to financial services.
📹 Is Russia Safe to Travel to in 2023? Hear from 2 Americans about Their Experience in St. Petersburg!
Are you planning to travel to Russia in 2023? If so, you might be wondering, “Is it safe?” Despite the high political tensions …
What is the nicest city in Russia?
Moscow, one of Russia’s most ancient cities, offers a rich history and culture that is perfect for visitors. St. Petersburg, the cultural capital, is home to numerous museums and galleries, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and experience local life. The city is also known for its fusion of Russian and Asian cuisine, making it a popular destination for hiking and watersports.
Vladivostok, located on the border of Russia and East Asia, offers opportunities for hiking and watersports, as well as the opportunity to sample local cuisine. Irkutsk, located on the edge of Lake Baikal, offers visitors the opportunity to explore its imperial history, culture, and beautifully preserved wooden architecture. Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, offers a magical fusion of Russian and Islamic cultures, with its enchanting architecture and bazaar.
Russia’s landscape spans from Europe to the Far East, offering unparalleled diversity in history and culture. The top five cities to visit in Russia include Moscow, which boasts centuries of Russian history and culture, the Tretiakov Gallery and Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bolshoi Theatre. Moscow’s vibrant districts and boulevards provide visitors with a sense of life and energy, with the cityscape ranging from medieval Russian to imposing Soviet and sleek skyscrapers.
With excellent transport connections to other Russian cities, St. Petersburg can be reached in under four hours.
Is it safe to holiday in Russia now?
Terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups are calling for attacks in Russia, which can occur during seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites. Foreign visitors typically receive a migration card upon arrival, covering both Russia and Belarus. If a paper migration card is received, keep the stamped exit portion with your passport. Show the stamped card to passport control when leaving either country.
Is it possible to travel to Russia at the moment?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals against travel to Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the unpredictable situation in Russia. The situation includes security incidents like drone attacks, lack of flights to return to the UK, and limited consular assistance from the UK government. Travel insurance could be invalidated if travel against FCDO advice is taken. Consular support is also severely limited in areas where FCDO advises against travel.
Is Russia is safe for tourist?
The armed conflict with Ukraine has led to armed incursions, shelling, drone strikes, explosions, and fires in Russia’s interior, posing a risk of terrorism. The conflict may also result in partial military mobilization, restrictions on financial transactions, and limited flight options. Canadians holding Russian citizenship should avoid travel to Russia while commercial means are still available, and maintain a low profile if they remain. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to mandatory military service.
Can I enter Russia for tourism?
The Russian government enforces a complex visa regime for foreigners visiting, transiting, or residing in the Russian Federation, with non-compliance resulting in arrest, fines, and/or deportation.
Will tourism return to Russia?
In 2023, tourism to Russia increased nearly 3. 5-fold compared to the previous year, with an increase in tourist flows from almost every country. The total number of trips by EU citizens increased by 30%, with Estonians and Germans making the most visits. However, labor migration figures are less reliable due to different visa types. Despite this, expats who stayed in Russia during the invasion say they are bumping into newcomers all the time.
Some Westerners are returning for practical reasons, such as maintaining their permanent residency in Izhevsk, the regional capital of Russia’s Udmurt Republic. A Colombian expressed no regrets about staying in Russia, stating that they have nowhere else to go due to visa rules.
Can foreigners travel freely in Russia?
Foreigners entering the Russian Federation for tourist purposes must have a valid visa, which can be issued for a maximum of 3 months for single or double entry and 6 months for multi-entry, limiting the stay to 90 days out of 180.
Is Russia Tourism down?
Inbound tourism visits to Russia reached 8. 2 million in 2023, a significant increase from the drop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions. Despite an increase in visit counts in the following years, the number remained below pre-pandemic levels. The invasion of Ukraine and subsequent restrictions have impacted both leisure and business travel segments. Most inbound tourists in 2023 came from Central Asian countries.
Despite a 40% decrease in international travel receipts compared to 2019, recent years have seen an increase in domestic tourism. Between 2024 and 2034, expenditure in this segment is forecast to grow by 25%, increasing the contribution of travel and tourism to Russia’s GDP.
Is Russia receiving tourists?
Inbound tourism visits to Russia reached 8. 2 million in 2023, a significant increase from the drop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions. Despite an increase in visit counts in the following years, the number remained below pre-pandemic levels. The invasion of Ukraine and subsequent restrictions have impacted both leisure and business travel segments. Most inbound tourists in 2023 came from Central Asian countries.
Despite a 40% decrease in international travel receipts compared to 2019, recent years have seen an increase in domestic tourism. Between 2024 and 2034, expenditure in this segment is forecast to grow by 25%, increasing the contribution of travel and tourism to Russia’s GDP.
Which countries can travel to Russia?
The Russian Federation visa-free regime allows foreign citizens with ordinary tourist passports to visit Russia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, those planning to stay for more than 90 days in a year require a visa. For visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, a visa is required.
For visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, a visa is required for commercial or work-related activities. Diplomatic or Official passport holders require a visa for the entire duration of their stay in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Croatia, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kirghiz Republic, Korea South, Laos, Macao, Macedonia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Peru, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, and Serbia.
The visa-free regime does not apply to Diplomatic and Service passport holders, Nauru, Nicaragua, Peru, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Venezuela. Citizens with biometric passports obtained after 9 April 2008 can stay in Russia for up to 30 days. Diplomatic or Official passport holders without accreditation in Russia can stay for up to 90 days. Serbian nationals with temporary and permanent resident permits can stay without time limits.
The recommended passport validity is 6 months from the date of your allowed stay in Russia after entry. For example, if you enter Russia on the 1st of January and are allowed to stay up to 90 days, your passport should be valid at least until the 1st of October.
In summary, the Russian Federation visa-free regime allows foreign citizens with ordinary tourist passports to visit Russia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, for work- and business-related visits, diplomatic and service passport holders, and citizens with biometric passports, a visa is required for all other cases.
Can you drink the water in Moscow?
Most of Europe is tap-water friendly, but Russia and Ukraine are two popular exceptions. In Ukraine, drinking tap water is not advised, even in large cities. The country’s tap water is mostly pure and meets drinking standards, but it may contain different chemicals that can have long-term health effects. If traveling to a country, research relevant health advice and treat unsafe water before drinking. If unsure about the water’s safety, do not drink it without treating it and use bottled water if possible. It is essential to research the country and its water before traveling.
As an American who has been coming to Russia regularly since 2018 and now living in Russia as an American expat since May of this year, I can say that everything Daniel pointed out in this article is 100% accurate. Immigrating to Russia is not easy especially if you’re from an “unfriendly country”. I’m immigrating because I’m marrying a Russian citizen. And even this process is lengthy and full of bureaucratic hurdles. You’ll need to learn the language, too as you’ll have to pass a language proficiency exam as part of your temporary residency application. It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Don’t come to Russia without preparation and having thought the matter through. Well done, Daniel!
Greetings from East Coast US! I am of full East European decent, everything you need to know is my heart and soul resides in Russia. Growing up in a Russian Orthodox Parish community, it shaped me a lot. Glory to God, I am becoming even more involved in my church as well as the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate. I have been learning the language for a couple of years now. Russia was my dream country to visit (at least), not because it’s easier, cheaper, etc, but because it holds a unique charm within my heart With that being said, my family and I decided to wait on the idea of visiting because of the current situations, and this article kinda solidified that decision. I still pray that one day we will get to see this gorgeous country in flesh. Мы любим вас!
I am perusal your articles, first of all I have to add the following 1. I have been married to Russia for 27 years. I love Russia and Russian people. Their culture, education and honesty 2. I live now in Tomsk. I go overseas for work but my home is in Russia. I am waiting for my Russian nationality 3. Russians will respect you as part of their own. Just respect Russia 4. Yes, Russia is cheap to live in and you have everything, even more than you ever imagined. Always remember having a job or contract project work like I do, brings you a significant amount of money. Never try to show off. Be professional I am adding this additional information. As of March the 5th 2024, I am a Russian National. Thank you President Putin
As a moroccan I have visited both New York and Moscow within the last 5 years. Moscow is hands down far more advanced, clean, safe and charming. Traffic was overwhelming but the city is huge so understandable. I found out very quickly though that the metros in moscow is probably the most effecient I have ever experienced. NY subway however was a dump compared to it.
Before moving to Russia (I’m not talking about tourism — everything is simple here: got a visa, took a cash and go ahead, there will be no problems at all) study the websites of foreigners who have already traveled this path. There are a lot of them on YouTube and feel free to write to these people to find out all the details — they usually leave their contacts. Just be patient and wait for a response. Maybe Daniel will make a article review of such websites — he probably knows them (Joseph Rose, Justus Walker, Australians from Siberian Freedom website who moved here to build a farm, etc. — they are very active on YouTube)… And yes, if you want to move here, but do not want to merge into our culture and society and adapt to life here, you should not try. Just visit Russia as a tourist — it will be cool, tasty, fun.
Having worked in Russia in very late 90s and then from 2010 for a few years, I can say that the country vastly changed for the better. Let’s not forget that USSR lost at least 27 million during WWII. It is estimated that during lawless 90s between 10 and 20 million were lost. In the late 90 we went everywhere with security services assigned. Today’s Russia is not perfect but it’s a country many are happy to live in for economic, cultural, religious, ecological, historic reasons. If one wants to come, then learn the language, culture, history. Respect where you live. Integrate! Come to Russia because you want to be there. Don’t come to Russia if you are simply running away from something. Russia is a destination of one’s soul. Thank you, Dan and Ksenia for a great article.❤
You reminded me my loved sister. She found her place in mountains of Petegorsk. And she fell in love in this place so much that told me that she feels jelous to everyone who comes to this presious place. She is very afraid that this town can be spoiled by tourists and rude people. So her behaviour makes me filling to go there as soon as possible to see everything by my own eyes. I feel the same perusal your articles about Baikal and Slydanka, don’t know why.😅
I feel that I would need to go to Russia sooner or later, as it is not safe for someone like me in the States. I’ve been supporting Russia publicly for almost the past 10 years, since I was 15 years old. When I was 18, the Feds came and questioned me. If things continue to heat up with Russia, I fear the US government will take greater action against those who speak out. The one thing that prevented me from actually going to Russia years ago was my family. I didn’t want to leave them, which is how I feel today. However, I fear I will not have the choice in the near future and will have to protect myself. Sadly, such choices have to be made, and are made by many people. Sometimes difficult decisions need to be made, but it would be better than becoming a political prisoner.
Another good route to Russia from the east coast is Uzbekistan Airways. I have used this many times over the 19 years with my wife from Tashkent and the flight is even better now. In the beginning there was a refuel stop in Belgrade or Riga, but now they go straight from JFK to Tashkent. It’s a 12 hr flight, but you are covering alot of miles fast. Transfer visas are readily available. Their flights to Russia include Moscow,Omsk, Ekaterinburg,St Petersburg, Novosibirsk AND Irkutsk.
My wife and I recently spent 2weeks in Estonia and was told that it was easy to travel by bus from Estonia to St Petersburg Russia if you already have a visa. It’s easy to fly to Estonia from anywhere in Europe so that might be an option for some people. We live in Spain so that is how we plan to go once we have visas.
I’m 55 and would move to Russia in a heart beat if I was 20 years younger. There is something about the Russian people and culture. That the west has truly lost, these people have suffered for hundreds of years and have more heart and maturity than I see anywhere in the west. God bless Russia and her people 🙏
I have very long range plans for Russia. My passion is to develop young men & women, from ages of first readers to young adults, to pick up conversational Russian, & make periodic trips to Russia. I yearn for visits to the big cities, & the trans Siberian railroad & much more. I see myself having a place in an American village on a provisional basis. I will always be an American citizen. But I want my children who love travel to visit one of the most fantastic countries on this planet. After they have spent time in Russia, they will feel open to any place in the world. Travel not only broadens a soul, it helps create a sense of who you are in the universe. Sandy Rinaldi, Arkansas, US Army veteran 1971 to 1974, 27 OCT 23
Hey brother . Great segment with truth bombs. Been following your website for a few months now. I’m also a retired Vet ( Canadian military) . Been thinking about getting out to Russia Mainly to learn the language and study the culture of Orthodox Christianity as I am also Eastern Orthodox. Any information about the church culture there would be much appreciated. Cheers
I want to move to Russia 1) I want leave US culture and live in Orthodox Country 2) It’s a BEAUTIFUL country. 3) I love their art, music and literature. 4) It’s safe and not filled with crazy Americans. (I’m from NY lol). I hate to diss my heritage, but I have NEVER fit in here. I have always vibed with the Russians in the US bc I’m really introverted and mind my biz. 5) I want to visit their monasteries and churches 6) I want to possibly attend their realistic art academy. Thank you for your info brotha!
This article is great advice. As someone who is married to a lady from the other side of the world to my country (Australia, I married a Lithuanian), and who spent around 20 years working and living in Europe, I can say that nobody should immigrate to any country because they are unhappy with their own country. You stay and try to make it better, if you feel that way. The thing is, family is most important in life. Family and work are what determine your happiness. So, if you are going to move to a different country, you should have plans to make a new family there, and also to be a productive worker there. It doesn’t matter what type of work, but working for a living is the only real way to integrate and build real relationships that will sustain your happiness. Working and paying taxes also means you are paying something to your new country, and carrying your weight. You also learn the language this way, unless your “job” is something totally freaky and weird, like being a youtube content creator. Another bit of advice is don’t imagine people are impressed by someone who always talks down their home nation. People everywhere, from all walks of life, are smart. We all know what it means, if someone has nothing good to say about where they came from. It means they will have nothing good to say about where they are now, in a little while. Changing ones “home” country is hard. It is stressful and difficult, even at the best of times. If you are not doing it for love, and to start or sustain a family, my advice is not to do it at all.
Very good advice! I am actually in Russia now for 2 mths on a private visa from my gf who has an apt. in Kaluga and with tourist visa in Canada where I live. I brought 2K$ US in cash which goes into a Sberbank account. Cdn$ are not accepted here. You can pay for most things using a card except for street vendors who take cash only. The shortest flight from eastern Canada is through Casablanca then Moscow about 13hrs not including layover. It is easy to take bus or train from the airports. As for language, I have been learning Russian for 2 yrs on my own and although I can speak and understand a little, it remains a difficult language. Don’t think for a moment one can wing it with a tourist book of common expressions! Most people speak only Russian so another thing to prepare if you are travelling alone. Fortunately I’m with a native Russian and family which has helped enormously. Overall I love it here, I’ve spent time in Moscow, St.Peters, Kaluga. Everywhere I’ve been, everyone dresses well, streets are impeccably clean, lots of parks with playsets, fountains open all hours of the night. There seems to be little to no crime here, no vagrants or shady people where I’ve been. The sanctions don’t seem to have affected much at least for food or things you might need on a trip. Best of luck if you come, there is a lot of beauty here.
You can settle in Russia if you are married to a Russian, if you have a russian kid or if you are a sought after professional and if you speak enough Russian language. If you are young, you can apply for a student visa and stay for up to three years, unless i’m mistaken. As for bringing your money, there are solutions, but they change on a regular basis. So, yes, cash is the easy way. For Europeans or east coast Americans, you can travel to Russia through Erevan, Armenia too.
Я переехал в Россию, когда все считали, что у неё нет будущего. Но, у меня было чувство, что я переезжаю домой. Это был 1992 год. На самом деле, я не очень люблю людей, которые едут за “хорошей жизнью”. Граждане должны бороться за процветание своей страны, прежде всего, и верить в свою страну. Но, я понимаю, что сегодня, в некоторых странах легально бороться против сумасшедшего либерализма практически невозможно. Что же… Россия не против принять законопослушных, трудолюбивых, нормальных людей. Россия приняла немецких мигрантов, французских, когда-то. Из США приезжали в советскую Россию американские инженеры, чтобы помочь построить заводы. Многие остались тут жить. Но, надо понимать, что Россия находится на острие борьбы с западными элитами за своё выживание и вы можете пострадать. Если у вас с этим нет проблем, то можно смело переезжать
My brother married a girl from Donetsk. Upon arrival, she applied for citizenship. Obtaining citizenship took 4 years. During this time, she managed to study at a medical institute and found a job in a sanatorium. The process of obtaining citizenship in Russia takes place only according to the law and it is the same for everyone. Both for former Ukrainians and for people from the USA. Yes, you will be able to have a good time with money here while on a tourist visa. But if you want to live here and do your business here, you will have to experience some inconveniences mainly related to the time of registration. But Russia is a country of law and they will not be able to refuse you if you are a law-abiding person and are ready to live here. Russian taxes are still the most lenient in the world. And in general, doing business here is very profitable. If you treat Russia and our laws well, Russia will become your homeland.
Да, видимо, всё что он сказал правда, НО если вы цените традиционные семейные ценности, ценности различных традиционных религий, кроме экстремистских течений, если вам дороги свобода и огромные просторы, то приезжайте в Россию и если вы приедете с открытым сердцем и желанием честно трудиться, то она примет вас с любовью. Во всем мире накаляется обстановка, поэтому примите с пониманием сложности и бюрократию в России, безопасность граждан превыше всего.
If you are ready to work, become a foreign language teacher. There are a lot of foreign language courses in Russia; every parent wants their child to know at least English. Language schools will help you with both a visa and housing. Native speakers are especially valued in Russia. American English courses are also popular. In Russian public schools they teach classical British English, it is complex and incomprehensible. Therefore, people often take English courses at private training centers. Even if you don’t know Russian, you will still be of interest to different language schools. But when you learn Russian, your income will increase. Even in small cities, the salary of a native speaker will be above $1000. But in small towns life is much cheaper, rent is $150-200.
I apologize in advance for my English – I write through Google translator. In fact, there are many states that have direct flights to Russia: Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Israel, Qatar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Abkhazia, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Cyprus. Yes, the list changes periodically, but the world lives not only in Europe 🙂 All adequate people are welcome to Russia, there will be enough space and work for everyone.
about respect for country and people…. I was perusal a article about Russia and in the comments I found this text “I am an American, I think I deserve to be met by Putin in Moscow and shown my country”. Come down from heaven… if you are told that you are a great nation and a great people, it does not mean that the whole world thinks so. I’ll tell you a secret. a lot of people think differently. I don’t plan to offend the right people.
Excelente article! Soy ecuatoriano. He viajado vsrias veces por Europa. Estudié mi postgrado en Estsdos Unidos. Nunca había pensado siquiera en viajar a Rusia. Pero en este par de años he abierto los ojos. Rusia me parece un país extraotdinario. Lo que mss me impresiona es cómo salieron del abismo de los 1990s, cuando reinaban las mafias y la corrupción, hasta convertirse en un país moderno, próspero, seguro…. y sin las atrocidades sociales que afectan a occidente. Por eso estoy atendiendo el idioma ruso y espero poder visitar Rusia el próximo año.
Все правильно сказано. Могу еще добавить, что надо уважать страну и население. Лучший показатель это знание языка. Если вы вежливы и добры, то вам ответят тем же. Но не нужно забывать, что негативные люди есть везде. Не хвастайтесь русским людям о своих капиталах, не рассказывайте о своих доходах. Будьте благоразумны, изучайте историю и географию того места где хотите проживать. И тогда ваша жизнь будет максимально безопасна и благополучна.
Been to Russia many times for about a month at a time. Everything Daniel says here is absolutely true. Last time I was there was in April 2023. It was much more difficult for me, as an American, on that trip. I was held for many hours and questioned quite a lot. (It’s a story all on its own that I won’t detail here.) But I did fly into Moscow from Tbilisi via Minsk (still not direct flights from Tbilisi that I can find.) I left via bus through Tallinn, Estonia. This is a much easier route despite the 7 hour bus ride. Easier time at passport control, and really an easier travel day. Later, I just flew to next destination from Tallinn airport. Like Daniel, I brought a pile of cash. They never asked to see it, just asked how much I brought. I was asked several times if I was in Russia to work, so again, Daniel is right on about that – they are very concerned about this. An EXTREMELY important note about American dollars: Only bring $100 bills, and get them crispy clean. If they are marked or worn in any way, they will be rejected and not accepted for exchange. Seriously. One of my bills had a tiny pen dot the size of a period and it was rejected. Also, it’s better to take it to a good currency exchange and then take the rubles to the bank if you intend to open an account. Currency exchanges will offer a better rate than the bank. At currency exchange, you need to provide passport to do the exchange if it’s over $500, and there’s a ceiling to how much you can exchange this way in total during your stay.
Thanks for the info. I’ve been perusal a couple of your articles and found them very informative. We would love to visit Russia particularly Moscow and St Petersburg but because of those damned sanctions it will make it a lot harder to do so. I had discovered Turkey to probably be the best route from the UK to Russia but will keep perusal your articles to keep up to date with all the info on travel. Thanks again.
I don’t know if I’ll ending up doing this, but one of my dreams is to restart an optics company in Russia called Intes. The people who ran the company retired, but it was one of the greatest telescope manufacturers in the world. As a physicist, I developed an interest in the Maksutov telescope, and these optics were specially made by Russian engineers. They were incredibly well made scopes, with surface accuracy on the mirrors well above what most companies could make at the time. Intes also had connections to the military, and I wonder if the rest of the company actually got absorbed after the people that ran it retired. These scopes go for thousands of dollars, and are a rare collector item now.
I am an Aussie living in Russia on a student visa (the best visa in my opinion; renewable while in Russia and last on a year per year basis); I came as my girl friend is Russian. I used to live in Moscow, now I live in Volgograd due to the better southern weather there. I am actually visiting Irkustk now on university holidays. Siberia is a cool Place and you are lucky to live here. I have no problems with money as I have passive rental income from Australia; and I just transfer it to Russia via crypto. Yes I agree that westerners should not come to Russia, expecting special treatment from girls; I think you will agree with me that most Russian girls prefer a Russian man. However, if you are a western guy who makes the effort to learn Russian and adapt to Russian life: it will be easier to get a nice girl. Wish you luck bro: i need it too 😃
Привет Ден, как всегда отличное и очень содержательное видео, я надеюсь что люди, которые захотят сюда приехать, будут руководствоваться им. Мне, как жителю этой страны интересно общаться с людьми из других стран и поддерживаю то, что бы люди приезжали в эту страну. А тебе Ден, всего самого лучшего и чтобы ты наконец построил свой дом на берегу Байкала. Удачи вам с Ксенией!
excellent! i follow a few websites of expats in Russia that show how good life can be, i want to visit Russia as a tourist so this kind of article will give me an idea of what i need to do. getting to Russia via Georgia gives me an idea of where to start so i can work out the cost of travel, then i will research where to stay how much cash etc. it will require saving my pennys for the trip so hopefully next year or maybe 2025 it will happen.
I don’t think people from the “West” realise how different the culture is in Eastern Europe. Maybe it’s a throwback to USSR times, USSR ruled Eastern Europe. As an Irishman living in Bulgaria for over a decade, it is still hard at times, but it is worth it. Eastern Europe, for the most part is Slavic in culture. Never forget this. Slavs are very industrious people, clever, intelligent, practical, gentle. Never mistake this gentleness for weakness. At all times be respectful. Will add as an edit, Cyrillic is easy to learn, it’s very phonetic. Not easy to pronounce the words. Even after a decade I still struggle with Bulgarian when trying to speak it. What you learn in books, you don’t hear on the streets. My Dublin accent kills Bulgarian, but it’s great fun, at times!!
You can fly to Russia from Dubai, UAE to several cities inside Russia via Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia and several Russian airlines too. CASH INFO: You can bring as much cash money as you like, there is no limit. The only thing is that anything over $10,000 you just have to declare it at the Red website when going through customs. This is true for pretty much any country in the world except UAE where you have to declare anything over $35,000. That’s all. People assume that $10,000 is the limit which is not true. I did this a few times, true story. Also make sure you bring clean, preferably brand new notes, or notes that do not have any markings on them. It’s easier to get those cashed at any bank.
Title is kinda clickbait imao. BUT you kinda told some facts to ppl who are acting like little children sometimes. It is pretty simple: Russia is the most sanctioned country by far right now (more than Cuba or Iran). So use cash and look up HOW you can get to Russia. Don’t be stupid and look up local laws and maybe call or go to a russian embassy or get some information on official russian gov sites (everything there is in english and maybe if your lucky in your language). 500$ is the baseline how much you will need in Russia. Play it safe and take more than you need. Food is pretty cheap but housing can be expansive and hard to get. DEPENDS on the area! Use common sense. If you have a non traditional sexual orientation be careful expressing it (in general) in areas outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg!!! Tbh keep it to yourself and don’t show it in public. No one will kill you or sth BUT you can get in legal trouble and get punched in the face like I said outside of liberal urban areas. Learn some Russian! Russians are like French people: very proud of their language and traditions and have no need to speak any other language. I forgot one more point I wanted to mention. I will edit it if it comes back to me. We definetly need more articles like that, keep it up!
By the way, direct flights are also available from Serbia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai and Egypt…to name a few more. If you’re coming from the west coast of N.America, I suggest Hong Kong and from the east coast, Dubai and Turkey seem to offer the most options. Regardless of what route you take from home…it is VERY important to get a direct flight into Russia from whatever Russia friendly country you leave from. You do not want to transit thru any country that has sanctioned Russia. I also suggest buying the ticket for the leg that gets you to Russia separately from the rest of your trip. You probably don’t want your official travel itinerary to include a Russian destination. Do your research. Flying to Russia is not like going anywhere else you have been.
1 acre of land in the USA, roughly $18,000 USD 1 acre of land in Russia $300-500 USD. The American Dream is no longer achievable in the US. You can start a business and build a house in Russia. What else do you need? A lightweight aircraft? A rally car? Monster truck? PlayStation? What can’t you find there?
I am an American/German dual citizen who is just curios about what life in Russia might be like. I know that the President and the Chancellor are not making a tourist visa easy but I’m still wondering what it would be like to live in Russia for three weeks before returning to where I can live legally full time?
In my city of Ufa I know an Italian from Italy who married Russian girl and started a bakery 10 years ago. I used to buy focaccia bread from him. Now he owns a restaurant chain Elio. Sure we had pizza joints in Ufa. But real Italian pizza from real Italian man is a whole different matter. I miss Mexican tacos and burritos. We don’t have that in Ufa. So.
Еще важный момент: рожденные в США ( и в некоторых других странах) дети автоматически получают гражданство, даже если родители – не граждане. В России приехать и “родить ребенка ради гражданства” – не прокатит. Рожать у нас бесплатно (если хочешь – можно платно или даже дома), но вот бумажной волокиты с посольствами потом много. Вообще, есть уже сейчас консультанты (из тех, кто уже прошел путь оформления гражданства), которые помогают выбрать лучший вариант офомления гражданства, рвп и т.д., помогают с документами (список которых может меняться), сроками их подачи и инстанциями.
I am from Russia, and I am sad that people who want to come to Russia, to earn money here, to live here face such bureaucratic difficulties. I don’t understand it, if people from Western civilization want to come here, then we should help them, the state should attract them, Russia is so huge and we have so few people. Russia is a frontier, we have so much land, so many resources, people should develop it all! If I were president of Russia, I would cancel all visas for citizens of Europe and America (two continents) and attract people.
Прежде чем решиться приехать в Россию, вы должны понят и принять, что русские прямолинейны, всегда говорят, что думают в глаза. Не терпят лжи и лицемерия, не терпят опозданий и нарушений договорённостей в обычной жизни. Если вы что-то пообещаете-вы должны будете это сделать. Так что следите за речью. Вежливые улыбки, так присущиие вам, в России считаются лицемерием,это не прокатит. Дружбу русского нужно заслужить, но это будет друг, готовый умереть за вас. Тот, с кем вы выпили кружечку пива и весело провели часок-в России это не друг а приятель, просто знакомый. Много нюансов. Вы готовы к этому?
“Без бумажки ты букашка” which can be translated as “With no paper you are bug, pal” 😀 Ksenia is right~ Legal procedures in Russia are strict (by the way, we got one of the most shrinked court procedures timings for example)… And if you don’t make paper deeds clear, then it’s gotta bite you or make some troubles soon.
And the most important skill for anybody moving to another country is patience and humility. You might think a country is inefficient and slow in dealing paperwork and maybe are are liable to become frustrated at having to make many copies, photos and prove the same details over and over, but, remember you are a guest. During my time living in S.E. Asia and the M.E. I learned that you can make a lot of friends in the queues and that patience and cooperation goes a long way when dealing with bureaucracy because the people behind the desk will reciprocate and make it easier for you too. Oh and, make sure you know how to obtain Police reports for the countries you have lived in recently. This can be a slow process and needs to be completed 100% correctly.
I think Siberia is such a good place to come for living because here are many different nations, religions and cultures lives together. But if you’re not ready to its harsh climate and for 6 month of winter(this can be really hard for not prepared person) then don’t come. But you of course can try and taste it by yourself.
4:14 Yes! That is very true, thank you for saying that last point. Russia is not right place at all for egocentric people looking for easier life. If people come with such wrong reasons it will quickly turn into unpleasant experience for both that person and locals that have them around. You know, in articles of many people of former immigrants that come back to Russia nowdays, often the most upvoted comments are along lines of people’s observation that to the west people were leaving for money and to Russia people are leaving for the soul. And in this case people would have so much better experience. It’s only in this case I think all other aspects like financial side, documents and everything else will eventually fall into place too, because local people will also embrace them and will be helping them along their way
The Russian authorities were surprised by the news: a village will appear in the Serpukhov area, where Americans who left for the Russian Federation from LGBT propaganda in search of traditional values will be settled. 27 hectares of not cheap land in the Moscow region have been allocated for the project. Novye Izvestia found out who is promoting the idea of an American colony.
Даниэль молодчага как всегда, всё разложил по полкам! Кстати про Байкал.. Моя учительница испанского в школе в мае 1963 года была в составе группы переводчиков у Фиделя Кастро,когда тот приезжал в Иркутск.Ну естественно Фиделя повезли в Листвянку,омулем кормить(там ему еще и медвежонка подарили) Так вот, Фидель сказал,что если бы ему пришлось жить в СССР, он обязательно бы жил на Байкале…
Some say, taking flight to Helsinki, capital of Finland and taking a bus from there into Russian city of Vyborg, is the other way of getting in. Not sure whether it is true or not. But the topic is hot and your approach to talk about solving problems on the ground is even hotter. I am an American of Russian descent, know firsthand that if you come to Russia without respect to its law and traditions of its people, you will be humbled fast. Направление правильное, желаю всяческой удачи и мирного неба.
Blessings. I don’t even know how I stumbled onto this website — maybe the interview with Putin engaged me initially. For whatever reason, I am glad to have found this website, I appreciate the insight and information you share, and I am so very impressed by your tenacity in both love and labor. Very best to you y su amor!
I would also add that you should be careful if you plan on visiting Belarus before going to Russia or while in Russia already. Flights between the two countries are treated like domestic flights, in my experience, and nobody will check your passport or visa (if you have one). The problem is that although they’re in a sort of union, it’s NOT like the European Schengen Zone. They are two different countries with different entry and exit requirements. I’ll provide my experience to clarify. I’m American and I was going to St Petersburg in 2013 on a student visa but went to Belarus to see a friend. I needed TWO different visas – my student visa for Russia and my tourist visa for Belarus which was good for seven days. On my last day in Belarus I innocently went to Minsk International Airport for my flight to St Petersburg. I knew something was off when at NO POINT, even when I asked, did I have to go through customs and get stamped out in my passport. I had legally come in and received a migration card for my hotel. I had an entry stamp in my passport…… and flew to Russia without ANY of that process. Landing in St Petersburg I again knew something was wrong when I didn’t get a new migration card for Russia. I didn’t go through customs and I didn’t get an entry stamp. I went right to the school that was hosting me and when they asked for my migration card, I explained the problem. They made a call and said they had to clear it up at an immigration office because I was there illegally.
Вообще, подготовка нужна, но оно того стоит. Российская полиция и миграционная служба с пристальным вниманием относится к мигрантам из средней азии, потому что гастарбайтеров очень много и более 75% преступлений, связанных с ограблениями, изнасилованиями и убийствами, совершаются мигрантами нелегалами. Вообще, в России плюсов очень много, но и минусы конечно есть. Мой совет: я бы посоветовал планировать переезд после того, как ситуация в мире станет спокойнее…
You’re the man dan! I visited Russia in 2018 for a 3 week holiday during summer and visited Irkutsk, Baikal Lake, Moscow and St Petersburg, it was fantastic. I’m super interested in what you think about the socialism in Russia, such as healthcare, those cheap canteens, and other aspects that are remnants of communist policies.
Hi Dan! Glad to hear you again. That’s a very nice idea for a article. As a Russian i agree with all you say, though had little doubts about “going all out” on 100 dollars a week. About 4 years in my hometown a good pizza cost about 6-7 euros (with today’s exchange rate), sushi sets were starting at that price more or less. I am told that since then the prices have risen a lot + if you consider that one has to have breakfast, lunch and dinner outside, 100 dollars doesn’t seem like enough to go all out. If you eat modestly or buy ready- made foods in hypermarkets, that definitely should be enough though
I love all the help you give. I’m just learning Russian because I enjoy it, but it’s great to know these specifics in case my new language skills lead me there. What you’re sharing is valuable pertinent information. I think you’re very thorough and I wish you the best of fortune and prosperity in your coming marriage. Ваше здоровье 🍻
Мне, как русскому, как россиянину, сложно судить о всех пунктах тк я с ними не встречался (я тут родился и это логично, привет из Подмосковья 😊). Но скажу касаемо того видео, где бравые сотрудники ОМОНа “оформляют” иммигрантов – сейчас это очень острая проблема для нашей страны. Вместе с этой нелегальной и дешевой рабочей силой, в страну “завозится” преступность, торговля наркотиками, разбой и тд. И речь про иммигрантов из Азии (они и были показаны в видеоролике). К ним в стране, мягко говоря, не очень доброе отношение, но они сами в этом виноваты. Огромный процент воровста, разбоев и изнасилований происходит именно иммигрантами из Азии. Не думаю что подобного рода методы со стороны закона нашей страны будут в такой строгой последовательности если вы приехали из, допустим, США, Австалии и тд. Но Вас коснется другой вопрос, более очевидный, на фоне событий в мире касаемых СВО. Так что Ден все верно сказал, максимум документов, знаний закона и соблюдения законов. Поверьте, уважаемые зрители, мне, как человеку рожденному в этой стране, намного приятнее будет видеть среди толп людей на улицах представителей вышеперечисленных стран, приехавших сюда с добрыми намерениями с целью поиска лучшей жизни. И это никак не относится к иммигрантам из Азии. Им тут не рады. Поверьте, это очень распространённое мнение среди славянского населения России и их республик. Соблюдайте закон и все будет супер. Мы всегда рады Вас видеть. И всегда готовы помочь.
Hey. Love the info you provide. Keep it coming. To add to this info. Flights directly into Russia. I would normally go one of a couple of routes via Dubai. 1 emirates Dubai to Moscow. And any connection there after. 2 Dubai (with Rossiya) direct to Sochi 3 Dubai via Istanbul then Rossiya to Sochi. Transit via Georgia requires a visa so ads a extra level of complexity. Via Dubai direct to Sochi means only have to worry about the RF entry requirements.
Citizens of several other countries are allowed to visit Russia without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days during every 180-day-long (6 months) period. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela and South Africa fall into this category. However, their citizens are not allowed to work or engage in any commercial-related activities during their visa-free stay in the country.
As a Canadian living in Canada all my life I have never lived anywhere else except in another Province when I moved from Ontario to New Brunswick in the Atlantic Provinces which is where my family originated from since 1786 when Charles McLaughlin immigated to New Brunswick from the United States. Charles McLaughlin originally came to North America from Northern Ireland 🇮🇪. Anyway my parents and grandparents and great-grandparents and so on are all gone now of course . It’s this generation living today in Canada under the dictatorship and tyranny of Justin Trudeau here in Canada. If I was healthy I would gladly take my chances with Russia and the President Vladimir Putin over Justin Trudeau. You have no idea what it’s like in Canada in todays time it’s like what Russia was like before the 1990s. You think I am exaggerating ? Think again ! Justin Trudeau and his criminal Liberal politicians passed a new Bill called Bill C-63 which is being used to fight against hate speech in Canada. Here’s an example of what I am talking about ? If I misgender a transgender not on purpose but by accident I could be arrested and charged for hate speech. And either get a year in jail 0r being under house arrest and not being able to go anywhere with the alarm ankle bracelet on. This is just one of the many examples of Justin Trudeau punishing Canadians who get out a line. Did you know there have been at least 100 churches in Canada Canada being burned 🔥 to the ground across Canada?
Sadly I cannot come to Russia but I visit it often on line especially Siberia and the small villages etc. I am interested in following the land you bought and your plans to build on it. I saw your article about it thus far and why you love it there as do others who have moved there. I wish you and your bride much success and can understand fully the freedoms you have found there.
I have been to Russia many times as a tourist/businessman, so I probably have not encountered everything Daniel is pointing out here, but though I have always enjoyed Russia, I would not want to settle there. Reason: there are nicer, cheaper, warmer, easier places to settle. also I am from an ‘unfriendly’ country (eventhough I side with russia) and I do not know how the situation towards ‘unfriendlies’ is right now
Absolutely 💯 correct Dan. There are many hurdles to jump in order to get there. I can only speak from my experience coming from Canada. In order to get a Visa first you need a invitation from a sponsor in Russia either a private citizen or from a hotel. Then you need to fill out the application through the Russian Visa Application Centre. A single entry private or Tourists Visa will cost you about $440 dollars with taxes. Double entry is $610. From Canada you can fly to either to Serbia or Turkey. My wife used Air Serbia to fly into Moscow this spring. But she doesn’t need a visa as she is a Russian citizen. You are aloud to bring as much as you want but anything over 10,000 cash American will have to be declared as some has corrected me. And don’t bring Canadian dollars. And make sure they are clean bills with no western bank stamps on the bills as you will have a hard time getting them converted into Rubles. She found out the hard way and had to go to the black market to get them transferred. Not recommend if your not from there. Also if you think that you can just go there and get a Russian wife it’s hard work as well. That’s a whole subject in itself. Plan to spend money travelling to different government departments and do lots of paperwork. It’s nearly impossible to get a Visa for a Russian girl to come to Canada to visit. If you use a Visa service to do it for you expect to pay over 5k. And that doesn’t even guarantee that she gets one. Right now the Canadian government is very Russia phobic.
Looking at the article thumbnail, I first thought, “Another one of those articles, huh?”, and checked it out of curiosity, expecting hate or phobia, etc. It turns out that this is neither a pessimistic nor an optimistic view, but a very true warning for those who plan to visit my homeland. Good job, man.
Hi Daniel. I am a new subscriber. I found you through Real Reporter. Thank you for providing us with honest answers about Russia. I wanted to ask you: how did you find your way from LA to Russia? And, how did find your way to Slyudyanka? You probably have answered those questions in another article but I haven’t had the chance to view them yet. Anyway, thanks again and we hope you will have a nice Thanksgiving. Looking forward to more articles. Our best to you from Burlington, West Virginia. John
Medical care for tourists? Urgent care, tourist medical insurance purchased in USA for example, but now sanctioned, and unavailable? Please refer to medical care for short and longer term ”tourists’. How to take into account the ruble whose value changes dramatically over relatively short time periods? Thank you for your interesting and enlightening articles.
I appreciate your honest experience driven commentary. In my case, my ambition to come to Russia is simple. I believe sincerely that America is about to implode. I will come to Russia for asylum. I really believe that because of my strong political and religious views, I will be severely persecuted against and all of my property will be confiscated. I hope to escape the USA before its too late. I know that I must enter Russia by the book and that I must bring enough money as to be self sufficient for the duration of my stay.
First of all, thanks for this article. You kept it real but you did so respectfully. Love your accent as well. I have travelled to Russia many times from the EU and I have had no problems. Despite the fact that we are officially at war with each other, I found Russian people to be sympathetic and welcoming. One thing I would say however is that the process for a holiday visa costs 300EUROs a pop and the process is lengthy especially if you are coming from an “unfriendly country” (America, EU, Japan). I would encourage everyone to start the visa process two months in advance of travelling and also to factor in the additional cost. I cannot speak for the entire RF, but Moscow is very expensive. All told, each trip costs me north of EUR 3500. Perhaps as a last point, if I was to move to Russia I would only do so having landed a job prior to arrival. Additionally, the importance of having at least a conversational level of Russian cannot be overlooked. Just my two cents.
Thank you!! I’m sick of people talking about how “cheap” Russia is and about women etc I’m back in USA right now to change my tourist visa into a work visa which is really expensive and time consuming but I’m doing it so I can stay longer. I orig thought I could do this in just any Russian consulate but I found out the hard way that I have to go all the way back to the Russian consulate in USA, no options.
I am Russian and currently me and my boyfriend are breaking our heads on how to bring him here because even if you’re married to a Russian citizen you still have to go through a lot of paperwork and pass a language test (and he doesn’t speak any Russian). So it’s very interesting to observe how you and Ksyusha are dealing with everything because we’re in the same situation 🙂 I wish you guys all the best! Come to Yekaterinburg and you’ll have a guide))
А ещё в России люди соблюдают этикет, например, вы уже сталкивались с этим, уступить место старшим, открыть дверь и пропустить вперёд другого человека. Конечно ни все его знают, но многие, также современный этикет гласит, если тебя в соцсетях удалили из друзей, то не подписывайся, это моветон) Одним словом, вам ещё надо изучить этикет)
Like you mentioned, I was able to open Russian checking account with Sper Bank using my tourist visa. Russian friend accompanied me when I opened an account with Sper Bank. For me it’s more convenient paying with a debit card. Side note, most Gym memberships are more expensive than American gyms. Especially the nicer ones in Russia.
Thanks, I did subscribe to your website. That is so true about a lot of country not dealing with Russia. I’m coming thru Mongolia where I’m getting my visa, but I’m visiting the FMS once in Irkutsk for my residents. My question is:have you found it hard not speaking Russian ? And which you feel is more accepting ( Spanish or English) with the people ?
Wise words. I have no intention of moving to Russia, but I understand why people do. I’m 63 years old and have my wife of 43 years, children and grandchildren around me so I’m staying in Canada, no matter how much I hate how my country is going. If I was younger and single, however, i might consider it.
I am about to watch this. Before I start you have to admit you chose a very difficult rural existence? Russia has so many diverse places and cities with diverse economies and weather etc a person can hate or love one place and feel the opposite toward another place. I do agree that there are mostly two kinds of Russia Youtube websites 1. The haters who say everything is bad 2 Patriots who say everything is glorious. Now in any real life experience, reality is somewhere in between.
Celé toto article na mě působí jako jedno velké západní zastrašování. Je jedině dobře, že stát chrání své občany před všelijakými nájezdnými dobrodruhy. Jeďte radši do San Francisca nebo Los Angeles, tam přece je právo a pořádek: žádní bezdomovci ve stanech ve špíně, bez chatrčí v Down Townu, úplně čisto bez stříkaček a jehel. Šťastnou cestu do Bajdenova. Palec dolů, který ukazujete v úvodu, si ode mne zasloužíte.
If you have a Russian address of a friend, you can register for a Tinkoff bank account and set the delivery to the friends address. Set the time of delivery so that you will be in Russia, preferably the first or second day you arrive. Sign for your credit card, exchange your currency for Rubles and place it in an ATM machine to fund your card and then shop like a true Russian.
I found Russia delightful and easy to get into, out, and back in again. I lived there for 10 months in 2022-2023, both before and after the Ukraine invasion and sanctions. I left after 6 month, went to Turkey for a few days, then re-entered Russia. Russia gives American citizens a 3 year multiple entry tourist visa, and I got mine in less than 2 weeks after applying. You can stay up to 6 months before you need to leave, but can simply cross the border then come back in. Immigration/passport control at the airports never asked me questions. I took trains as well. I lived in 2 major cities and one Siberian town. The people were calm and genuine, and the prices were so low. Not all Russian banks are sanctioned, and you can open an account there and use Russian issued visa and mastercards. Bring a lot of cash. You can bring more than 10K USD value if you want, but you have to declare it. Don’t expect people to speak English, especially older Russians. The metros are first class. People don’t walk around smiling and saying hi like they do in the USA and Australia, but once they get to know you a bit then they are very friendly. Courteous good manners are more commonplace in Russia from my experience. Overall I enjoyed my 10 months in Russia and wouldn’t mind living there at all.
If you have a Mexican passport you could use the e-visa option, and your fiancee can travel to Mexico (visa free I think). Im so glad of some of the points you made! Im just a regular American girl who loves the language and culture, but I get so annoyed when I hear “cheap living and beautiful women”. What about the architecture, jobs, rental homes, family activities? If you’re only going for women and cheap living, thats sounds like s£x tourism. I want to learn about making Orenburg lace, cheese makers in Dagestan, Russian style embroidery ect. There’s so much to learn about Russian culture and so much to do there.
Когда- то я очень радовалась, что приезжают иностранцы жить в Россию, А сейчас уже восторг поутих, Как подумаешь,что желающих переехать сюда всё больше и больше, кажется, какой – то бум ожидается.Все бы хорошо, если люди хорошие,светлые,чистые. Но не все такие.Хочется верить,что отбор и впредь будет серьезный.
Hey Daniel, Thanks for the information you provided. I have almost cleared all my doubts, but some things are still unclear to me. If you could help me with that, I would appreciate it. I am coming to Moscow, Russia, for my master’s degree. I have no problem with tuition fees and accommodation, all thanks to the scholarship. However, I am worried about living expenses. How much cash should I bring with me that would be enough for 5 to 6 months, and should I bring it in rubles or USD? Secondly, I want to know about the part-time job situation in Russia. Is it easy to get a part-time job without knowing the language, or will I struggle with it? Thanks for your time and consideration!
Moved to russia early this year from Los Angeles to south of Russia, he is 100% right. But if have someone help you with the right information its easy. And there is many great ideas start businesses and life here. My experience not bad but he is right about the paperwork. But not impossible or hard.
One thing you did not mention was a student Visa. I am a beekeeper and I am studying to become a Master beekeeper. For that I need to do a paper on an experiment I have done on bees. I intend to do my paper on Russian bees and do my experiment and write up a paper on them. I don’t know if you know this but because of the varia mites that have infested Europe and America, the bees in the west are dying and being artificially kept alive with chemical treatment and come spring to see a 60% lost of your bees is very frequent. However this does not apply to Russian bees which for some reason are host resistant. However Those bees are hard to find in Canada where I live We can’t import from the US because Canada has banned them from entrance to Canada because of American fowl brood. I would like to know if I would have a chance to obtain a study visa to do my experiment and study their native honey bees. This may become also a potential to export Russian bees to Canada since Russian bees do well in Canada our climates being similar. Thank you for your chenal. it has helped me a lot.
Thank you for an excellent article – that was a bit shorter than I had expected 🙂 Having been through Russia twice (by train, of course), I tend to speak favourably of Russia and the Russians. That led my son to suggest that I take my retirement there, perhaps near Lake Baikal, perhaps some other non-major city. This article was instructive, and actually encouraging. But any such step is still several years out in the future.
I have 2 questions 1…Can someone live in Russia permanently if he comes in by student visa? Or what what’s difficulties? 2…can someone from abroad get a job in medical subject? I mean Do russian government let foreigners do kind of jobs? I’m anesthesiology and reanimation student Let’s say if i graduate and come ti Russia is it legal to work there like anesthesiologist?
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Hey, thank you Daniel for your insight, i will check out more of your articles. Sending blessings from the UK. Another great website for Russian insight is VASYA IN THE HAY – Sergei travels around villages, sharing people’s stories with the world on the hardships of living in Russia and helping them out if he can. From my vantage point most people live a hard life over there.
Once influenced by Western narratives of Russophobia, my perspective transformed after forming online friendships with Russians. This interaction was enlightening, leading me to deeply admire the Russians and Russian culture and respect its rich history. Educating myself beyond biases was key. BTW, there are direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Russia.
I’ve seen a few comments here about Feds (presumably FBI agents) targeting American citizens for expressing support for Russia. At first glance, this might seem sensational or dramatic, but it’s actually happening quite often and very aggressively. I too, was warned and subtly threatened to report any contact with “Russians”. It’s getting ridiculous and I live in Texas. As you know, we are a red state. My wife is a CPA, highly respected in the community. I am a US Navy veteran and Engineer. My kids are very curious about their Russian and Ukrainian heritage. The threats by federal law enforcement are very real. As an American citizen living inside the USA you are no longer allowed to have Russian friends or even want to know your ancestors culture because it’s banned. These are scary times for my country.
Hello i wanted to ask if it is a valid way to come to russia from estonia. Im from Germany and it would be cheaper to fly to talinn and go to maybe sankt petersburg by train then flying to turkey then russia. Or what would u think is the best way to come to russia as a perspective from a german citizen. Really liked your article alot greetings from munich 🙂
Kinda late, but thanks for the information you gave in this article. Which visa would be best to go into Russia and get a feel for it? I’ve liked almost anything Russian since i was a teen and just recently started learning the language. I have a friend, she lives in Krasnoyarsk, and maybe one day I can see her in person without it being through a screen.