To obtain a Russian electronic visa (e-visa):

Obtaining a Russian visa can be complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive documentation and potentially an invitation letter. Visa-free entry exists for some nationalities but is often limited in duration.

Begin the visa application process well in advance. Use a reputable visa agency if needed. Most Russian Embassies and Consulates work directly with The Russian Visa Center. Carefully review the specific requirements for your nationality on the official website of the Russian Consulate or Embassy in your country. Explore visa-free options if applicable. To obtain an invitation letter for a Russian visa, the process varies slightly depending on the type of visa you are applying for (e.g., tourist, business, private). Here's a general overview of how it typically works:

1. Determine Your Visa Type:
Before seeking an invitation, you need to know which type of visa you require, as this dictates the type of invitation letter needed.

⦁ Tourist Visa: Requires a "Tourist Voucher" and "Confirmation of Acceptance of Foreign Tourist." These are usually issued by a Russian hotel or a registered Russian travel agency.
⦁ Business Visa: Requires an official invitation from a Russian company or organization.
⦁ Private/Guest Visa: Requires an invitation issued by the local branch of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly Federal Migration Service) at the request of a Russian citizen or permanent resident.

2. How to Get the Invitation:
⦁ For Tourist Visa:
Through a Hotel: If you book accommodation directly with a Russian hotel, they can often provide the necessary tourist voucher and confirmation. You might need to contact them specifically about this service.
Through a Travel Agency: Many online travel agencies or specialized visa support services can issue these documents for a fee, even if you haven't booked your entire trip through them. You'll need to provide your passport details and travel dates.
⦁ For Business Visa:
The inviting Russian company or organization must apply for the invitation through the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia. This process can take several weeks.
⦁ For Private/Guest Visa:
Your inviting relative or friend in Russia must apply for the invitation through their local Ministry of Internal Affairs office. This is generally the most complex and time-consuming invitation to obtain.

3. Required Information:
Regardless of the visa type, you will typically need to provide your passport details (full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, passport issue and expiry dates), proposed travel dates, and sometimes your itinerary or places of stay.

Hello there, future Russia explorer!

I understand you might have heard about the mandatory registration for tourists in Russia, and I want to put your mind at ease – it's really not a problem at all! Think of it as a standard administrative step, similar to checking into a hotel in many other countries.

Here's the good news:
⦁ Staying in Hotels? No Worries! If your itinerary primarily involves staying in hotels, you literally don't have to lift a finger. The hotels are legally obligated to handle your registration for you. They'll take your passport details and your migration card (that small paper slip you get at the border), process everything, and you're good to go. It’s completely seamless and part of their service.

⦁ Longer Trips & Mixed Lodging? A Simple Strategy! If you're planning a more adventurous, longer trip involving a mix of hostels, apartments, or even staying with friends, a simple strategy is to make sure you check into a registered hotel or hostel periodically, perhaps every 5-7 days. Even for just one night, checking in will trigger a new registration for you, covering your period of stay. This keeps you compliant without any stress.

Now, for one crucial piece of advice that truly makes everything smooth: DO NOT lose the small white paper slip (migration card) that border personnel will give you when you enter Russia. This document is absolutely vital! You'll need it for hotel check-ins, potentially for domestic travel, and most importantly, when you exit the country. Treat it like gold, perhaps keep it tucked safely inside your passport cover.

So, relax and get excited about your trip! The registration process is designed to be easy for tourists, and with these simple tips, you'll navigate it without a hitch. Enjoy the incredible sights and experiences Russia has to offer!

Let's talk about payments in Russia. 
I understand you might have heard about some limitations with using international credit cards in Russia, and you might be wondering how to handle payments during your trip. Let me reassure you – it's really not a big deal at all! In fact, many travelers find using cash a convenient and straightforward approach.

While some places might not accept your usual international cards, Russian Rubles (RUB) are widely accepted everywhere. Getting your hands on rubles is super simple:

* Bring USD or EUR: The easiest method is to bring cash in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR) from your home country. These are readily exchanged for rubles at numerous exchange bureaus and banks throughout Russia.

* Exchange Offices: There are plenty of exchange offices, and many large banks also offer currency exchange services. Before exchanging, always compare rates at different offices. Look for places with minimal or no commission fees and a spread (difference between the buying and selling rate) that is close to the official central bank rate or the forex rate you see online. We recommend comparing rates at Kamkombank (note: they do have a commission), Cifra bank, Finam, Sovkombank, and Avangard.

* Currency Condition: Try to bring USD notes that are in excellent condition. Older, greenish-black and white notes, or ones with any markings or stamps, can be very hard to exchange. Bringing crisp, clean bills will make the exchange process much smoother. You'll get the best exchange rate for USD and EUR, so it's best to purchase these currencies beforehand in your home country. Airport exchange offices will have poorer rates, though you'll probably need to use one to get some rubles for a taxi to your hotel.

* MIR Card (Optional): If you prefer using a card, you could consider getting a Russian MIR card. You can apply for one online in advance (a couple of days at least). We suggest T-bank, as they have a user-friendly English app. This isn't necessary, but it could be a useful backup.

So, while credit card use might be more limited in Russia, navigating payments is still very straightforward with a bit of advance planning and by using cash. This method often avoids any potential difficulties and makes for a much simpler travel experience!

Due to recent geopolitical events and sanctions, most major international online hotel booking platforms (like Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, etc.) have significantly scaled back or completely ceased operations in Russia. This means you will likely not find Russian hotels listed on these sites, or if you do, you won't be able to complete a booking from outside Russia using international cards.

Furthermore, Visa and MasterCard, generally do not work for transactions within Russia, whether it's for hotel payments, ATMs, or general purchases.

Here are the most common workarounds and what you might encounter:

Russian Domestic Booking Platforms (with a major caveat):
Platforms like Ostrovok.ru (reportedly accepts Visa and Mastercard if you try multiple times) and Yandex.Travel (Яндекс Путешествия) are popular within Russia. They list most Russian hotels. You can also use ZenHotels, which accepts foreign cards without an issue, but has higher rates.
Some hotels might offer an option for "payment upon arrival". If this option is available, you could reserve the room and then pay in cash (Russian Rubles) at the hotel reception. Be sure to confirm this option directly with the hotel if possible, as policies can change.
You might be able to browse and find hotels, but completing the payment with an international card will be the hurdle.

Direct Hotel Contact (with potential payment challenges):
You can use the abovementioned web platforms to browse and find hotels and then contact the hotel directly via email or phone. Some larger, more internationally-oriented hotels might have a way to process an international bank transfer or other specific arrangements.

Use our services. We are willing to help you.
We can help you find the best option considering your priorities - be it a calm location in the city center or the best view on Moscow.

Let's talk about getting around in Russia. While some aspects might seem different from what you're used to, navigating transportation is perfectly manageable with a little planning.
For navigating the city, Yandex Maps is a fantastic resource. It's very accurate and helpful for planning routes.
Moscow is very well-developed for car-sharing and scooter-sharing services. These usually require registration on the government e-services portal, which can be done concurrently with opening a bank account.

Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and readily available option. The most popular apps are Yandex.Taxi and CitiMobile. These apps offer various vehicle types – from basic economy cars to larger minivans or luxury vehicles. Some higher categories might require card payment, so consider getting a Russian bank card in advance (we can help with this). Economy rides are generally available without any card payment requirements.
We can also arrange private car transfers for you if you prefer. Just let us know!

Important Taxi Tips:

* Never hail a cab on the street: Locals always use apps like Yandex.Taxi to ensure a fair price. Street hails are scams targeting tourists, often charging exorbitant amounts, especially near airports or tourist attractions.

* Airport Taxis: Ignore drivers at the airport who offer their services directly. They frequently overcharge and may not even be licensed. Instead, look for an official Yandex Taxi booking point within the airport. Ordering through the app from there guarantees a properly licensed vehicle, GPS tracking, and insurance.

* Pricing: A trip to the airport typically costs around 3000 rubles or less. Beware, hotel pickups are often overpriced.

* GPS: GPS accuracy can be unreliable in city centers, airports, and railway stations. When ordering a taxi online, use a precise address or a well-known landmark as your pickup point. If walking, always check your route in advance using a map app.

Other Transportation:

* Intercity Travel: For longer distances, planes or trains are highly recommended. We can also arrange private car transfers for you if you prefer. Just let us know! We can also find a driver to be at your disposal for the whole day if you need reliable transportation.

* Moscow Metro: Don't miss out on the Moscow Metro! It's one of the safest and the most beautiful metro systems globally. Use it for commuting, and consider a guided tour to see its stunning stations. To make your journeys even smoother, consider getting a Troika card. You can purchase one at any metro station. It's a rechargeable card that you can use not only on the metro but also on buses and trams, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around. Simply recharge it as needed at ticket machines in the metro stations.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask locals for help! Most people are very friendly and happy to point you in the right direction.

Let's talk about staying connected in Russia. You might have heard some things about internet access, but let me assure you – you'll be able to stay online easily with a few simple steps.

While you won't find 5G yet, 4G internet is widely available and generally fast and reliable across most of the country. Most cafes and hotels offer Wi-Fi, although you might need to confirm your access via SMS (text message). This is a very standard procedure.

For more consistent access, a local SIM card is a great option. Getting one does require registration on the government's e-services platform. This is easily done in conjunction with opening a Russian bank account, which I highly recommend for easier cash management. We can help you navigate that process if you like.

Now, about accessing certain websites: some international platforms, like Instagram and YouTube, are currently blocked in Russia. The simplest solution is to download a reliable VPN app before you leave your home country. Downloading one in Russia itself might be restricted, so getting it sorted beforehand prevents any potential issues.