Visiting Moscow
Discussion
Moscow has been on my list for ages and this Christmas my wife asked for ballet tickets. So why not see the ballet in Moscow?
Is this feasible? FCDO and US DoS both advise against it for all the reasons you’d expect. I travel with work frequently; EU, Asia and lots of US so need to ensure this doesn’t put me on a list people to detain at the border.
Any real world experience?
Is this feasible? FCDO and US DoS both advise against it for all the reasons you’d expect. I travel with work frequently; EU, Asia and lots of US so need to ensure this doesn’t put me on a list people to detain at the border.
Any real world experience?
Is it worth the risk?
As well as the potential risk of being detained as a Westerner in Moscow in the current climate, if you can even get a visa to go there, you'd have to fly via somewhere like Turkey on a dodgy airline.
I also wouldn't want a record of recent travel to Russia on my passport if I was needing to travel to the US any time soon.
As well as the potential risk of being detained as a Westerner in Moscow in the current climate, if you can even get a visa to go there, you'd have to fly via somewhere like Turkey on a dodgy airline.
I also wouldn't want a record of recent travel to Russia on my passport if I was needing to travel to the US any time soon.
You also need to consider that once your there none of your cards will work, so you will need to bring cash (probably USD).
Also the internet is severely restricted now, so no YouTube, Google etc. You will need to reply on asking people for directions etc.
I suspect your sim card might not work, so be prepared to purchase a local sim.
Also be prepared for some hostile interactions from some locals, with all the propaganda forced upon the population some will assume you are a Nazi etc.
That's not to mention the hassle of applying for the visa, listing every country you have been to and the dates etc. Plus the costs of traveling to the friendly country that still has flights to Russia.
Also the internet is severely restricted now, so no YouTube, Google etc. You will need to reply on asking people for directions etc.
I suspect your sim card might not work, so be prepared to purchase a local sim.
Also be prepared for some hostile interactions from some locals, with all the propaganda forced upon the population some will assume you are a Nazi etc.
That's not to mention the hassle of applying for the visa, listing every country you have been to and the dates etc. Plus the costs of traveling to the friendly country that still has flights to Russia.
I would strongly recommend that you do not travel to Russia atm.
Russian people are generally similar to us but border control personnel & police are very different to their U.K. counterparts. I’m not far from a Russian border atm and most westerners are delaying travelling to Russia. I think you should be OK but one overzealous official will ruin your trip. It’s not unknown for border security to ‘agree’ to check your phone for any anti Russian sentiment.
And that’s before the ethical question arises.
NB - not entirely sure if OP is being serious.
Russian people are generally similar to us but border control personnel & police are very different to their U.K. counterparts. I’m not far from a Russian border atm and most westerners are delaying travelling to Russia. I think you should be OK but one overzealous official will ruin your trip. It’s not unknown for border security to ‘agree’ to check your phone for any anti Russian sentiment.
And that’s before the ethical question arises.
NB - not entirely sure if OP is being serious.
Given they seem to be arresting foreigners and charging them with spying, I would stay well away, even if the risk is remote.
Also travelling against FCO guidance can void travel insurance.
It's a shame as I've always wanted to visit Moscow and St Petersburg, but I'll be waiting until 'normal relations' are resumed.
Also travelling against FCO guidance can void travel insurance.
It's a shame as I've always wanted to visit Moscow and St Petersburg, but I'll be waiting until 'normal relations' are resumed.
Origin Unknown said:
Is this feasible?
If you are UK citizen then no its not. You will need a visa, which will be declined if your only reason is tourism.If you try without a visa you will be turned around at the airport, best case.
Worst case detained for trying to enter without a visa.
At this moment its literally easier to visit Iran than Russia.
Thanks for all the replies!
Found some good info here https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/s/Q70jw7mijF
More research required.
Found some good info here https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/s/Q70jw7mijF
More research required.
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