RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE 2026

Getting to Russia from India

The most convenient route is a direct flight from Delhi (DEL) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) with Aeroflot or Air India — approximately 7.5–8 hours. Return economy tickets start from ₹35,000–₹55,000 booked 2–3 months in advance. Connecting flights via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates/Flydubai), or Tashkent (Uzbekistan Airways) are available from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Tip: Use Aviasales.com to search — it aggregates Russian and regional airline fares not always visible on Google Flights.

Visa for Indian Travellers

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Russia. The Russian e-Visa (30-day, single entry) is the easiest option — apply online at the official portal, pay approximately ₹2,800–₹4,500, and receive approval within 4 working days. You must enter via a designated e-visa checkpoint (Moscow Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg Pulkovo, etc.). For longer stays, a Tourist Sticker Visa (up to 60 days) is available through the Russian Embassy or VFS Global centres in major Indian cities. Required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), confirmed hotel bookings, return flights, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.

Money & Payments in Russia

This is the most important practical consideration for Indian travellers in 2026. Visa and Mastercard do not work in Russia due to international sanctions. Here is what to do:

• Carry USD or EUR cash from India — exchange at Russian banks for best rates (avoid airport booths)
• UnionPay cards work at many Russian ATMs and shops — check if your bank issues one
• Yandex Pay / Mir cards work domestically — some hotels can help set up Mir cards for longer stays
• Budget your daily cash carefully — ₹3,000–₹5,000/day covers food, transport and minor expenses in cities

Getting Around Russia

The Sapsan high-speed train connects Moscow and St. Petersburg in just 4 hours — tickets from ₹2,000 in second class, bookable at rzd.ru. For Siberia, domestic flights (Aeroflot, S7 Airlines) connect Moscow to Irkutsk in 5 hours from approximately ₹5,000 one way. Within cities, the Moscow Metro is excellent — get a Troika card (tap-and-go) for around ₹50 per ride. Yandex Taxi is the local Uber equivalent — reliable, affordable, and the app works in English.

Where to Stay

In Moscow, stay in the Tverskoy / Centre district for walking access to Red Square and Kremlin, or in Zamoskvorechye for a trendier, more affordable option with great metro links. In St. Petersburg, Nevsky Prospekt area puts you within walking distance of the Hermitage, Church of Spilled Blood, and the city's best cafés.

• Budget hotels: from ₹2,500/night
• Comfortable 3-star options: ₹5,000–₹9,000/night
• International 4–5 star hotels: from ₹15,000/night

Food & Drink — What to Try

Russian food is hearty and surprisingly vegetarian-adaptable. Must-try dishes include:

• Borscht — deep red beetroot soup with sour cream (smetana). Russia's most iconic dish
• Blini — thin pancakes with sour cream, honey, or caviar
• Pelmeni — Russian dumplings, similar to momos, in broth or with butter
• Kvass — mildly fermented bread drink from street vendors. Refreshing and unique
• Omul fish — smoked endemic Baikal fish, a must-try if you visit Lake Baikal
• Olivier Salad — Russia's beloved potato salad, on every menu

Indian restaurants exist in Moscow (Tandoor, Maharaja) and St. Petersburg. Most Russian soups and dairy-based dishes are vegetarian-friendly — always confirm ingredients as pork is common.

Safety & Cultural Tips

Russia is generally safe for tourists in major cities — exercise normal urban caution. Avoid discussing politics or the Ukraine conflict. Hotels automatically register your stay with local authorities (required by law) — keep a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.

• Emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, and fire)
• When visiting Orthodox churches, dress modestly — women must cover head, shoulders, and knees
• Remove shoes when entering Russian homes
• Check the Indian Ministry of External Affairs travel advisory before departure

Best Time to Visit Russia

May–June is the ideal window for most Indian travellers — warm, long days, St. Petersburg's White Nights in June (sky never fully darkens), and moderate hotel prices before the July peak. September offers beautiful autumn colours and fewer crowds across all cities. December–February is extreme cold but magical for winter sports, Lake Baikal ice experiences, and the Northern Lights in Murmansk — not recommended for first-time visitors without preparation.