Russia
Russia travel guide for Britons
Britons need a visa to enter Russia; apply at least 30 days before travel and allow 2‑3 weeks for processing. If a visa is denied or travel advisories change, skip the trip.
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GuideRussia
Key facts
- Visa required
- Yes, for tourism, business or transit
- Visa processing timecheck
- 30 days (standard), 2‑3 weeks typical
- Maximum staycheck
- 90 days per 180‑day period
Entry requirements for UK citizens
A valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your planned departure) and a Russian visa are mandatory. No electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is offered to UK nationals.
Visa types: single‑entry tourist visa (up to 30 days), multiple‑entry (up to 90 days). A letter of invitation from a Russian travel agency or hotel is required.
Health: COVID‑19 restrictions have been lifted; a standard travel insurance covering medical evacuation is advised.
- Apply via the Russian consular service in London or a visa centre.
- Provide passport, completed form, invitation, passport‑size photo, and fee.
- Collect visa before travel; it cannot be obtained on arrival.
British embassy and consular contacts in Russia
British Embassy, Moscow: Ulitsa Bolshaya Ordynka, 15, 119021 Moscow. Phone: +7 495 956 5000.
British Consulate‑General, St Petersburg: 1‑я Малая Садовая улица, 2, 191023 St Petersburg. Phone: +7 812 312 8000.
- For emergencies, call the UK consular hotline: +44 20 7008 1500 (available 24 h).
- Register your trip with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) via the online travel advice service.
Estimated costs in GBP
Visa fee (single‑entry tourist): £70‑£80 (check current rate).
Flight from London to Moscow (direct, economy): £150‑£250 round‑trip, 4 h 15 min.
Daily budget (mid‑range): £70‑£100 for accommodation, meals, transport.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | £70‑£80 (check) |
| Round‑trip flight | £150‑£250 (check) |
| Mid‑range daily budget | £70‑£100 (check) |
Practical information
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz, plug types C and F. Bring a universal adapter.
Tipping: 10 % in restaurants is customary; round up in taxis.
Emergency number: 112 (same as EU).
FAQ
Safety and health
Standard travel insurance covering medical evacuation is advised.
Emergency number: 112 (same as EU).
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Russia?
Yes. A tourist visa must be obtained before travel; there is no visa‑on‑arrival or ETA for UK citizens.
How much does a trip to Russia cost in GBP?
Including visa (£70‑£80), a round‑trip flight (£150‑£250) and a mid‑range daily budget (£70‑£100), a two‑week stay costs roughly £1,500‑£2,500.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Russia?
The British Embassy in Moscow (Ulitsa Bolshaya Ordynka 15) and the Consulate‑General in St Petersburg are the main diplomatic posts.
What is the maximum stay for UK citizens in Russia?
UK citizens can stay up to 90 days per 180-day period on a multiple-entry visa.
What are the power plug types in Russia?
Russia uses 220V, 50Hz with plug types C and F; a universal adapter is recommended.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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