Is it easy to travel in Russia in 2025? Well…There are no flights, credit cards often don’t work, it’s generally not recommended, and even hotel booking sites don’t function properly. Are you still really ready to go to Russia? With this guide you’ll know exactly how to handle it.

A land of vast landscapes, rich history, and enduring global influence. From its cultural depth to its geopolitical power, it remains one of the world’s most fascinating and complex nations. Planning a trip to Russia isn’t difficult nowadays, but with this guide, you’ll have everything you need to make it even easier. Ready to go?

How to apply for a Visa

Many nationalities can now apply online for a visa to visit Russia. Thanks to Russia’s e‑visa system, you can manage everything digitally, no embassy visits needed. First of all check if your country is eligible and on the government website.

If you have a passport eligible for e-visa, on the same website, you can also apply for your visa by simply following the guided steps.

A standard tourist visa for Russia usually takes between 7 to 20 business days to process and costs around €35 for most EU citizens. If you need it faster, an express option is available for approximately €70.

If you can’t apply for a visa online or encounter any issues, feel free to contact me.

How to arrive in Russia

Here are three ways I recommend getting there, each with its pros and cons:

1. By plane from Belgrade or Istanbul ✈️
   This is the fastest and most comfortable option, with daily flights to major Russian cities. However, it’s also the most expensive. Ideal if you’re short on time or prefer stress-free travel. Search for flights on Air Serbia or Turkish Airlines. You won’t find any flights if you search on European booking sites, but there’s always a little trick. Ask me how to find them!
2. By bus from Minsk (Belarus) 🚌
   This route is possible but a bit tricky, it often requires extra paperwork or transit visas, and logistics can get complicated. I only recommend it if you’re experienced with overland travel and have time to plan carefully.
3. By bus from Tallinn (Estonia) 🚌
   This is a popular and budget-friendly option, especially for entering northwest Russia (like St. Petersburg). Buses are frequent, border crossing is straightforward, and it’s perfect for those exploring the Baltics beforehand.

I chose to cross the border from Estonia, and honestly, it was an amazing experience from start to finish. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process so you can enjoy it just as much as I did.

From Tallin to St.Petersburg by bus

There are two routes that buses take from Tallinn to St. Petersburg: one via Pskov and the other via Narva. I recommend the Narva route as it’s faster. There are two departures daily, and ticket prices range between 35 USD and 45 USD.

Buses depart from Tallin Bus Station, and arrive to St.Petersburg coach station.

I recommend LuxExpress or Baltic Shuttle for traveling from Tallinn to St. Petersburg because they are reliable, comfortable, and offer convenient schedules. For both is possible to purchase tickets in advance directly online.

At the border, as long as you have a valid visa, the process is quick and straightforward. They’ll check your luggage, ask why you’re visiting, and then you’re good to go through passport control.

Before arriving in St. Petersburg, it’s essential to have your hotel booked in advance, as European booking sites often don’t work for this purpose.

How to book accommodation in Russia

Forget Booking, Airbnb, Expedia or Trivago…and welcome to Russia!

Booking accommodation in Russia today requires using local platforms, as major international sites are no longer operational in the country. I used ZenHotels that has competitive prices and a user-friendly interface, it’s a great alternative to international booking sites.

For visa purposes, you may need to obtain an invitation letter from your chosen accommodation. That’s why it’s best to book and pay in advance.

No Visa, No Mastercard, No Problem? Not Exactly…

As of 2025, Visa and Mastercard no longer work in Russia.
This means you won’t be able to use your international credit or debit cards for payments anywhere in the country, not in shops, restaurants, hotels, or even online.

Even more importantly, you can’t withdraw cash from Russian ATMs or banks using foreign cards. The entire system is disconnected from Western financial networks due to ongoing sanctions and restrictions.

So how can you survive without cards during your trip? Easy, just travel back to 1950 and bring all the cash you’ll need!“

But…When I was in Russia in 2023, even exchanging money at currency exchange offices in the city wasn’t easy. Not all places accepted foreign currency, and some didn’t have up-to-date rates or enough cash available.

I personally exchanged euros with a street cigarette vendor and got a surprisingly good rate right there on the street, and I had enough cash with me to visit some of the most iconic places there.

So make sure you know exactly where you’ll be able to exchange money before you go, to avoid changing it at a very unfavorable rate.

Getting a SIM Card in Russia

Starting January 1, 2025, foreign citizens must meet strict requirements to purchase or register a physical SIM card in Russia: identification document (passport), SNILS (Russian social security number), a Gosuslugi account, and biometric verification… so let’s go for an e-sim no?

I suggest to use and e-sim as Holafly, easy to install and convenient because it has a dedicated plan for Russia (not global as many e-sim companies).

How to Get Around in Russian Cities: Transportation Tips and Options

To move around cities in Russia is cheap and well organized. There are two main ways to navigate, by Metro and by Taxi.

1. The metro system in major Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around. Punctuality, extensive network, and beautifully designed stations, the metro is often the fastest way to navigate through the city, avoiding traffic jams.

2. Taxi. Yandex.Go, similar to Uber, provides reliable and affordable ride-hailing options. The Economy class in Moscow typically costs around 0.10 USD per km, making it an affordable option for city travel.

But…Is It Safe?

Traveling in Russia is surprisingly safe, and you’ll often notice a strong police presence that helps keep everything secure. The people are incredibly welcoming and genuinely eager to share their culture with tourists. Visitors are treated like guests of honor, with warmth and hospitality that make you feel like royalty.

Don’t let the noise of propaganda or misconceptions hold you back; pack your bags, keep an open mind, and discover for yourself the beauty and kindness that Russia has to offer.

Traveling in Russia in 2025 is like a matryoshka doll: every step hides a new surprise… and if anything goes wrong, at least you’ll have an amazing story to tell!

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