Russia
About
| The world's largest and perhaps least understood country certainly deserves a visit, whether it be for short trip through Moscow and St Petersburg's cultural treasures, or a more wide-ranging trip that could include an almost endless list of destinations: the mountains of the Caucasus, the beaches of the Black Sea, the vast Volga River, the endless tracts of Taiga in Siberia, magical Lake Baikal, or the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Nightlife in Moscow includes the world-famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre at Teatralnaya Square. A Russian banya (steam bath) is a true experience and an integral part of Russian culture. Banyas range from small homely affairs in someone's garden to lavish and expensive places for the wealthy to spend time with friends. The stunningly beautiful Caucasus contains Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus. At 5,642m ,it straddles the border between Russia and Georgia to the south and is one of the most beautiful in the country. It's extremely popular with walkers and climbers. Experiencing the real Russia by taking the Trans-Siberian Express is a trip of a lifetime. Trains are a comfortable, reliable and exciting way to see Russia; you can cover the entire length of the country from Murmansk to Vladivostok. |
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| Capital: | Moscow (MOW) |
| Currency: | Rouble (RUB) |
| Language: | Russian. Local dialects are also spoken. English, French and German may be spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 7 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 - UTC/GMT +12 (Same time as South Africa – 10 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | July – August. For winter sports, visit in Winter (December – February) |
| Best for: | ‘White Nights’, Cultural Experiences, Winter Sports, Architecture |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Russia uses a standard two-pin European plug |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. Blood transfusions should not be performed in Russia due to concerns about the screening process. |
| Customs: | If visiting Russian Orthodox churches, women should wear long skirts and keep their heads and shoulders covered and men should wear long pants. Homosexuality is frowned upon and public displays of affection should be avoided. Avoid using the “thumbs up” sign, as it is an insult. |
| Local Offences / Law: | Photography of military installations, government buildings and airports is prohibited. Passports should be carried at all times. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | In rural areas, there may be limited ATM’s and cash should be carried. Avoid political demonstrations. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Russia by persons aged 18 years and older without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 3L of alcohol. • Goods to the value of €1,500 weighing up to 50kg. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Arms and ammunition, undercover surveillance and intelligence gathering equipment, and narcotics. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Arms and ammunition, undercover surveillance and intelligence gathering equipment, narcotics, objects of cultural value, plants and seeds, vegetables, raw precious metals, minerals, wild plants and animals, and endangered species (unless you have a permit). |
Travel Alerts
Check local situation before planning travel
This Information is intended as a Guideline.
Issuing Authorities
The Embassy of Russian Federation
316 Brooks Street, Menlo Park, 0081
Tel: 012 362-1337/8; 012 346 1508
E-mail: ruspospr@mweb.co.za
Web: russianembassyza.mid.ru
Consular Office Tel: 021 362 7116
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-30-11:30
Entry by appointment only.
Consulate General in Cape Town
12-th Floor, Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street
Tel: 021 418-3656/7
E-mail: info@russiacapetown.org.za
Web: capetown.mid.ru/
Hours: 8:45 - 11:30
Entry by appointment only.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-3, 6-8; Feb 23; Mar 8; May 1-2, 9; Jun 12-13; Nov 3-4; Dec 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2, 5-9; Feb 23; Mar 8-9; May 1, 9, 11; Jun 12; Nov 4; Dec 31
Visa Requirements
South African Passport holders do not require a visa for tourism or transit, for stays up to 90 days.
- Visas are required for business and study purposes.
- Passport is to be valid for 6 months from return date, with 2 blank pages
- On arrival, you must complete a migration card (issued by carriers, or available at port of entry)
REQUIREMENTS (BUSINESS VISA)
- Application forms are to be completed online at http://visa.kdmid.ru. Write down the number of the application form, found at the top right-hand corner. This will be required to continue application completion if your session times out. In order to save a draft of your application, use the "Save draft" option. Note: If a section is not applicable, write "NONE".
- Once completed online, the form must be printed. A photo (3.5x4.5cm) must be glued and the form must be signed.
- The printed form must be submitted to the relevant embassy / consular office
- The original invitation issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or the Federal Migration Service of Russia must be submitted to the Embassy's disposal. Only original invitation is accepted when lodging a visa application. A telex confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia going directly to the Consular Office is also acceptable.
- Medical (Travel) insurance for the period of stay in Russia (This is not mandatory, except for EU citizens)
- Return air tickets (single-entry visa only)
- Consular fee
NOTE: If the visa is not checked when received, the Consular Office will take no responsibility for any mistakes in the visa.
Visa Processing Time
4-20 working days. The average visa processing time is 5 working days.
Visa Validity
Single-entry and double-entry Business Visas are issued for a period no longer than 90 days.
Multiple-entry Business Visa is issued for up to 1 year.
Please note that stays may not exceed 90 days in every 180 day period.
Visa Cost
Single Entry: R1600
Double Entry: R2560
Multiple Entry: R4800
- Only cash is accepted. All payments must be done in advance. Costs are subject to fluctuation.
- Urgent applications have additional charge.
SA Representative
SA Embassy in Moscow:
1 Granatny Pereulok, Moscow 123001
Tel: +7 (495) 926 1177
Web: www.saembassy.ru
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Tetanus, Polio |
