Russia Bound

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html

Hopefully you’ve done your research….

I've been to St. Petersburg and we paid for meals with our bank ATM card from home. Access to U.S. banking systems has been taken away however.

We were going back into Russia but certain political actions happened. We'll never visit again, however.

Turkey is the only western European country that still flies to Moscow.

Good luck.

What nationality passport do you carry?

I carry a U.S. Passport and have a Russia Visa. This was a bucket list that me and my late husband planned on taking when he retired. This was our dream trip, and I intend to honor his wishes. I certainly appreciate any replies that can help me with Russia, which is the last part of my trip. And for the reply regarding Turkey, I will definitely check that out. Thank you.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, and fully understand your desire to complete his bucket list visit. That being said, please read the link Claudia posted, and do some additional research. I'm sure your late spouse would want you to use the utmost discretion where you safety may be involved. I wish you well.

If you had asked this question three years ago there would have been some answers for your questions, but at the moment going to Russia is a really bad idea. It is not a safe country. Please read the US travel advice linked above, you can also read Wikivoyage's article on Russia: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Russia (scroll down to the Stay safe section).

I understand why you feel you need to do this but State Department is asking American citizens not to travel there. And I realize that there has been the tendency lately to poo poo what our government asks but if you just happened to be singled out for some minor infraction, they are the ones that you would have to turn to, to try and get you out.
And, this is an open forum, when you post questions you are going to get opinions not just robotic answers.

EDIT. And I would just like to add, I really think everyone responding on here is just concerned for your safety.

Thank you for the replies. I am still considering other options and really do appreciate your responses. Thanks again.

ajthiabruce,

Welcome to the forum. On the very narrow question of practicality of your plan, have you secured your Russian visa yet? If not the timing is now effectively impossibly tight, given that you need your passport in your hands in 10 days time.
That is assuming you could actually get a visa- rather questionable.

Any travel insurance you have would automatically be void as the US has a no travel order in force. That would make any medical evacuation extremely tricky, maybe impossible and certainly very costly. If you inadvertently got caught in some kind of political protest, your State Department may be unlikely to assist you. There is the risk that you end up in prison there through no fault of yours, other than that the heart ruled your head.

Even assuming that you were able to exchange dollars for roubles in country (currently a fairly large assumption), such an act would probably be in breach of international sanctions. Even in peace time you were not allowed to import roubles. All of that could make travel all but impossible in purely practical terms as Russia is no longer part of international banking systems.

Unlike some here I hope to be able to return to Russia one day, when the war is over.

Unless you yourself are now time limited in your expected life span (I am deeply sorry to have to even suggest that), it would be very prudent indeed IMO to defer fulfilling your late husband's wishes/dreams. Maybe there is some overwhelming genealogical need to travel- but even then a huge dose of reality should be taken before proceeding.

I do understand, and totally sympathise with your intentions, but please take a deep intake of breath before going further.

If you don't speak Russian, have you found a guide? People may be afraid to speak English now. I would not want to travel in a country where my credit and debit cards don't work.

USSR in 1969, student tour felt a lot safer than Russia now. Bucket list or not, I can’t imagine any husband wanting his wife to be put in a dangerous situation. I’m sorry about your husband. Please don’t let grief rule your common sense.

You’ve gotten a lot of good suggestions here. Mainly DON’T GO in this political climate.

Which tour company are you traveling with? What safety precautions are they taking? Please don’t tell us you’re traveling by yourself. As I read your post, it sounds like you know your dates but don’t know how you’re flying to/from Russia?

There are too many little things that can blow up into major things. Remember that there are Americans in Russian prisons. Brittany Griner only got out because it was politically convenient for Putin to allow it.

I have my Russian Visa. I have been learning Russian for a little over a year. I am not fluent yet, but I think I can get by. Also, I am bringing my language translator with me. I have hotels reserved in Moscow, and St. Petersburg. I do not plan to venture outside of the main attractions. I did find some info on trip advisor that I could exchange the U.S. dollars at a Russian Bank or the airport. I'm still looking into that. Thank you again for your replies.

Best of luck to you, as you will need every scrap of it.
I hope you will report back to us after you return.

Also, I am meeting my grandson's French class in Paris on the first leg of my trip March 13th. From there I will travel to Italy, Greece, Hungary and Poland. It looks like I can go from Gdansk to Kaliningrad and then fly from there to Moscow, then St. Petersburg, to Helsinki. I will not be able to enter Russia any earlier than April 22nd. I am just trying to time it right. I can always change course if I don't feel comfortable with it. I do appreciate the concern for my safety, I really do. It is food for thought, and I will consider the advisements. Thank you again.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ex-kgb-agent-says-every-073429731.html

Americans as bargaining chips. Foolish endeavor. Maybe you think you are under the radar. They don’t even need suspicion. They can make it all up.

I still think this is a really really bad idea. Don't expect things like rule of law or personal freedom, or law enforcement that isn't corrupt. And if you encounter any problem, assume you are on your own. Don't expect any help from the embassy or any insurance company. But if you still insist on doing it, there are some things you really need to be aware of.

Money is going to be a problem, as mentioned you shouldn't expect any cards to work. Bringing cash can also be a problem, I don't know if there are any restrictions on dollars but you are not allowed to bring any EU currency to Russia. There are also a bunch of other restrictions. Apart from that, crossing the border can be a problem. There are no flights between the EU and Russia and most (all?) trains have been cancelled. Although there are a few bus routes still operating as far as I know, although I could be wrong.

Another option is to simply cross the border on foot, I think the Ivangorod-Narva (Estonia) border crossing is still open to people on foot. I don't know what the status is of the border crossing from Gdansk, but if you plan to cross there and then fly to Moscow, keep in mind that it is a long trip. Due to sanctions they have to fly the long route. And given the current state of Russian aviation I'm not sure I would be brave enough to fly in Russia. And if you're planning to return to Finland, keep in mind that they closed the border with Russia last year. They've partly opened it again, but I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again. Should that happen, you need to find another solution.

There is also the question of ethics. Is it ethical to travel to Russia at the moment and support the Russian economy, and hence the war?

I don't expect this government to do anything for me. I do not intend to involve them in any of my undertakings. I take full responsibility for my life. I always have. I don't expect anything from anybody. If I get in trouble over there, that will be on me. You are entitled to your opinion as I am entitled to mine. I don't expect anyone to bail me out. But I am not going to live the rest of my life in fear. If I make it into Russia, that would be great. If not, I'll plan that one for another time.

Forgetting fear and personal risk, and bail outs, your actions, like it or not, will be construed by most of the world as condoning murder. Multiple, in the tens of thousands, of murders. If you are okay with that then go have fun. You have every right, just dont get angry if you are judged accordingly. It's your life, you get to choose. I suggest you google Bucha before you leave.

As others have said, travelling to Russia as an American (or other westerner) citizen carries significant and unknowable risk. You may want to google the recent experiences of a Canadian family (ultra conservative with negative views of LGBQT folks etc) who decided to move to Russia. It hasn’t gone well.

If you still decide to go Air Serbia still has flights Belgrade to Moscow.

Thank you for the information Badger. I am looking at all options before I commit. That was one of the reasons I posted on here. I appreciate you taking the time to provide the information with Helsinki. It looked like a good option, but maybe it is not. I still have a month to cancel hotel reservations if I need to. Thank you again for your response.

From the link that Claudia provided:

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer
work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the
United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on
Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Don't count on anything electronically for transactions, and with cash shortages, you may not be able to exchange once you're there.

Thank you Allan. Duly noted. That definitely would be a game changer.

I did check the status of the Finnish border, and a few days after the border was reopened, Finland closed it again. That was in December, and it will be closed until April. I won't be surprised it they close it again or extend the closure.

And just so you know what you're supporting by travelling to Russia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine

I am not going to advise to go or not. As you say, you are responsible for your actions.
Allan's copy with regards to US based credit and debit cards could be a game changer. But, like the similar restrictions for Cuba, take cash....perhaps in Euros. As you will be in Europe prior, systematically take out Euros from your bank account daily until you have as much as you feel you need for converting to rubles upon arrival.....and buy a money belt or two. Some strap to your calf so you can spread around the cash for security.

I don't know if there are any restrictions on dollars but you are not allowed to bring any EU currency to Russia.
(Buried in a post by Badger 3-3-24 at :31 past the hour ( 131PM PST)

Badger is usually quite good on his facts, so the suggestion to stockpile euros for your proposed visit, may not be the solution.

And there is the threat/promise of more sanctions due to the death of Navalny. By April things may be different, and probably not for the better.

Since credit cards, debit cards and electronic transfers are not available, you will need to bring cash.

Don't carry all the cash in one place nor should you try to change all your dollars into rubles at once.

Curreny exchanges can charge you whatever they want and any rate they wish. You may be better off trying different exchange bureaus.

To that, be careful with whom you change your money. Make sure they are legitimate places and not something on the black market. (Dealing with the latter could get you a few free nights at the Moscow jail. They could even be setting you up.)

Just be aware that this could be possible.

My other suggestion is to keep an eye on your planned transportation out of Russia. In case you are overcharged for currency exchange and run out of money, you want to make sure you can get out when you need to.

I travel full time and have been doing it for nearly 10 years. I almost always have a plan B whether in a friendly or not so friendly place.

Badger is usually quite good on his facts

Thank you! Glad to hear that I've made that impression.

From your subsequent responses it is very clear that there has been a lot more planning and a lot more thought about this trip than was initially evident. and that you are going into it, in full knowledge of the circumstances. And that it has considerable significance for you. It doesn't seem to be about "having fun"

Really as long as you are fully prepared, and are willing to cancel/postpone if that really does become necessary, it has to be your decision, not one to be almost bullied into cancelling. I wish you well, and God's care in your endeavour if you do go through with it.
Please do report back to us in due course.

On a different war front I have managed to restore contact this morning with a contact who had become involved in the situation in the Middle East through no fault of her own. Contact had been lost for a number of months, and I had significant concerns for her safety. I am mightily relieved this morning, just as I was about to try to escalate enquiries.

Please be aware that borders are closed, that the U.S. and Europe have imposed such financial sanctions on Europe that your credit cards won't work (nor will cash euros, and I am sure that taking dollars to Russia is also illegal).

You might wish to check if the Visa you have is still valid considering what's transpired since you received it. I imagine they could void Visas at their pleasure. Maybe follow up with the Russian Embassy in your city.

An infrequent poster on this forum - PerilofP - was in Moscow and possibly other parts of Russia in May 2022. He has some good familiarity with the country and the politics, and I’m very interested in his perspective on this. Hopefully he’ll stop by.

I am well aware of the border situation in and around Russia. I realize it changes frequently. I have plenty of cash set aside for this trip. I received my Russian Visa from the Russian consulate in Houston recently. I just contacted them and was told it is not illegal to bring U S dollars into the airport or Russian Banks to exchange for Rubles. It is illegal to use them to buy goods and services which I was aware of and had no intentions of doing so. Most of my trip will take place in Europe. What happens from there, I guess we'll see.

All other issues aside, I am interested to know what you plan to see there?
Do you have an itinerary, and for how many days?

I’ve always wanted to go to Russia too, but not at this moment in time…….

To Isn31c. Thank you for your response. I appreciated it very much. I am also very happy for you that your contact was found safe. Thanks again for your reply.

ajthiabruce, please realize that posters on the forum are just concerned for your safety in a hostile country that does not adhere to the rule of law.

SJ. My late husband was a builder and very interested in the Russian architecture. I don't want to put anything too personal on here, but there are very personal reasons for me to go. I plan on staying 1 week in Moscow around the Red Square
and Saint Basil's cathedral. It has also been a long time dream of mine to see a ballet at the Bolshoi theater. I plan on 8 days in St. Petersburg to see the museums and experience the culture. I am still putting the plan in place but I already booked my hotels. If you have any suggestions on other interests there, I would love to hear them. Thank you.

I am well aware of the border situation in and around Russia.

To be honest, your posts don't give the impression that you do. You mentioned that you planned to go from St Petersburg to Finland, and that gives the impression that you have a bit of learning to do. Otherwise I fear you are in for some very unpleasant surprises.

I received my Russian Visa from the Russian consulate in Houston
recently. I just contacted them and was told it is not illegal to
bring U S dollars into the airport or Russian Banks to exchange for
Rubles.

That's not how sanctions work. Of course the Russians are going to say that it is perfectly legal, they are desperate for foreign currency. The question is if it's legal to export US dollars with the purpose to take them to Russia.

Hello,

I'm locking this thread and cleaning out a number of responses. I think the collective caution has been provided to the OP, and thank you to those who answered the question directly. If you have any other helpful information for her travels, please send a PM. No further commentary for her will be necessary and may be considered a guideline violation.

However, while the OP has been adequately cautioned in this thread, and we do not typically moderate content, we're in a position to address any thread that can negatively affect one's physical safety. For the sake of any others reading along, as a reminder from our Community Guidelines, we (Rick Steves, Rick Steves' Europe Inc, RSE staff) accept no responsibility for loss, injury, inconvenience, etc sustained by any person using the free advice received from Rick Steves Community members.

Note the U.S. Dept of State's strongly worded Level 4 "Do Not Travel" Travel Advisory for Russia. Here is the first paragraph from that advisory:

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.