What's on your mind before you go?

Hi there! I'm the MeTravel assistant. Visas, getting around, money, safety or where to eat — just ask, or tap a suggested question to see the answer straight away.

What should I prepare before travelling to Russia?

MeTravel AI Assistant

Blocked apps: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have been blocked for years; WhatsApp has been blocked since February 2026; Telegram is unreliable. If needed, install a VPN before arriving, as downloads are harder inside Russia.
Staying in touch: test your messaging apps before you leave home; share your itinerary with family.
SIM and eSIM: foreign SIMs and eSIMs may have data restricted for about the first 24 hours; buying a Russian SIM is complicated for tourists. In some regions mobile internet is occasionally cut temporarily; hotel Wi-Fi is usually more reliable.
Useful apps: Yandex Maps, Yandex Go (taxis), Yandex Translate.
Registration: staying more than 7 days in one region requires registration; hotels handle it at check-in. Visa-free visitors may be asked to declare their trip in the RuID (Gosuslugi) app about 72 hours before entry.
Safety: tourist cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Murmansk are generally safe for visitors. Airports sometimes close for a few hours, causing delays. Don't photograph military or security sites; the Murmansk region has many military areas closed to foreigners.
Carry your passport at all times and follow your government's travel advice.

20/20 AI questions left

This is an automated assistant and may not answer fully. Always double-check visa and entry rules with the relevant authority. Don't type your passport number, bank card number, or other personal details here.