Explore Russia – Quick Travel Guide For A Good Trip

Everything You Need To Know For Russia 

Geographical Position And Climate Of Russia 

Russia, the world’s largest nation, is situated in Eastern Europe and spans into North Asia. It shares borders with over a dozen countries including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland (via the Kaliningrad exclave), Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Geographically, Russia extends across two continents—Europe and Asia—and encompasses a vast area of roughly 17 million square kilometers. The Ural mountains serve as a natural division between the European and Asian parts of Russia, although about 77% of its population lives on the European side.

The climate in Russia can be quite extreme due to its sheer size and continental layout. Most of Russia experiences a continental climate with distinct periods of warm and cold weather. Siberia is known for some of the coldest temperatures outside Antarctica, especially in the city of Oymyakon which is often cited as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

Brief History Of Russia

The history of Russia begins with the East Slavs and the Finno-Ugric peoples. The region was a melting pot of various cultures before the establishment of the Kievan Rus’ in the 9th century, which is considered the first unified Eastern Slavic state.

In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded Russian territories, leading to the period known as the Mongol Yoke, which lasted until the 15th century. During this time, the principality of Moscow gained power and eventually threw off the control of the invaders.

Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, was crowned the first Tsar of Russia in 1547. Under his rule, Russia expanded its territory through military conquests and transformed into a multiethnic and multicontinental state.

Following the Romanov dynasty’s rise to power in 1613, Russia continued to expand and became one of the great powers of Europe. The reign of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great saw significant westernization and modernization along European lines.

The 20th century was marked by major upheavals. The Russian Revolution in 1917 led to the fall of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union, the world’s first socialist state. Under the leadership of figures like Lenin and Stalin, the USSR became a superpower, playing a pivotal role in World War II and the Cold War.

The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leading to the establishment of the Russian Federation. Since then, Russia has been working to rebuild its political and economic system while reasserting its influence on the global stage.

Religion Of Russia 

The dominant religion in Russia is Christianity. There are Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist minorities.

Language Of Russia 

Russian is the country’s official language.

Russian territories are lands with a lot of history in the past. The best way to experience this is by visiting. Because of its vast area, in Russia you can also witness all kinds of wonderful natural landscapes.

Places You Must Visit In Russia 

• Moscow 
• St. Petersburg
• Volgograd 
• Vladivostok 
• Sochi 
• Catherine Palace 
• Mount Elbrus 
• Lake Baikal 
• Trans-Siberian Railway

Before You Visit Russia 

Travel to Russia

By Air

The most common way to enter Russia is by air. Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) and Domodedovo International Airport (DME), along with Saint Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport (LED), are the main international gateways. Major airlines offer direct flights from various cities around the world.

By Train

Russia is well-connected by train, including the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, which spans the entire country. International train services connect Russia with several European countries, such as via the Paris-Moscow Express or the Helsinki-St. Petersburg route.

By Road

Entering Russia by car or bus is possible through border checkpoints with neighboring countries like Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. However, long wait times and extensive border controls can be expected.

By Sea

Sea travel is another option, particularly through ports like Vladivostok in the Far East, Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast, and Saint Petersburg, which also serves as a port of call for many cruise ships.

Visas for Russia

Tourist Visa

• Duration: Typically valid for up to 30 days.
• Purpose: Tourism, leisure, or short business trips.
• Requirements: Invitation letter from a hotel or a travel agency registered in Russia.

Business Visa

• Duration: Can be issued for up to 12 months with single, double, or multiple entries.
• Purpose: Business-related activities without taking up employment.
• Requirements: Invitation from a Russian company or organization.

Private Visa

• Duration: Valid for up to 90 days.
• Purpose: Visiting friends or relatives.
• Requirements: Invitation from a Russian resident.

Work Visa

• Duration: Usually issued for the term of the employment contract, up to 3 years.
• Purpose: Taking up employment in Russia.
• Requirements: Invitation from the employer and a work permit.

Student Visa

• Duration: Issued for the duration of the educational program.
• Purpose: Studying at a Russian institution.
• Requirements: Invitation from the educational institution.

Transit Visa

• Duration: Valid for up to 72 hours for air transit and up to 10 days for road or rail transit.
• Purpose: Transiting through the territory of Russia en route to a third country.
• Requirements: Confirmed tickets to the final destination.

Best time to visit Russia

Late Spring to Early June

• Weather: Pleasant temperatures and the last of the melting snow.
• Highlights: The famous White Nights in St. Petersburg, where the city experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Summer (June to August)

• Weather: Warmest months with long days, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Highlights: Enjoy festivals, open-air cafes, and the full bloom of parks and gardens.

Early Fall (September to October)

• Weather: Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
• Highlights: The golden colors of autumn foliage and comfortable weather for exploring cities.

Winter (November to March)

• Weather: Cold and snowy, with harsh conditions in many regions.
• Highlights: Experience traditional Russian winter activities and celebrations like New Year and Orthodox Christmas. Visit Siberia’s Lake Baikal for winter sports.

Note: The best time to visit depends on your interests and tolerance for cold weather. For milder temperatures and outdoor activities, summer is ideal. For winter landscapes and cultural events, consider visiting during the colder months. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for varying conditions.

Important Information

Capital – Moscow

Territory – 17,098,246 km²

Currency – Ruble

Time zone – from UTC+2 to UTC+12

Population – 147,182,123

Demonym – Russian