PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

Russia is a country rich in history and culture, natural wonders and opportunity. The Russian Far East is no exception. This vast area stretches between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lake Baikal in the West to the volcanoes of the Kamchatka peninsula in the East.  Rare Amur tigers and leopards inhabit the boreal forests between Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. The region’s abundant natural resources -  timber, fish, minerals, and oil – are exported throughout the world.

But a rewarding trip begins with good planning.  There are currently no direct flights from North America to the Russian Far East, but Vladivostok Air provides numerous options to get there via its Far East Service to Japan, China and Korea. With six flights per week from Narita to the Russian Far East, Japan offers the greatest number and the most convenient connections. Consider flying into Toyko via one of Vladivostok Air’s interline partners: United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines.  C  Connections to the Russian Far East can often be made the same day. We'll have information about connecting through Japan on this site soon.

Travel to Russia involves many regulations and restrictions unfamiliar to the Western traveler, such as visas, migration cards, registration, and Russia-specific customs regulations. Tour companies will generally guide their clients through these formalities, but independent travelers should make certain to study them well. The US State Department provides a wealth of information about Russia and travel there on its website. Make sure to visit its page Backround Notes on Russia and the Russia page for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Here, you can learn whether there are any travel alerts or safety concerns that affect travel in Russia.

Consulates of the Russian Federation also provide valuable information about travel to Russia. These sites and other resources can be found via the links on the left of this page.

A travel agency experienced in dealing with Russia, and the Russian Far East in particular will make sure travel planning gets off to a good start.  Consider contacting one of our travel partners to arrange your next trip.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

US citizens must have a valid US passport and Russia visa issued at an embassy or consulate; visas are not issued at the point of entry. To obtain a visa to Russia, one must have a sponsor in Russia, such as a business partner, tour company, hotel, organization, relative or friend. If you are traveling to Russia with an organized group, the tour operator will generally provide visa support. Make sure you fully understand the terms of your particular visa, such as its duration and whether it is a single- or multiple-entry visa.  Extending your visa or obtaining a new one inside Russia can be problematic.

Upon entering Russia you will receive a migration card that you must keep with you for the duration of your visit. Make sure not to lose it.

CUSTOMS

Restrictions exist that may affect bringing pharmaceuticals, large sums of cash, or technical items into Russia, or taking artwork or cultural treasures out of Russia. Retain supporting documentation for items you will be transporting across the border, such as prescriptions for drugs, receipts for high-value purchases, or Ministry of Culture certificates for art and antiques. Check with the Bureau of Consular Affairs  and your closest Russian consulate for more information.