— Travel Checklist —

All foreigners require a valid Russian visa to visit Russia for tourist purposes. You should allow at least one month to secure your visa – don’t leave it to the last minute!

There are several types of visa, but for most travellers, a tourist visa (single or double entry and valid for a maximum of 30 days from date of entry) is sufficient.

Getting a Russian visa involves: invitation, application and registration.

APPLY FOR THE INVITATION

You can apply for an invitation letter using the following link on our website: http://www.56thparallel.com/russian-visa-application/ Simply fill in the details, complete the payment and we will email the invitation within 24 hours.

APPLY FOR A VISA AT YOUR NEAREST RUSSIAN CONSULATE

Once your invitation is received you can apply for a visa at your local Russian consulate. Different countries have different requirements but generally the application should include: a valid passport (for at least six months), two passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm), a Russian visa application form and the invitation letter which you will receive from 56th Parallel upon booking.

REVIEW YOUR RUSSIAN VISA

Depending on the location and the level of service, you can expect to get the visa within 1-10 working days. Please ensure all the visa details are correct before you travel, as humans do sometime make mistakes. If you notice any irregularities in your visa, please contact your nearest Russian consulate and amend the required info.

The Russian visa process is much easier than it may sound and it is very uncommon for someone to be denied a Russian visa. However, if you have any questions or concerns we are always available to help.

Tip: Even if you are going to visit for less than 30 days, always apply for the full 30 days visa, and submit arrival and departure dates 29-30 days apart, this will avoid any issues should you need to extend your stay.

You should check your documents before departure to ensure they are valid for the duration of your stay in Russia. Please make sure your visa is valid from your day of arrival in Russia.

56th Parallel strives to make your Russian holiday as safe and enjoyable as possible, which is why adequate travel insurance is compulsory for all 56th Parallel tours. You must have medical travel insurance to travel to Russia with 56th Parallel, and we also recommend trip cancellation insurance as an extra precaution. You’ll need to supply details of your travel insurance policy before embarking on your Russian adventure.

You can choose which travel insurance provider you’d like to use, but it’s extremely important that your chosen policy covers all aspects of the trip you’re undertaking.

Flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg are served by direct flights from most hubs of America’s, Europe and Asia. Please allow enough time for transfers to and from the airports and be mindful of your accommodation and trip details before booking your flights.

There are airports in every Russian city. International services to these airports are growing fast but may be seasonal and operate from limited hubs of the world.

Visitors to Eastern Russia (regions of Siberia) most commonly arrive on domestic flights from Moscow or St Petersburg, or an international flight from Beijing (for Asia and Oceania). All of our major departure points are serviced by regular flights from both these cities.

As Siberia (eastern Russia) opens up to travel and tourism, more options for international flights are becoming available. Aeroflot http://www.aeroflot.com/cms/en  Russia’s air lines is a go to site when travelling to and within Russia. S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) offers flights to Novosibirsk from Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Frankfurt, and from Krasnoyarsk to Bangkok. UTAir (utair.ru) offers good connections from many Russian hubs as well as season flights from Bangkok to Krasnoyarsk.

Another option for getting to Russia is to arrive by train on the Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian railway, which originates in Moscow or Beijing and stops at all of our major departure points.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Be sure to check the detailed itinerary of your chosen tour to Russia and see if airport transfers are included. If your package does not include transfers and you’d like to secure a private airport transfer, please let us know at the time of booking and we can arrange a private car and driver to pick you up at your specified arrival time.

If you are arriving by train we can also organise transfers to your hotel from the train station – simply contact us with the details of your train number and scheduled arrival time. Taxis are available at airports and train stations for those who do not wish to book a private transfer.

Usually you cannot exchange your currency to Russian rubles in your homeland due to the unpopularity of rubles abroad. You’ll be able to exchange money at the airport, though we advise against this as airport exchange rates are usually high. Using an ATM at the airport in Russia when you arrive is the best option or if you have an airport transfer and can afford to wait, you can use the ATM at the hotel.

Credit cards can be used throughout Russia in major shopping hubs, restaurants, cafes and bars. However if you are planning on bringing cash to exchange for rubles, US dollars or euros are preferred by points of Russian currency exchange. Banks are also readily available to exchange currency in Russian cities and will charge a reasonable exchange rate.

TIPPING PROCEDURE

Tipping in Russia is entirely at your own discretion. Gratuities are not included in our tour price, however we recommend you tip a certain percentage if you are satisfied with the service and feel comfortable leaving a tip or gratuity. If you do decide to leave a tip, they can be made in US dollars, euros and rubles (recommended). A tip is usually around 5-10% of the price of the service.

LUGGAGE

Since baggage restrictions are getting tighter and airlines are imposing higher fees, we recommend packing one bag per traveler and one smaller carry-on bag. If you bring more, you may be required to pay airline luggage fees. Having one bag per traveler will help you move through airport lines faster and ensure you don’t pay excessive luggage charges too.

If you are traveling for one week, pack enough clothes for your entire visit so you won’t have to worry about laundry. If your trip is longer, laundry services will be available at your hotel or cruise ship.

WEIGHT LIMITS

Check luggage limits with your airline to avoid having to pay additional costs. The weight limit for checked baggage is usually around 20 kg and you will be required to pay excess luggage fees should your luggage exceed this limit.

ESSENTIALS

When entering Russia you can be asked for your tourist confirmation and voucher, as well as a return ticket with a fixed date of departure, so be sure to have these with you as well as your Russian visa.

We also advise that you carry with you any medication you will require and enough to last the duration of your trip in Russia.

It is important to bring clothing relative to the climate and activities of your tour. If you are travelling to Russia in winter, warm insulated clothes and waterproof footwear are integral. You will also need good quality gloves, a thick scarf and thermal layers to wear.

If you are travelling in Summer, bring clothing that you would usually wear in summer along with a light jacket or sweater for evening activities. Comfortable footwear is preferred for all 56th Parallel tours. If your program includes a visit to an opera or theater, we recommend a jacket and dark shoes for men and nice clothes for women. Black tie and fancy gowns are unnecessary.

PLUGS AND ADAPTERS

Electrical adapters in Russia use the two prongs round European outlets (see image)

Russia uses 220 volt electricity (America uses 110 volts). Most electrical devices will support both. You can look at the back of the power adapter to find out its supported voltage. If it is 110-240 volts, you can bring your device with you. If it is 110 volts, you will not be able to use it in Russia.

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Phone

Check with your service provider before you leave to ensure you have international roaming. Most major Australian networks will have a service agreement with one of Russia’s national telcos and if so, your mobile phone will work in most Russian major cities. Mobile network coverage will however be limited or non-existent when you’re touring the more remote areas of Russia.

Sim cards vs. international roaming

56th Parallel suggests that you consider buying a local sim card should you plan to make international calls to keep your international roaming charges down. Your tour leader will advise you on where you can purchase local sim cards. You can also choose an optional tour add-on as part of your tour package, providing you with a local sim when you arrive in Russia.

Travel apps

Each major Russian city has free travel apps which include train timetables, trip planners and other travel tips when commuting around cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg using public transport.

Apps such as Kayak and Aeroflot will help you keep your flight itineraries together and search for travel information such as hotel and car booking, and check for flight delays and cancellations.

When in Moscow, the Yandex.Metro app will help you travel on public transport within the city with ease, providing you with maps, timetables, and a trip planner including a tool which searches for the best possible route and calculates your total journey time. When in St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg Metro Train app is a must, providing you with travel tips at your fingertips. The Russia Beyond The Headlines (RBTH) app for iPad is the best place to find out what’s happening in Russia, with photo and video galleries of the latest events, movies, theatre and festivals as well as an interactive map to inspire you.

Translation Guides

The iTranslate app translates words and phrases for you and is a handy tool for touching up on basic Russian phrases between day tours. 56th Parallel will also provide you with a free basic sayings and phrases e-book following your tour booking.

Many Russians can speak basic English and 56th Parallel’s local tour guides are all English-speaking, so should you encounter language difficulties you will be in good hands.

Should you want to learn some basic Russian language, free lessons with audio are available at: http://www.learningrussian.net/

HEALTH & MEDICINE

56th Parallel will email you a tour-specific pre-departure information pack upon confirmation of your booking. This pack will provide a suggested list of items including travel medical supplies. We recommend that you carry any prescribed medications with you and bring enough for your entire trip to Russia. Asthmas sufferers should ensure they have an adequate supply of medicine as, like most major European cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow can be quite polluted.

The health and safety of our guests is of utmost importance at 56th Parallel. Generally, our tours to Russia are intended for travellers in good health, for their safety and that of their fellow travellers. All guests of 56th Parallel must fill out and submit our health issues form. If you do have a pre-existing medical condition, it is vital that we know so in the unlikely event of an emergency or other need for medical assistance, we can take the best course of action.

VACCINES AND PILLS

You will not require any vaccinations for travelling in Russia. Like the majority of Europe, Russia is safe for foreigners. If you are taking prescription medication we recommend that you bring enough to last your entire trip. Even if you find the same medicine in Russia, you will need a prescription from a Russian doctor so difficulties may arise if you run short. Drinking tap water should be avoided, as even most locals don’t drink it unless it is boiled.

Should you get sick in Russia, contact your 56th Parallel tour guide as early as possible to ensure appropriate steps are made and you receive any necessary medical attention.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Despite perceptions, Russia is actually an incredibly safe place. General safety precautions should be taken much like any other travel destination. During your entire trip you will have the safety and comfort of a private vehicle and driver as well as your 56th Parallel tour leaders.

Naturally there are basic precautions you should take as you would travelling anywhere else in the world. We recommend that you carry a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times. Your tour leader can advise you on secure storage options of your original documents at each destination (usually a hotel safe will be available in your room).

Be cautious, as just like most major European cities Russia also has its share of pickpockets so be wary of carrying your valuables in your pockets. If you decide to venture out alone, always let your tour group leader or someone in your group know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Our tour leaders and guides will always provide detailed safety briefings when we visit remote/wilderness areas and participate in adventure activities. Listen carefully, follow advice and always ask your tour leader or guide if there’s anything you’re unsure of.

CANCELLATIONS

Should a cancellation occur please send an email to info@56thparallel.com, including your booking details, at your earliest convenience. Please note that certain fees will apply upon cancellation. 56th Parallel insists that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in any such event. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information.