Russia international health insurance and visa guide

Stunning architecture and unbelievable natural landmarks like the Psychedelic Salt Mines in Yekaterinburg are the staples of the nation known as Russia. In Moscow, Russia's capital, you can explore the famous arcade game museum, the museum honoring the Soviet space program and subways that look like elaborate grand halls

So, there’s a lot to get excited about when organising your visit to Russia. To fully enjoy your adventure, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel insurance policy as soon as possible, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
 
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:


Visa Information for Russia

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Russia?   

Yes

You will need to apply for a tourist visa before your visit to Russia.

You will also need the following:

• A passport valid for your intended length of stay and at least six months past your visit
• Two blank passport pages for entry visa
• Two copies of completed visa application
• Valid return ticket

Health and Medical Advice
Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in Russia. It’s also a good idea to learn the emergency numbers and find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.

Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to Russia?

Yes.  It is recommended to get vaccinated for:

• Japanese B Encephalitis
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tick-borne Encephalitis

Travel Health Updates in Russia

There have been reported incidents of the following diseases:

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A

Emergency Contact Information in Russia

No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services whilst they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.

There is one emergency service number in Russia, and that is 112. However, these numbers are also available for:
Ambulance: 103
Police: 102


Russia Local Laws and Customs

• There is a ban on taking pictures of military personnel.
• People are banned from preaching and distributing religious materials.
  
  Safety and Security
  

Petty Theft and Crime
Be alert to the possibility of mugging, pick pocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Use caution when encountering groups of women and children begging.

Drugged Drinks
Do not leave your drinks unattended in restaurants, bars and clubs to decrease the odds of having your drinks spiked (which may lead to you getting robbed and/or assaulted).

Bogus Taxi
Use reputable taxis by calling them from the local directory. Do not flag down what may look like a real taxi or share a taxi with strangers.

Bogus Law Enforcement
Because there are bogus police officers that rob tourists, always ask the officer to show identification to prove they are an authentic officer.

Racial Discrimination
Asians and Afro-Caribbean people may experience some discrimination in some areas and should always use caution when traveling at night.

Embassy of the United States, Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Lane, Preulok No.8,
Moscow, Russia, 121099
Phone: +7 495 728-50-00

Useful Tips for Russia

Official Language(s): Russian, Ukrainian, Tatar, Azerbaijani, Chuvash, Tuvin
The most popular languages spoken in Russia is Russian, Ukrainian, Tatar, Azerbaijani, Chuvash, Tuvin. English is the most common foreign spoken language.

Currency: Russian rubble
Before your trip make sure to exchange enough Russian rubble for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.

Plug Sockets: Type A, Type C and Type G
Russia uses two types of plug sockets: A, C and G. The standard voltage and frequency are 230V and 50 Hz. We would recommend that you buy a plug adapter if you don’t have one already.
You can determine if you need a converter or a transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240 V’ on the appliance body. In this case you wouldn’t need a converter or transformer.

© 2018 UnitedHealth Group Incorporated. For informational purposes, UHG does not guarantee the correctness or completeness of the information.