Russia (Central Asia) travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Russia with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Russia.

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Russia travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Russia with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Russia (Central Asia) - quick facts
Time difference	UK +5 to +9 hours
Language(s)	Russian
Currency	Russian Ruble
Electricity	C + F plug (220V)
Driving side	Right
Visa^✝	Yes

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

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Russia weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C	-14	-10	-1	8	17	22	24	21	15	6	-4	-12
Hours of sunshine (daily)	3	5	7	8	9	9	8	7	6	5	3	2
Days with some rainfall	11	8	7	8	10	12	15	14	11	9	12	14

The Russia weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Irkutsk.

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Russia travel advice

Check the latest travel advice on visiting Russia from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

UK traveller advice for Russia (Central Asia) - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for Russia (Central Asia) - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for Russia (Central Asia) - Government of Canada
US travel advisories for Russia (Central Asia) - US Department of State
Safe travel advisories for Russia (Central Asia) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for Russia (Central Asia) - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Russia.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

Destination

Russia travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Russia with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for Russia (Central Asia) - CDC
Health & vaccinations for Russia (Central Asia) - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in Russia (Central Asia) - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Russia, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Russia travel features

Do you want to learn more about Russia? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Russia.

We don't currently have any travel features on Russia. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Russia FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Russia including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Russia (Central Asia)?

Russia (Central Asia) is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for Russia (Central Asia).

Check out Ministry of Health, Russian Federation for more information.

What is the time difference between Russia (Central Asia) and the UK?

The time difference between Russia (Central Asia) and the UK is UK time+5 to UK time+9 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Russia (Central Asia)?

The main language spoken in Russia (Central Asia) is Russian.

Learn a language for Russia (Central Asia) with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Babbel^*.

What is the currency in Russia (Central Asia)?

The currency in Russia (Central Asia) is the Russian Ruble (RUB).

Which plugs are used in Russia (Central Asia)?

Russia (Central Asia) uses electrical plug type C + F (220 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Russia (Central Asia)?

They drive on the right side of the road in Russia (Central Asia).

Transport options for Russia (Central Asia)

Do you need a visa for Russia (Central Asia)?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Russia (Central Asia).

eSIMs for Russia (Central Asia)

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