Russia Travel Guide

With its impressive examples of Soviet architecture, squares decorated with rich historical and cultural heritage, and fascinating natural landscapes, Russia offers an extraordinary holiday destination worth exploring. Located in Northern Eurasia, this country is the ninth most populous country in the world with a population of over 144 million. Bordering Finland, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Lithuania, as well as China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and Belarus, Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area.

Founded as the Russian Federation after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, this giant country is the world's largest producer of natural gas and oil. Moskova, famous churches with their colorful domes, huge Red Square'ı, history Kremlin Palace and the Volga River, it resembles a fairy-tale city. It is also famous for its white nights. St. Petersburg, is a reason to visit Russia. Natural wonders such as Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world, and the Lena Pillars, which have been listed as a world heritage site, are just a few of the places that will make your trip to Russia unforgettable. If you haven't yet discovered these magical lands, Places to Visit in Russia You can take a look at our article and we recommend you add Russia to your route immediately.

Russian Culture

Russia has a world-renowned heritage in culture and art. It is one of the countries that shaped world art history with its great names in literature, theatre, opera, ballet and painting.

Russian literature is known for giants such as Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Gorky, Pushkin and Gogol. Works such as “Crime and Punishment”, “War and Peace” and “The Brothers Karamazov” are among the world classics.

In the field of opera, ballet and classical music, it has produced famous composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Borodin, Korsakov and Glazunov. Russia, at the same time, Bolshoi Theater It has made a great contribution to the development of performing arts by hosting world-famous cultural centers such as.

Sports have been an integral part of Russian culture from the Soviet Union to the present day. Many successful Russian athletes have emerged in winter sports, ice hockey, volleyball, tennis, football and athletics.

Russian Economy

Russia has a mixed economic structure with high income as well as state ownership. While privatization processes are carried out in the industry, agriculture and energy sectors, regular income from natural resources is one of the most important factors determining the country's economic well-being.

Russia is a country rich in oil, natural gas, and precious metals worldwide. It is also noted for its fertile lands and powerful, versatile arms industry. Nominally, Russia ranks as the 12th largest economy in the world.

The country's exports include oil, natural gas, metals, military and civilian products, while its imports include consumer goods, machinery, pharmaceutical products and food products, especially meat, fruit and nuts.

When to Go to Russia?

Russia is the largest country in the world and therefore hosts different climatic conditions. The western and northern parts of the country are located in the arctic and subarctic zones, Black Sea The areas near the coast have a humid temperate climate. As you move towards northeastern Siberia, the climate becomes harsher, with winters being quite cold and thermometers dropping to -60°C. There are two distinct seasons throughout Russia: winter and summer. While spring and autumn are relatively short, Moscow has a temperate continental climate. The coldest months in the city are January and February, with temperatures dropping to -10°C in winter. In July and August, temperatures rise to 17-18°C.

If you want to see Moscow in the cold and snowy winter, it is recommended that you travel between April and September. St. Petersburg, which is close to the Baltic Sea, has a variable climate. In the summer, this city is warmer than Moscow, and temperatures can rise to 25°C. It would be useful to bring an umbrella when traveling to St. Petersburg, where summer rains are also common. In June and July, the daylight hours exceed 19 hours, and white nights occur during this period. If you want to experience this extraordinary natural phenomenon, the summer months will be the ideal time for your travel.

How to Get to Russia?

If you are planning to travel to Russia, direct flights from Turkey to various cities in the country are quite common. To the capital Moscow İstanbul and you can reach it by a flight of approximately 3 hours from Ankara. There are also direct flights to St. Petersburg from Istanbul. For other cities, connecting flights are arranged via Moscow.

Russia Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife in Russia, the first cities that come to mind are Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow has been drawing attention in recent years with its rise in the electronic music scene. DJ parties and nightclubs offer wild entertainment on the weekends; the clubs start filling up from 01.00 and continue uninterrupted until 05.00 at night. If you want to have an unforgettable night, you can visit the Bolshoi Theater. This historical venue, which has hosted world-famous shows since 1825, offers important performances such as Swan Lake Ballet, The Nutcracker and Carmen.

In St. Petersburg, nightclubs are usually concentrated on Nevsky Avenue and are quite crowded on weekends. For those looking for a quieter atmosphere, there are also stylish restaurants and places where you can taste local Russian vodkas.

Shopping in Russia

There are many unique gift options that you can buy while shopping in Russia. If you are planning to go on a shopping tour in Moscow, the first place you will definitely visit is Arbat Street It should be. This historic street is full of shops and souvenir shops, and you can also see street artists drawing your picture with pencil. The magnificent GUM shopping mall on Red Square is also a great place to go shopping. If you are looking for a nostalgic shopping experience, don't forget to explore the Izmailovsky flea market.

Due to the cold climate, Russian fur caps, woolen gloves and socks are among the most popular gifts and you can find them at affordable prices. Colorful and cute matryoshka dolls, Russian vodka and chocolate are traditional gifts that you can bring to your loved ones. These gifts will ensure that you leave an unforgettable memory from Russia.

Festivals and Fairs in Russia

Russia hosts many colorful festivals throughout the year, offering visitors unforgettable experiences. The country's biggest festivals include theater, cinema and cultural events. Here are the most famous festivals in Russia:

In addition, many fairs are organized in Russia every year. Fairs, which attract great attention especially in the oil, machinery, aviation and ecology sectors, offer important opportunities for the business world. Here are the prominent fairs in Russia:

These festivals and fairs provide great opportunities to explore Russia's cultural diversity and economic strength.

Holidays and Important Days

Major holidays and special days in Russia are filled with events that reflect the country’s culture and history. Planning your trip around these dates can make for an unforgettable experience. Here are the most important holidays and special days in Russia:

These holidays and special days are celebrated with various celebrations, concerts, ceremonies and cultural events in Russia. By planning your trip during these dates, you can have the opportunity to explore the culture of Russia more closely.

Things To Consider

Paying attention to certain points while traveling in Russia can make your experience more comfortable:

• Credit Card Usage: Credit cards may not be accepted in every store in Russia, so it is a good idea to carry rubles with you.
• Water Consumption: Tap water may not usually be of drinkable quality. It is recommended that you meet your water needs by purchasing bottled water from the market.
• Souvenirs: When buying souvenirs, it is illegal to take products out of the country without an export license. Therefore, it is important to check whether the souvenirs you are going to buy are legal.

Transportation

When traveling between cities in Russia, railways are one of the most popular options. With a wide railway network in the country, travelling by train has its own unique experience. The Trans-Siberian Railway, in particular, offers the longest train journey in the world and takes about 8 days. Living this unique experience can make your trip unforgettable. Another intercity transportation alternative is to use the bus.

In Moscow, one of the most practical methods of transportation within the city is using the metro. Many metro lines dating back to the Soviet era were originally built as shelters. Getting a map before getting on the metro can make your journey easier and faster. Considering the heavy traffic in Moscow, using the metro can save a lot of time. You can easily buy your tickets from the metro machines.

How to Get a Russian Visa?

There are different types of visas available for traveling to Russia. Here are them:

• Tourist Visa: Valid for short-term tourist visits (usually 30 days).
• Work Visa: It is a visa issued for those traveling for business purposes and can be single or multiple entry.
• Student Visa: It is given to students who will go to Russia for educational purposes.
• Transit visa: It is given to those who will be transiting to another country via Russia, usually for a period of 72 hours.
• Special Visa: It is a visa issued upon family visit or invitation.

Visa Durations:
The duration of the visa varies depending on the type and application documents. Tourist and transit visas are usually short-term, while business and student visas may be longer. The duration is determined by Russian consulates.

Required Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Completed application form
• Biometric photo taken within the last 6 months
• Travel insurance
• Financial evidence (bank documents)
• Accommodation and flight reservations
• Documents specific to the relevant visa type (work invitation, student acceptance letter, etc.)

Visa Application Process:

1. Determine Visa Type: Choose the visa type appropriate for your trip.
2. Additional information: Prepare necessary documents and additional documentation.
3. Fill out the Application Form: Fill out the form via the Russian visa portal or at the consulate.
4. Make an Appointment: Make an appointment with the consulate or visa centre.
5. Pay Visa Fee: Pay the fee according to the visa type.
6. Application Tracking: Track the status of your application and receive your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• How far in advance should I apply? It is recommended that you apply at least one month before your travel date.
• What should I do if my visa is rejected? Learn the reasons for the rejection and re-apply by correcting the deficiencies.
• Can the visa be extended? Generally, extensions are not possible, but you can check with your local immigration office for special circumstances.
• What are the visa requirements for children? Children also require a visa. In addition, a birth certificate and parental consent may be required.

Note: Get the most up-to-date information from Russian consulates.

Turkish Representatives in Russia

Moscow Embassy
Address: 7. Rostovskiy pereulok 12, 115127 Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7 999 926 13 20
Fax: +7 495 956 55 97
Email: embassy.moscow@mfa.gov.tr
Duty Area: All of Russia except the Consulates General of St. Petersburg, Kazan and Novorossiysk.

Consulate General of St. Petersburg
Address: 191036, 7-ya Sovetskaya Ulitsa, No:24, St. Petersburg, Russia
Phone: +7 812 577 18 12
Fax: +7 812 577 42 90
Email: consulate.stpetersburg@mfa.gov.tr
Duty Area: Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Komi, Pskov, Nenets Autonomous Region, Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod regions and the city of St. Petersburg.