Requirements for travel to Russia and Mongolia

😏😏😏

Hey, we know each other well enough for you to trust me. You coming?

Hi there, What method are you planning to use to cross the border? Private vehicle, bus, or something else? There are other options to make customs clearance easier. Best regards, Patrick

Hey Thierry, I’ll admit I’d still have quite a few reservations about crossing Russia right now, especially from Poland—it’s at least an 8-day journey to Mongolia. With the Kremlin’s propaganda making the population believe Europeans want to attack them, I wouldn’t feel too at ease during that crossing. Not to mention the risk of being "arrested" by the police and accused of espionage. Okay, maybe I’m dramatizing a bit... but still...🤪 Good luck to you though 🙂

Hi Patrick, Yes, that's right, with my private vehicle. Best regards, Thierry

Hey, Jean-Pierre. Actually, Belarus never really inspired me; before, I used to go through Lithuania. The Georgia option via Vladikavkaz seems more sensible to me, but I have a friend to see in Vladimir. As for the fear, it’s mostly the fear of running into one of those soldiers returning from the front, wounded. And knowing Russians a bit, it’s often black or white, rarely gray... But right now, I need to hit the road again, and Mongolia is calling me too. 😉

Hi there, For 3 months, for two people, I paid around 17,000 rubles for car insurance (Renault Megane and then Dacia Duster). The date your driver’s license was issued is also taken into account. From what I recall (double-check this), if you have a Russian or Belarusian visa, it’s valid in both countries. If you’re traveling through Belarus, you’ll need to account for renting a toll device to drive on the highways, and there are no customs between Russia and Belarus by land. However, you’ll need to ask whether the temporary import of your vehicle into Belarus is also valid in Russia. You’ll also need to register, which can be done online in Belarus or at a hotel (easier). It seems Poland has reopened its borders with Belarus, but Lithuania has closed theirs. As for foreigners in Russia, they’re not as clueless as many Europeans—they understand that, for example, the French people aren’t responsible for political decisions. Crossing through Georgia is quite complicated, and you’ll need to pick the right season since the roads are often blocked when the weather is bad. For SIM cards and opening a bank account, plan for a few days in Russia due to registration and the new procedure. Don’t turn on your phone with an EU SIM card—it’ll be blocked for 24–48 hours. Use Wi-Fi instead, which you can find almost everywhere. Energotransbank offers a good exchange rate, but it’s not available everywhere. Best regards, Patrick

When it comes to foreigners in Russia, they’re not as clueless as many Europeans—they understand that the French people (for example) aren’t responsible for political decisions made.

Tens of thousands of Russians live peacefully in Europe, which clearly shows that no one holds them accountable for their government’s warlike decisions.

Otherwise, the "advantage" of driving across Russia in your own car is that you’ll avoid the political discussions that usually come up on trains after a few hours of shared travel.

Hello, At the start of the special operation, many Russians living in Germany had problems with their vehicles (real-life examples). However, I’ve never seen a foreign vehicle in Russia have issues—German, Italian, British, Belgian plates, etc. When you say that Russians (in the EU) aren’t held responsible for the war situation, I agree with you. It’s a civil war between Ukrainians, triggered in 2014 by a few individuals, including Victoria Nuland, a US citizen of Ukrainian origin. There’s no problem talking to a Russian—if you know them a little, they avoid political discussions, and older ones avoid mobile phones. It seems like it’s been a while since you last visited Russia. I’m not French, but they don’t understand French politicians, though they still like the French. Well, they don’t distinguish between a Parisian, someone from Auxerre, or folks from the 83, 13, 55, or 08 departments. To wrap up, conversations are always enriching—they allow different viewpoints to be expressed. The key is to accept or understand them to keep the conversation peaceful. Best regards, Patrick

It was a civil war between Ukrainians triggered in 2014 by a few individuals.

Vladimir Putin is Ukrainian? He’s playing his cards close to the chest...

Hello,

Without endorsing everything you say or blindly agreeing with it, I know how painful it can be when you're trying to nuance things, only to be systematically met with a binary dogma, a call to moral and official conformity.

Historical perspective, anthropological insight, linguistic context, geopolitical viewpoint—anything that helps us understand is increasingly unwelcome online.

And I regret that.

Michel

I know it’s painful when you’re trying to navigate the nuances of things, only to be met with a binary doxa and a reminder of moral and official conformity. And I regret it.

My Russian friends who chose to leave their country did so precisely because they couldn’t stand that constant reminder of moral and official conformity every time they spoke up. Doxa isn’t always where you think it is.

Hi everyone, I’ve made some progress:

Russian vehicle insurance

https://russiable.fr/assurance-osago-voiture-etrangere-russie/ For obtaining it. https://support@attolloassistance.com/contact.html I think I’ll finally try to enter Russia via Latvia. I’ll confirm and keep you posted. Regarding currency, Europe’s sanctions limit the amount of euros you can take. Dollars, however, aren’t under sanctions... Visa and Mastercard bank cards are unusable. Out of curiosity, I requested repatriation/hospitalization insurance through my Visa card (Mondial Assistance). They issued it to me but with a reservation.

Since my return is planned via Georgia, I did the same because, as of January 1st, this certificate is mandatory. To be continued...

Do you have any information on Russian companies that cover a 4x4 vehicle for a period of 3 months, and the prices in rubles or euros that you paid?

There are plenty of insurance options, but without a Russian bank account, you’re pretty much limited to going through a company that resells via an office in Minsk under a Belarusian branch. So, your bank must not have cut ties with Belarus.

Regarding Russian SIM cards, a new "Gosuslugi" system has been implemented. How long did it take you to get one, and what steps did you take?

Gosuslugi isn’t a system specifically for SIM cards. It’s the Russian administrative portal, like FranceConnect.

Since 2025, legislation requires foreigners (residents or not) to have a biometric profile to buy SIM cards and open a bank account. Biometrics are handled by EBS / ЕБС, following registration at Sberbank, VTB, or—depending on how far the project has spread—directly at the administrative center that registers you on Gosuslugi. I’ll post an illustrated summary in another thread. It can take up to 5 days, but 2 days is very possible.

I’m finally thinking of trying to enter Russia via Latvia.

Since I’m in Norway, between Oslo and the Swedish border heading toward Karlstad, I’ve always driven through Finland after the Stockholm–Turku ferry, which is free on top of that. I’ve used Latvia before, but I have terrible memories from around the mid-2010s, so now I wouldn’t even try with the Latvians.

The reopening of Narva-Ivangorod to vehicles is expected by the end of this year (https://www.dp.ru/a/2026/01/26/v-jestonii-zhdut-zavershenija). In the meantime, I’d cross at one of the two checkpoints near Pskov, or, because of the unified Belarusian-Russian visa, at Šalčininkai—that is, Vilnius-Lida. Crossing at Terespol-Brest can quickly become a nightmare during holiday periods.

Question about currency: Europe, with its sanctions, limits the amount of euros you can take. Dollars aren’t under sanctions...

Make sure to bring absolutely new bills.

Hello, It’s not always possible for me to reply right away, as this site doesn’t like VPN use.

My Russian friends have stayed in Russia because they support certain restrictions linked to the special operation in Ukraine and fully understand them. There are no restrictions! That’s the reality in Russia.

I have European (EU) friends who’ve had their bank accounts closed, and the bank isn’t required to justify its decision—racial profiling, a name that sounds too Slavic, etc., allows banks to close an account without explanation. (EU laws.) And in the US, it’s the same, even if you’re the president! (currently in court)

Donald Trump vs. JPMorgan Chase: alleges account closures for political reasons. Trump Organization vs. Capital One: accuses the bank of mass closures of Trump-linked accounts for ideological motives.

I can confirm that when entering Russia, the dollar isn’t sanctioned, but for the euro, it depends on the customs officers’ discretion, and the allowed amount varies by crossing point. Note that Russia is currently considered by the EU to be a country engaged in money laundering. (latest sanctions) If you’re traveling to Russia with large sums (potentially over $10,000 or 9,300 €), it’s better to go through Turkey or a Middle Eastern country (Asia or Africa). For large sums, you’ll need to declare them in Russia, but it’s not a problem.

New, unmarked bills are preferred, but often not checked—machines handle the verification, which is faster. For a good exchange rate in Russia, I recommend Energotransbank (Moscow, St. Petersburg).

Be careful: the EU allows you to take out 10,000 €, and Russia allows you to bring in $10,000 without declaration. I’d advise checking the exchange rate before entering Russia. The euro and dollar are different.

Best regards, Patrick

"Gosuslugi" was set up—how long did it take you to get it, and what steps did you go through?

As mentioned, I just started a thread about the process for Gosuslugi + biometrics here:

https://voyageforum.com/forum/gosuslugi-with-biometrics-sim-banks-etc-d11080304/

Hello, To exchange money in Russia, if you exchange less than 400 €, you won’t be asked for your passport. However, for larger amounts, both your passport and registration will be required (you have 3 working days to register with a private visa, and 7 working days for other types of visas. Typically, the hotel handles this registration, but if not, you’ll need to do it at the local UFMS office). Best regards, Thanks to Esantirulo Patrick

Thanks so much for these super detailed explanations.

"Pskov, or, due to the unified Belarusian-Russian visa, at Šalčininkai, i.e., Vilnius-Lida."

Hi Esantirulo, I’ve crossed the Russia/Latvia border twice before to re-enter Europe. I didn’t notice any issues, but some comments on other platforms aren’t very flattering.

I’ve heard the border post near Vardo is open?

The Belarusian border is also known for very long waits and some unfriendly customs officers—thorough searches, etc. (it depends on individual behavior, though). I plan to bring clothes, glasses, and school supplies for Mongolia since this time I’ll be in a 4x4 instead of on a motorcycle. Anyway!

Registering in advance to cross the Terehova or Grebneva border with the electronic registration system ERRS puts me off a bit, but apparently, it reduces waiting times.

"Starting from 15 October 2025, the Electronic Queue Reservation System (ERRS) begins operating in Latvia – www.lvrobeza.lv and www.lvborder.lv. The ERRS ensures pre-registration of vehicles in the queue for crossing the external land border of Latvia toward the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus." Do you know the maximum amount of euros we can take out? Yeah, I knew about the bills—I’ve already had some notes refused for that reason.

Hi Lapagaille, Thanks for the info on the amount of currency we can bring. I’ll be under the limit, then.

Back in 2019, my insurance covered Russia, but things have changed. For those who’ve crossed the border recently—can insurance be purchased when entering Russian territory? (Like at the customs office?)

Just in case, if any of you have some rubles left to sell—just enough to reach a bank or book a room—I’d be happy to exchange emails via PM. I’m leaving on April 10th.

3-month multi-entry tourist visas.

A practical point that could be important is the ability to connect to your online banking, especially for online purchases with a non-Russian bank card.

If your bank uses SMS codes for verification, you’ll need to be able to send/receive SMS on the number linked to your account.

In my case, authentication/confirmation is done entirely online, via a pop-up window after being redirected from the purchase site, or of course on the bank’s main website if you log into your account.

You might need to handle remote banking tasks, pay a forgotten bill, or something similar.

-- Here’s a concrete example from my experience in late October. Ten days of vacation. Ticket from Oslo to Riga, then a bus to Pskov. I hadn’t bought a return ticket because I had no fixed plan and could’ve ended up in Saint Petersburg or Murmansk at some point. When I finally decided to buy a return ticket (Tallinn-Oslo), I launched ProtonVPN on my phone to get an IP outside Russia. Because my bank blocks Russian IPs. But this time, for the first time since 2022, the VPN—and other providers—was blocked. The VPN block in Saint Petersburg was at the protocol level, not just targeting known VPN IP ranges. Before, I’d been able to use a VPN in Vladimir and Tver, but not in SPb this time.

It’s frustrating: you need to use your card to buy a flight ticket, but your bank (and thus the 3D Secure portal) blocks Russian IPs, while Russia blocks the VPN protocol where you are. There’s a solution, but I didn’t have time (like setting up a personal VPN server disguised as something else, accessed without the VPN protocol, or a remote desktop VNC server, etc.).

The ticket was with Norwegian, where I have an account and the option to pay via direct withdrawal from my bank account, bypassing the bank’s 3D Secure portal. Surprise! Norwegian’s site, which hadn’t done this a few months earlier, now also blocked Russian IPs.

I messaged my sister on Telegram to give her my Norwegian account details so she could buy the ticket for me.

After that, when I got back, I rented a low-end server for 10 € to set up a Linux system with a disguised VPN server and a VNC server.

I’ve crossed the Russia/Latvia border twice in the past to re-enter Europe. I didn’t notice any major hassles, but some comments on other platforms aren’t exactly glowing.

In my experience, it was Latvia→Russia, on the Riga-Moscow highway at the Terehova checkpoint. The Latvian protocol was downright Kafkaesque compared to Finland’s. Four hours to get to the Russian side, on a line of cars that would’ve taken an hour in Finland.

I heard the border post near Vardø is open?

Storskog-Borisoglebsk, meaning just past Kirkenes—not Vardø. Yes, it’s operating normally as usual. Summer hours: 09:00 - 16:00. Only for paper visa holders, no e-visa, but that’s your case since you’ve got a 3-month multi-entry visa. Up until around 2015, I used to drive the 20 hours from Oslo via Östersund-Luleå-Inari—it’s doable, but with today’s fuel prices This crossing is the most laid-back and relaxed, though.

The Belarusian border is also known for very long waits and some hostility from customs—thorough searches, etc.

The one toward Lida after Vilnius sees less traffic than Terespol-Brest. There are also Telegram channels that provide real-time updates to help you gauge the situation.

Pre-registering to cross the Terehova or Grebneva border with Latvia’s electronic queue system (ERRS) feels a bit off-putting, but supposedly it cuts down on wait times.

"Starting from 15 October 2025, the Electronic queue reservation system (ERRS) begins to operate in Latvia – www.lvrobeza.lv and www.lvborder.lv.

If it actually works on the ground like they describe, it’s clearly the way to go.

On the Russian side, no matter the checkpoint, you might have an interview with an FSB officer in an office after filling out a form. If that happens, they’ll flip through your phone and check your social media accounts. They might press you on the purpose of your trip.

Hi there, Yes, you can often find them at gas stations (petrol) just after the border. From what I remember, it's a maximum of 3 months. Best regards, Patrick

Hi Esantiro, Thanks for this info. I’ve had a setback with prepping my vehicle, so my departure’s been pushed back to August. But there’s a silver lining in all these mechanical issues: the season’ll be much nicer by then. Thanks everyone, see you soon! Thierry

Thanks for the info! So, exchange 400 € multiple times at different places?

Hello, If you're registered (migration card), there’s no problem—they check the address and registration. You don’t necessarily need to switch banks to exchange money; you can do it in several transactions or visit branches of banks offering good rates, which are sometimes just a few hundred meters apart. A bank with competitive exchange rates is Energostransbank, but it seems their branches are only in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kaliningrad. Currently, the euro/ruble exchange rate as of 15-05-2026 is 84.71 rubles per euro, and the Russian Central Bank rate is 84.289 rubles per euro. It fluctuates constantly. Best regards, Patrick

This applies to Russians as well

Thanks Patrick, I’ll be heading back to Russia in July. Can’t wait!

I'm heading back to Russia at the end of June. First time through Grebneva—3 days of waiting in 2024. Second time via Georgia and Vladikavkaz on the Russian side—only 3 hours of waiting in June. I’ve always found insurance, great exchange rates, and a Russian SIM card right after the border, all at very good prices. The whole trip by motorcycle, never had a problem, no checks, affordable prices, and lovely people.

Hello, It's no longer possible to buy SIM cards in Russia without a somewhat cumbersome administrative process. Best regards, Patrick

I'm heading back to Russia at the end of June .../... really good exchange rate

Just so you know, the EU doesn’t want people bringing currencies from the zone into Russia. Bring crisp US dollars.

It’s way less of a hassle to go through Georgia in every respect—currency and everything else... you’ve been warned... ...when I broke down in Vladikavkaz, I made friends at a little garage... and they don’t just fix bikes... screw the administrative red tape. 😏

Hi Jean, Except this time I won’t be on a motorcycle. Of course, going through Georgia is easier—the EU with its red tape and mistakes always makes everything more complicated. How’s your trip going?

I'm leaving on the 19th or 20th, Treviso, Sremska Mitrovica, Silivri, Samsun, Batumi, Vladikavkaz. Then I want to enter Crimea via the Kerch Bridge, a stop in Mariupol, and straight north to Saint Petersburg where I’ll stay for 12 to 15 days. I love that city... Next year, Lake Baikal if all goes well, still solo.

Hi there, You won’t be going through the strait. That’s no longer possible. I’m leaving France on July 11th. Entering Russia around July 20th. Toyota Land Cruiser "prepped for travel" and IMAT registration (just in case). Watch out on the road from Vladikavkaz to Pyatigorsk—cops there can be pretty mercenary, to put it mildly. Safe travels.

Then I want to enter Crimea via the Kerch Bridge, a stop in Mariupol, and straight north to Saint Petersburg

Watch out for drones, Jean 😎

Can you share your sources about access to Crimea? I couldn’t find anything on the topic—it’d be a huge letdown... I’m not heading south, so we might cross paths. I’ll be in Russia until the 25th, and if I manage to get into Crimea, you’re on the hook for drinks! No backsies! 😏

Looks like KERCH is still operational, even with reduced traffic. The article is dated today. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russians-alternative-bypass-bridges-crimea/

Compared to my Kawa, Zelinsky’s drones are like oxcarts... 😏

Hi Jean, A biker friend of mine (whom I’ll probably meet up with in Mongolia) was in that area; it seems like a lot of roads are now off-limits for obvious reasons. Even if alternate routes or certain roads are mentioned as still open, that doesn’t mean *you’ll* be allowed to use them. You risk being stopped at best, questioned, and detained at worst. I went through this in 2016, and the situation wasn’t nearly as bad back then. For a virtual apéro, I’ll send you my travel email in a PM. Here’s a photo of that strait in 2012 when Crimea was still Ukrainian—it was a ferry back then. Best regards,

Heads up for those traveling to Russia soon. Right now, in the central regions and Moscow, gas stations won't sell more than 20 liters per vehicle, and jerry cans are banned.

A friend from Saint Petersburg mentioned it during a conversation (his family lives in Vladimir).

Well, in that case, you just need to hit several gas stations in a row... 😏

Ben so you just need to hit several gas stations in a row...😏

Or have big tanks 😛

Well, yeah... If Russians are as silly as the French and rush to gas stations at the slightest hint of a shortage, queuing for 30 minutes every time... 😮

Well yeah, provided you fill up before re-entering Russia... but even with my 250L tank, I struggle to make it all the way to the Mongolian border. 😏

Heads-up for those traveling to Russia soon. Right now, in the central regions and Moscow, gas stations aren’t selling more than 20 liters per vehicle, and jerry cans are banned.

Fake news. There can’t be a shortage in Great Vova’s Russia—I heard it on CNews.

Thanks for the info. It’s gonna make me rethink my plan to visit the Urals. I’ll keep you posted in a month.

Hi everyone, Just checked, it's fake news! My friend living near Vladimir says there are no supply issues or rationing.