Transport in Russia: real experience from chats

From real experience

• GPS navigation signal issues are increasingly common in various Russian regions. While Moscow and the Moscow region currently maintain relatively stable coverage, cities like Smolensk and other parts of the European territory experience intermittent or continuous signal failure. Plan your routes offline where possible.
• In Russia, vehicles driven by or transporting individuals with disabilities, even if registered in Belarus with Belarusian license plates, may require specific registration or compliance with Russian regulations to use disabled parking spots. Without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities, the vehicle could be towed. It is advisable to contact Russian traffic authorities for specific procedures regarding foreign-registered vehicles used by disabled persons.
• When departing from Russia on an international flight (e.g., to Bali), an onward or return ticket to any third country is mandatory. Airlines (e.g., at Sheremetyevo Airport) strictly enforce this requirement at check-in, and failure to present one may result in denied boarding. While immigration in some destination or transit countries might not always check this, it is a prerequisite for entry into many countries and often required during the eVisa/VOA application process for Indonesia.
• Flight operations from Moscow airports (e.g., Zhukovsky) can be subject to delays. While some flights arrive without incident (e.g., a flight from Israel on June 23rd), others have experienced delays (e.g., a 1.5-hour delay on a Monday). The situation is unpredictable, and passengers should anticipate potential disruptions.
• When temporarily importing a German-registered car into Russia (e.g., Kaliningrad) as a dual Russian-German citizen residing in Germany (without Russian domestic registration): Use your German passport for exiting EU/Poland and Russian passport for entering Russia. A deposit for temporary car import is required only if the individual has a registered residence ('прописка') in the Russian Federation. If there is no Russian registration, a deposit is typically not required. Attempting to conceal Russian registration to avoid the deposit is punishable. Rules regarding this may change, so always check the latest regulations.
• Brazilian citizens entering Russia visa-free via airports like DME (Domodedovo) should be prepared to present their passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking or an invitation letter) at border control. They may also be asked about the purpose of their visit. After clearing customs, travelers can proceed to the city via metro (where available from the airport).
• Holders of German driving licenses can use them in Russia for a period of 6 months after officially moving to Russia. After this initial 6-month period, individuals must obtain a Russian driving license by passing theoretical and practical driving tests to continue driving legally in Russia.
• A Russian citizen residing in Germany with a German residence permit, but also maintaining registration (propiska) in Russia, must pay a temporary import tax (not full customs clearance) when bringing a German-registered car into Russia. This tax is approximately 15% of the car's value. The obligation arises due to the individual's existing Russian registration, which classifies them as a resident for customs purposes upon entering Russia with a foreign-registered vehicle.
• To reach Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) from Moscow, consider these transport options: 1. Taxi: Yandex Taxi is generally affordable. Local taxis may charge higher prices. 2. Bus: Available with a transfer at Leningradsky Station. 3. Minibus: Routes available from Kotelniki metro station or Ilyinskaya station. 4. Train: Take an electric train from Kazansky Station to MCD Otdykh, then transfer to a minibus.
• When traveling with Red Wings, purchasing additional baggage at the airport incurs a higher cost, approximately 50% more than booking it online. Online payments for Red Wings services are typically processed using Russian bank cards. The exact airport price for baggage may vary based on its type and dimensions.
• Occasional fuel supply restrictions have been reported at Russian gas stations (e.g., Lukoil in the Voronezh region), limiting purchases to 30-60 liters for cars. Drivers are advised to maintain a fuel buffer and avoid relying on empty-tank driving strategies due to potential queue delays and limited availability.
• Travelers between Russia and Belarus currently face fuel shortages at stations in the Smolensk, Lipetsk, and Tula regions. Recommended strategy: refill to full capacity in major hubs (Moscow/St. Petersburg). Carry fuel in 20L canisters (adhering to the 240L limit for personal use) if necessary. Diesel fuel is generally more available than gasoline. At the border, do not declare personal fuel storage unless asked to avoid administrative delays. Belarus fuel supply is reported as normal.
• Transport to Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA) from Moscow: 1. Aeroexpress/Commuter train to 'Otdykh' station followed by shuttle/taxi. 2. Bus 441 from 'Kotelniki' metro station. The location is frequently cited by travelers as having poorer accessibility compared to other Moscow hubs like Vnukovo (VKO).
• Travel to Crimea is currently advised against due to potential issues with fuel availability, electricity disruptions, and geopolitical instability. Unlike other regions (e.g., Sochi), Crimea's primary connection is the Crimean Bridge, posing a risk of being trapped. Damage to the Kerch ferry further complicates potential evacuation. While Crimea holds historical significance for extended stays, safety concerns outweigh nostalgic appeal, especially when safer alternatives like Mauritius are available.
• Unexpected layovers during flights to Moscow (e.g., via Tashkent) may occur due to airport closures or operational restrictions. Airlines do not always notify passengers of route changes in advance. Travelers should verify flight details on terminal screens despite having 'direct' flight tickets.
• When driving a German-plated car into Russia (specifically Kaliningrad) as a non-owner, a power of attorney (`доверенность`) from the vehicle owner is required. This applies even if the driver has dual (German and Russian) citizenship and no Russian registration. Customs officials are now actively requesting this document at the border, which was not always the case previously.
• Temporary import of a car with Bulgarian plates into Russia by a dual citizen (RF/Bulgaria) is restricted. It generally requires a customs deposit or potential full customs clearance if the person is a permanent resident of Russia, as they are not considered a foreign traveler. Each case depends on the individual's residency status and vehicle documentation.
• Russia-Belarus border transit is open, but queues vary significantly by time and day (peak hours on Sundays/holidays). Standard procedure includes checking passports and optional vehicle trunk inspection. No entry/exit stamps are issued. For faster transit, use smaller checkpoints or avoid peak Sunday/evening hours.
• Russian citizens can legally possess two valid 10-year foreign passports simultaneously. This is highly recommended for frequent travelers, especially when applying for visas (e.g., Schengen), as the primary passport is held by the consulate for the duration of the application process (which can take 1-3 months, with Italy potentially up to 2-3 months). A second passport allows uninterrupted international travel to visa-free countries, business trips, or application for other visas during this waiting period.
• Crossing the Russia-Belarus border via train or car is prohibited for third-country citizens or those traveling on foreign passports due to the lack of international border checkpoints. The only legal way for such individuals to travel between these countries is via direct international flights.
• If a foreign national is refused entry to Russia upon arrival, the standard international practice dictates that the airline that transported them may be required to return the passenger to their country of origin. Alternatively, Russian authorities may proceed with deportation. The option to purchase a ticket to another country is severely restricted by the individual's visa eligibility for potential transit or destination countries. Furthermore, for citizens of certain countries (e.g., Cuba), issues may arise at transit points (e.g., Panama, Turkey) or even at the origin airport before departure due to anticipated entry problems.

Related topics