Russia vacation advice

Visit your GP or travel clinic at least four to six weeks before departure to check whether you are up to date with necessary vaccinations.

Since June 2016, foreign citizens can bring personal medication into Russia, as long as they don’t contain narcotic or psychoactive substances.

112 is the single number for any emergency service in Russia.

Brushing your teeth with tap water is OK, but it’s not generally recommended to drink it, although some travelers rate Moscow’s tap water as safe. Use water purification tablets or a LifeStraw.

Air quality in Moscow varies and can worsen in certain weather conditions. You should monitor local media for more information and be sure to bring asthma inhalers with you if needed.

Seasickness can be a factor when traveling on an expedition vessel in the Russian Far East, so bring seasickness medication as a precaution.

Medical care is readily available across Russia but the quality varies hugely. Moscow and St Petersburg boast sparkling international-style clinics that charge handsomely but provide excellent, professional service. In remote areas doctors won’t usually charge travelers, although it’s recommended to give them a gift – such as chocolate, alcohol or just money. In small hospitals, nursing care may be limited and you may need to supply the hospital with any necessary medical supplies, buying them from a pharmacy. There is an increased risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission via poorly sterilised equipment; some travelers may choose to bring sterile syringes if spending extended periods of time here.

Good emergency medical treatment is not cheap in Russia, so take out comprehensive travel insurance that also covers you for emergency repatriation and medical evacuation, and be aware that you may need to pay up front medical costs before being reimbursed.

Russia is generally safe, but petty crime does happen in the larger cities. Organised gangs of pickpockets sometimes target tourists so take extra care in busy tourist areas and railway stations and don’t carry anything valuable with you. In St Petersburg, bogus police officers have harassed and robbed tourists. If you are stopped, always insist on seeing identification.

Racially motivated attacks have happened, and anyone of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent may attract unwanted attention in public places and should take care, particularly at night.

Official looking taxis may actually be unlicensed, so beware of flagging one down. Ideally, get your hotel to order a taxi for you, or ask your vacation company for the telephone number of a reputable taxi company. Agree the fare before getting in.

If you’re taking a sleeper train, store valuables in the container under the bed or seat and carry important items with you when leaving the sleeper carriage as it’s not usually possible to lock the door while you’re away.

You must carry your original passport at all times – a copy isn’t enough. If you can’t show it when asked by an official, you’ll be fined. Look after it carefully though, especially around busy tourist and transport hubs.

Homosexuality is legal in Russia, but not always tolerated, so same sex couples should be careful about public displays of affection.

Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan are beginning to open up to tourists, and trips do run throughout these regions of the North Caucasus. Be aware that currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK is advising against all travel here, so be sure to discuss safety with your travel supplier and check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Russia page for up to date safety advice. Your vacation company can also offer advice on purchasing travel insurance for areas not recommended by the FCO, as different rules will apply.

“Prepare well for the cold, minus 30, having said that they provide extra appropriate clothing. And be fit!” – Brett Murray on a Siberian tiger and Amur leopard tour

“Knowing a small amount of Russian goes a long way – might be worth making a handy guide to Cyrillic phonetics before you go.” – Owen Cawley

“Go with an open mind. Take cards and make sure you buy some vodka before you get on as you won’t have another chance. I think it is the people that make it, so chat to as many people as you can! Don’t be scared of buying food on the platform... It is so worth it!” – Heidi Hosgood on the Trans Mongolian Express

“Take warm clothes if you are going in the autumn and a mug and spoon for the train. Learn some Russian before you go and take maps of the train journey as these are a great way to start conversations.” – Sally Foote on the Trans Mongolian Express

“Be prepared for lots of walking on the tundra. Also understand that the ship does not have stabilisers so even a mild swell rocks the ship. Bring a good layering system as temperatures and ice conditions can vary greatly.” – Marian Herz on a Kamchatka wildlife and bird watching cruise

“Read some online information on traveling the Trans Siberian Express. I got some good tips on what to take, what to eat, what type of bags to take – wheelie suitcase actually, plus small rucksack as train corridors are tight and steps to platforms steep, so you need to be able to manage your own stuff. Be prepared for some hard beds, but all linen and bedding was lovely. Be prepared for the toilets in China and along the way. They are not pretty, but you’ll manage and it’s all part of a real adventure.” – Rachel Guinee