Information on Russia
Basic information and historical facts about Russian Federation
When to Go to Russia
Russia can be enjoyed to the fullest during the summer and autumn seasons, as this would give you more opportunities to explore the countless natural, architectural and cultural wonders of the country.
Early summer kicks in by May, when the temperature gradually goes up and the snow slowly melts. The warmest months in the country are July and August, so you can expect to see hordes of tourists (both local and foreign) flocking to their favorite Russian tourist spots during these months; if your travel dates coincide with these months, it’s best to finalize your bookings as early as possible so you can avoid fully-booked accommodations and flights.
September and early October is the best time to go to Russia if you want to witness the golden colors that the autumn season brings in. The country takes on a more vibrant hue as a whole, and you can avoid the mad rush of eager travelers that the summer months bring.
Experience a memorable Russian adventure and plan to go during the winter months, when the country is enveloped by a white blanket of snow that transforms the surroundings into a magical wonderland.
The winter season starts during the early part of November, and ends late February or early March. Just make sure that you have the proper clothing and gear to make your Russian winter trip a truly enjoyable one.
Things to Do Before your Trip
If you are coming to Russia from a non-CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) country, you will first have to secure a visa to get into the country; before you can process that visa, you will need to have an official invitation beforehand. You can easily get a tourist invitation (or reservation confirmation),
when you have finished prepaying for your accommodations and travel arrangements; make sure that
you also get a tourist voucher – these two documents are needed to obtain your visa.
To make your travel plans easier, make sure that you make arrangements through a Russian travel
agency, a hotel in Russia that is government-approved (or has a “consular reference”); you can also use an online booking service that can help you in the same capacity. Keep in mind that only travel agencies and hotels that have consular reference can give you the confirmations you will need to obtain the visa.
It is advisable to start your visa application at least two months before your planned travel dates, to give ample time for the application process.
Citizens of these countries do not need a visa when travelling to Russia (maximum number of days’ stay in the country varies, check with your local embassies): Croatia, Israel, Montenegro, Cuba, Thailand, Venezuela, Argentina, Hong Kong, Japan (applicable only to the Russian Islands in northern Japan), Turkey, Brazil, Nicaragua and Serbia.