Russia Travel Guide
| Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Russia may be dangerous. Read more |
Did you know?
The surface area of Russia is 6.60 mil. mi², which puts the country in position number 177 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Moscow (RU) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4860 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Moscow click here
Country Comparison
Compare Russia to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Russia
| Miles | Moscow | Saint Petersburg | Kazan | Novosibirsk | Yaroslavl | Yekaterinburg | Kaliningrad | Nizhny Novgorod |
| Moscow | - | 394 | 446 | 1747 | 155 | 880 | 676 | 249 |
| Saint Petersburg | 394 | - | 745 | 1929 | 377 | 1107 | 513 | 557 |
| Kazan | 446 | 745 | - | 1314 | 372 | 446 | 1121 | 201 |
| Novosibirsk | 1747 | 1929 | 1314 | - | 1630 | 869 | 2397 | 1499 |
| Yaroslavl | 155 | 377 | 372 | 1630 | - | 774 | 769 | 179 |
| Yekaterinburg | 880 | 1107 | 446 | 869 | 774 | - | 1543 | 631 |
| Kaliningrad | 676 | 513 | 1121 | 2397 | 769 | 1543 | - | 921 |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 249 | 557 | 201 | 1499 | 179 | 631 | 921 | - |
A Brief History of Russia
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
800 - 900
VikingsScandinavian Vikings establish forts at Kiev (in Ukraine) and Novgorod.
1547
Ivan the TerribleIvan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, is crowned the first czar, or emperor, of Russia.
1689 - 1725
Peter the GreatCzar Peter the Great lays the foundation for the Russian Empire.
1855 - 1881
Alexander IIDuring his reign, Czar Alexander II frees the serfs, or peasant farm workers.
1917
Russian RevolutionDuring the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky take control of the government. In 1918, Czar Nicholas II and his family are executed.
1922
U.S.S.R.Russia becomes part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
1924 - 1953
Joseph StalinThe brutal leader Joseph Stalin turns the U.S.S.R. into an industrial and military power. During World War II, the U.S.S.R. sides with Germany, but later switches sides, joining the U.S. and Britain.
1948
Cold WarRelations between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. are tense. The U.S. believes that the Soviets' communist government and control of Eastern Europe are threats to U.S. security.
1961
Yuri A. GagarinCosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin becomes the first man in space.
1985 - 1991
Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev restructures the government. The U.S.S.R. collapses and 15 republics declare independence.
2010
Nuclear weaponU.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agree to reduce nuclear weapons.
Best Ways to Experience Russia
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MoreRussian Ruble (RUB)
- EUR
- GBP
- RUB
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- RUB
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Russia.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Russia for tourism
A visa is required, it must be obtained at the embassy or at the appropriate consular office.
- 72-hour visa-free transit for international cruise ship/ferry passengers only if travelling with an organized tour and accompanied at all times by a tour operator.
- Registration required after 7 business days.
- American citizens may receive multiple-entry visas valid for three years.
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Russia the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 176 / 231 Ranking | 145 934 462 Russian 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Bashkir 1.1%, Chuvash 1%, Chechen 1% |
Area | 177 / 232 Ranking | 6.60 mil. mi² It is approximately 179% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 169 / 221 Ranking | 72.2 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 66.6women 78.1 |
Median age | 169 / 222 Ranking | 40.3 Average age of population expressed in years.men 37.5women 43.2 |
Population growth | 170 / 224 Ranking | -0.2% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 161 / 210 Ranking | 99.7% Ability to read, write and count.men 99.7%women 99.7% |
GDP | 148 / 194 Ranking | 28 213 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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