Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Legally, Russian citizens have the right to international travel with a valid passport and required visas. However, practical barriers have multiplied since 2022.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conscription-age men (18–30) | Exit restrictions during mobilization; "partial mobilization" decree (Sep 2022) allows travel bans. Many report border stops. |
| Government employees / siloviki | FSB, military, prosecutors, judges, senior officials — often require employer permission; some total bans |
| Criminal cases / debts | Open investigations, unpaid taxes, alimony, loans >10K RUB — bailiffs can impose travel bans (Art. 67, 229-FZ) |
| Dual citizens | Must enter/exit Russia on Russian passport; foreign passport not recognized at border |
| Flight access | Direct flights to EU/UK/US/Canada/Japan/South Korea suspended. Routes via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Belgrade, Yerevan, Baku, Tashkent, Almaty, Beijing, Shanghai. |
| Visa issuance | Schengen/UK/US visas: near-zero issuance in Russia; apply in third countries (long waits, no guarantee) |
| Financial | Visa/Mastercard don't work in Russia; UnionPay/Mir limited abroad. Cash (USD/EUR) or crypto often needed. |
Rules change rapidly. This reflects 2024 conditions—verify before any trip.