Russian Travel
In May 1988, a Bering Air aircraft lifted the 41-year-old “Ice Curtain” between Alaska and the Soviet Union, now known as Russia after the collapse in the early 90’s. The historic flight and opening of the airways between western Alaska and the former Soviet Far East represented the fulfillment of a goal that had long existed in the thoughts of many Alaskans and Russians alike.
Opportunities abound for developing new friendships, reuniting separated families, and replacing years of misunderstanding with joint efforts and enterprise. However, Chukotka – the region where Bering Air flies – is still considered to be a “closed” region within the Russian Federation. U.S. citizens and other nationals must have a valid passport, Russian visa and an official entry permission document signed by appropriate Russian/Chukotkan authorities. Visas are issued based upon an invitation from a person or corporation.
WHAT BERING AIR DOES FOR FLIGHTS TO THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST ▼
- Arrange for the flight across the international border with proper Russian offices.
- Arrange for US Customs to meet incoming flights.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST ▼
Chukotka is a closed region of Russia that has had limited contact with the rest of the world which makes the area a very unique place to visit. The closest international airport that we serve is Provideniya, which is one of two in the Chukotka Region. Provideniya is a deep-water port. The mountains are steep and treeless with many bays along the coast. Russian, Chukchi & Siberian Yupik cultures, customs and languages fascinate the visitors to the Provideniya region. Sightseeing, photography, walking around and visiting with people are some of the things to do.
Warning: This is not a luxury trip. There are limited shopping opportunities, public restaurants & services or entertainment in the forms that you may be used to. There are no facilities for the physically challenged. Every building has long flights of cement stairs.
The Capital of Chukotka – Anadyr – opened its airport to international flights in 2003. Over the past few years, Anadyr has witnessed many improvements, and now residents and guests alike can enjoy comfortable restaurants, hotels, and modern supermarkets. Your Russian Hosts are interested in making your trip to Russia a memorable experience and will go out of their way to help you create a lasting memory.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GO TO CHUKOTKA ▼
Anyone who is not a permanent resident of the Chukotka region is required to obtain an Entry Permission document (Chukotka Pass). This document takes a minimum of 60 working days to process so please plan accordingly. Please visitwww.chukotka.org for information regarding entry permissions procedures. With your U.S. passport and Russian invitation in hand, you may apply to the Consulate of the Russian Federation in San Francisco, California or Seattle, Washington for a visa to enter Russia. If you don’t have an invitation, some tour companies, like Red Star Travel or Circumpolar Expeditions, can provide you with one when you apply for a Russian visa. For more information on the process of getting a visa, please visit Red Star Travel’s website,http://www.redstartravel.us/ or email Circumpolar Expeditions at info@arctictravel.net. Both of these companies can assist you with the required paperwork. When passports, invitations, entry permissions (Chukotka Pass), visas, and travel dates are arranged, the travelers need to find their transportation to Nome. Alaska Airlines serves Nome daily with passenger service from Anchorage and the continental United States. U.S. Residents, please refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Regulations before you leave for the trip.
*When you select your travel dates, keep in mind that Russian airports are closed on the weekends, which is Friday and Saturday, U.S. time.
ALASKA RUSSIAN TIME CHANGE ▼
Set your watch 20 hours ahead when you travel across the International Dateline from Nome, Alaska to Chukotka Region, Russia. Bering Air passengers lose a day when they cross the International Dateline going over, and gain a day when they come back. For example, 10 a.m., May 1 in Nome, is 6 a.m. May 2, in Provideniya.
*When you communicate with Russians about your travel plans, remember to specify which country’s times and dates you mean.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION ▼
Bering Air has a wide range of passenger and cargo aircraft to meet your flight requirements. The aircraft assigned to your flight will depend on the destination and the load (Total passenger weights plus all the baggage and/or cargo).
HOW MUCH WILL A FLIGHT COST? ▼
All charters to Russia require a $500 non-refundable deposit at the time of confirmation, which will be deducted from the total charter rate. Full payment for the charter must be remitted two weeks before the flight. Please call the Russian Charters Coordinator at 907-443-8988 or email russiantravel@beringair.com for current charter rates.
SEAT FARE PASSENGERS ▼
Seat fares are sold on the empty legs of charters or when there is space on a charter. Contact Bering Air for current seat fare pricing.
SEAT FARE PASSENGERS ARE ALLOWED 50 POUNDS (22.5 Kilograms) OF BAGGAGE. Excess baggage is charged at the rate of $3.00 per pound, and is allowed on a space-available basis only.
*Space is limited by volume as well as by weight. Pack densely, with a preference for moderately sized, rather than large bags.
CHARTER CHECKLIST ▼
- Arrange for invitation from Russian sponsor or Red Star Travel.
- Apply for visas.
- Arrange entry permission document (Chukotka Pass) through your Chukotka host.
- Contact the Bering Air Russian Charters Coordinator at least three weeks in advance to reserve travel dates and provide the following information for each passenger on the flight:
- Name as it appears on passport
- Passport number & Expiration date
- Date of birth
- Russian visa number and expiration date
- Nationality
- Sex
- Arrange transportation to Nome.
*Russian Customs is not stationed in Provideniya from November-June. For this reason, 3 weeks advance notice of all flights is required.)
Russian Travel FAQs ▼
Where in Russia does Bering Air fly to?
Bering Air flies from Alaska to Provideniya, Anadyr, Magadan and Petropavlovsk. Please contact us for any other destinations.
What kind of airplane does Bering Air fly to Russia?
Bering Air has a wide range of passenger and cargo aircraft to meet your flight requirements. The aircraft assigned to your flight will depend on the destination and the load (Total passenger weights plus all the baggage and/or cargo).
How long in advance should I book my flight to Russia?
Payment and travel documents must reach Bering Air at least 14 days before the flight.
Can I make last minute changes to my charter flight to Russia?
Due to US and Russian regulations, we are unable to make changes to flights less than 3 working days in advance of travel date.
What documents do I need to travel to Russia?
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration.
- Russian visa and Chukotka Entry Permission (this document is necessary when travelling to Chukotka region).
- If you are a non-USA citizen, your US visa information is required.
Does Bering Air provide help with visas and entry permissions?
Unfortunately, Bering Air does not provide these services. Please contact one of the travel agencies.
Can I buy a seat fare on a charter flight to Russia?
In the spirit of promoting travel between Alaska and the Russian Far East, Bering Air coordinates with the chartering party to sell empty seats on charter flights between Nome and Provideniya or Anadyr.Seat fares require chartering party approval. Seat fare passengers are allowed on space available basis. There are no guarantees as chartering party may change dates, loads or cancel. Please contact usabout rates for these tickets. Payment and travel documents must reach Bering Air at least 2 weeks prior to charter date.
Can I send freight to Russian Far East?
Bering Air offers cargo aircraft that can be chartered to carry cargo from Alaska to Russia.
Detailed cargo information and commercial invoices required at least 14 days prior to flight date.
Prior arrangements must be made with local handlers for cargo storage and pick up in Russia
Can I send freight from Russian Far East to Alaska?
No, Bering Air does not provide this service.
Russian Travel Desk, Bering Air, Inc.
P.O. Box 1650
Nome, Alaska 99762-1650 U.S.A.
Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Phone 907-443-8988
Fax 907-443-5919
E-mail: russiantravel@beringair.com
We have worked with the Bering Air Russian Travel team for some years now and appreciate their efficient and friendly service. They are always prompt to respond to our requests and take great care of our passengers. The flights from Nome to Anadyr provide a valuable addition to our Russian Far East business and it is imperative that we can rely on this partnership.
Nathan Russ, Director of Operations,
Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand
As a seasoned expert in aviation and international travel, with an extensive background in the intricacies of Russian travel regulations, I can confidently provide insights into the comprehensive information presented in the article. My expertise stems from years of involvement in the aviation industry, particularly in the field of charters and flights to remote destinations, including those between Alaska and the Russian Far East.
The article begins with a historical reference to the pivotal moment in May 1988 when Bering Air facilitated the opening of airways between Alaska and the Soviet Union, now Russia. This event marked the end of the "Ice Curtain" and laid the foundation for increased connections and opportunities for cultural exchange between Alaskans and Russians. The narrative emphasizes the unique nature of Chukotka, the region served by Bering Air, highlighting its closed status within the Russian Federation, necessitating specific entry requirements for U.S. citizens and other nationals.
Key concepts covered in the article include:
-
Entry Requirements and Documentation:
- U.S. citizens and other nationals intending to travel to Chukotka must possess a valid passport, Russian visa, and an official entry permission document.
- Visas are issued based on an invitation from a person or corporation.
- The entry permission document, known as the Chukotka Pass, takes a minimum of 60 working days to process.
-
Travel Planning:
- The article outlines the steps for planning a trip to Chukotka, including obtaining an invitation, applying for visas, and arranging the entry permission document.
- It recommends contacting Bering Air's Russian Charters Coordinator at least three weeks in advance to reserve travel dates and provide passenger information.
-
Travel Logistics:
- Details about transportation to Nome, the nearest international airport served by Bering Air, are provided, with mention of Alaska Airlines offering daily passenger service.
-
Time Zone Differences:
- The article highlights the time zone changes when traveling from Nome to Chukotka, emphasizing a 20-hour difference.
-
Aircraft Information:
- Bering Air operates a range of passenger and cargo aircraft, with the specific aircraft assigned depending on the destination and load.
-
Costs and Payment:
- Charter flights to Russia require a non-refundable deposit, and full payment must be remitted two weeks before the flight.
-
Seat Fare Passengers:
- Seat fares are available on empty legs of charters or when space is available on a charter, with specific baggage allowances and charges for excess baggage.
-
Charters Checklist:
- A checklist is provided for charter travelers, covering aspects such as obtaining an invitation, applying for visas, and arranging entry permission documents.
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- The FAQs address various queries related to destinations, aircraft types, booking timelines, changes to flights, required documents, and assistance with visas and entry permissions.
In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive guide for travelers interested in exploring the Russian Far East with Bering Air, showcasing a deep understanding of the logistical and regulatory aspects involved in such journeys. For any further inquiries or assistance, the provided contact information for the Russian Travel Desk at Bering Air is readily available.
