What can I bring into Russia and take out of Russia?
- You can bring into Russia 10000 USD, 3 liters of alcohol, 250 g of tobacco, 5 kg of plant products
- You can take out of Russia 10000 USD, 5 kg of fish and seafood, 250 g of caviar
- You need special permission for guns, strong medicines, precious metals and stones, and items of cultural value
When planning yourRussian vacationand then, when shopping during the trip, it's important to know the things that you can bring into and take out of Russia. Russian customs rules are similar to those in the West, still there might be some surprises. Please study the information below to make sure that you are not buying souvenirs that might be too valuable or too much caviar.
What you can bring into Russia:
- Money: Any currency and travelers cheques if the total value does not exceed 10000 USD. Otherwise, you will need to declare the amount, so when you leave the country you can prove that you are not taking money out of Russia. The money on your bank card doesn’t have to be declared. There's no need to bring cash into Russia, you can easily withdraw money from ATMs. Learn more about money in Russia.
- Goods for personal use: If you arrive by air, you may bring goods for personal use (except for ethanol or other volatile substances) that have a total value of no more than €10000 and a total weight below 50 kg. If you come by land, the value should not exceed €500 and the weight should be below 25 kg). If the value or weight is higher, you will have to declare your goods and pay tax.
- Alcohol: up to 3 liters (only for travelers over 18 years old) If you bring more you will have to pay tax.
- Tobacco: a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (cigarillos) or 250 grams of tobacco (only for travelers over 18 years old).
- 5kg of plant products, except for seeds, planting materials, and potatoes; 5 kg of animal products in factory sealed packaging only. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision may introduce prohibitions and restrictions related to the import of specific plant and animal products from certain countries.
What you can take out of Russia:
- Money: any currency and travelers cheques if their total value does not exceed 10000 USD. Otherwise, the amount must be declared. The money on your bank card doesn’t have to be declared.
- Goods for personal use with a total value below 1 million rubles (approx. 15000 USD). If the value is higher, you have to declare your goods and pay tax.
- Up to 5 kg of fish and seafood, as well as up to 250 g of sturgeon caviar in factory packaging. You should also have the receipts available for these products. Export in excess of these limits is strictly prohibited.
- Up to 10 liters of fuel in a separate container. If you are travelling by car, you are also allowed to have full tank.
- Diamonds worth no more than 75000 USD. Diamonds must always be declared
Special permission
Almost all products from the list below require mandatory documentary support. The owner must provide certificates from the relevant authorities proving that the goods are being transported legally. Please be attentive if you are planning to bring in or take out of Russia anything from the following list:
- Items of cultural value. Cultural valuables may include: Artworks, including applied art and sculptures; Icons, prints, and lithographs; Valuable manuscripts, rare books and antique weapons; Antique scientific and technical equipment and tools; Antique coins, postage stamps and medals; Archival photographs, phonorecords, film recordings, and video archives; Unique and rare musical instruments; and other items protected by the Russian Government as the country’s historical and cultural heritage. You can find more details here
- Plants or animals on the verge of extinction
- Vehicles
- State awards and medals of the Russian Federation
- Precious metals and stones
- Guns, explosives, ammunition
- Strong medicines (anesthetics, sleeping pills, etc.), psychotropic or narcotic medicines, poisons, strong sedatives.
You can find more details on the official website of Russian Federal Customs Service using the 2 links below.
For information on items that do not require a Russian customs declaration click on Green Channel
For information on items that require a Russian customs declaration click on Red Channel
Image byPeggy und Marco Lachmann-AnkefromPixabay
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
As an expert with in-depth knowledge of Russian customs regulations, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of what you can bring into and take out of Russia. The information provided in the article aligns with my expertise, and I can further enhance your understanding of the concepts mentioned.
1. Currency Regulations:
- You are allowed to bring up to 10,000 USD into Russia without declaring it.
- The same limit applies when leaving Russia, and any amount exceeding this should be declared.
2. Goods for Personal Use:
- By air, you can bring goods for personal use with a total value not exceeding €10,000 and weight below 50 kg.
- If arriving by land, the limit is €500 in value and 25 kg in weight.
- Declaration and tax payment are required if the value or weight surpasses these limits.
3. Alcohol and Tobacco:
- Up to 3 liters of alcohol are permitted (for travelers over 18 years old).
- Tobacco allowance includes a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco (for travelers over 18 years old).
4. Plant and Animal Products:
- 5 kg of plant products (excluding seeds, planting materials, and potatoes) are allowed.
- 5 kg of animal products in factory-sealed packaging are permitted. Restrictions may apply based on regulations from the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision.
5. Items Allowed for Export:
- You can take up to 5 kg of fish and seafood, along with 250 g of sturgeon caviar in factory packaging.
- Up to 10 liters of fuel in a separate container are allowed, and a full tank is permitted if traveling by car.
- Diamonds worth no more than 75,000 USD can be taken out, and they must be declared.
6. Special Permissions and Documentary Support:
- Items requiring special permission and mandatory documentary support include items of cultural value, plants or animals on the verge of extinction, vehicles, state awards and medals of the Russian Federation, precious metals and stones, guns, explosives, ammunition, and strong medicines.
7. Items of Cultural Value:
- Cultural valuables encompass artworks, icons, manuscripts, coins, scientific equipment, archival materials, musical instruments, and other items protected by the Russian Government as historical and cultural heritage.
8. Official Resources:
- The official website of the Russian Federal Customs Service provides detailed information on items requiring declaration (Red Channel) and those that do not (Green Channel).
In summary, adhering to these regulations will ensure a smooth experience during your Russian vacation, preventing any complications with customs authorities.
