What can you not bring into Russia?
John Hall
Updated on May 02, 2026
What can you not bring into Russia?
According to Russian Customs, it is forbidden to enter, transit or leave Russia with the following items:
- Explosives and potent poisons.
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances, and devices for their use.
- Works of art and antiques, objects of significant artistic, historic or cultural value.
What do I need to declare at Russian customs?
Russian Customs Rules for Travelers
- 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.
Can I bring food into Russia?
How much food can be carried? In general, you can carry up to five kilos of animal and plant-based products per person. These include not only fruits, vegetables, cheese and sausages, but also nuts and berries. Sanctioned products can also be brought into the country for personal use.
How much cash can you carry into Russia?
How much money in foreign currency can I bring to Russia? You can legally import any amount of cash into Russia;but you must declare an amount in excess of $3,000. You can legally take out of Russia only 3000 dollars in cash.
Can you send chocolate to Russia?
So items such as cheeses and fruits are out of the question. Additionally, items such as cakes or chocolates are also tough to send as they are likely to melt in a hot weather or shipping depots in Russia that are not always air conditioned.
Should I take my cell phone to Russia?
GSM networks operate in nearly all Russia cities, so mobile phone use across the entire country is generally quite okay. The cheapest option for overseas calls using your mobile phone (in Moscow and St Petersburg) is to purchase a local sim card.
How long does customs clearance take in Russia?
The timing for the Customs clearance procedure is usually one business day after the declaration is registered by the Russian Customs authorities provided that all documentation is in order.
What are some customs and traditions in Russia?
Russian Traditions
- Easter. Easter is the day of the resurrection of Christ.
- Christmas. Christmas is the holiday of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, whose advent gave people hope for mercy, kindness, truth and eternal life.
- Ivan Kupala.
- Maslenitsa – Old Russian Tradition.
- Wedding.
Can I take fruits to Russia?
Can I bring fruit & vegetables? Dried vegetables and mushrooms, kitchen herbs, and spices can be imported freely. Fresh fruit and vegetables, exotic fruits, dried fruits, nuts, corn and all cereals, as well as flour, also all have a limit of 5 kg per person, including minors.
How should I dress in Russia?
Russian women wear dresses or long skirts and blouses and love to flaunt high heels. Color preferences in Russian clothing: There is a distinct difference in the color and theme preference of the Russian men and women; while the men do not usually like flaunting bright colors in clothing, the women do.
Can you use US dollars in Russia?
Re: Can you use US dollars to pay in Russia? In general, paying USD is illegal. No cashier will accept that. Though, some small tourist-targeted shops may accept it, actually, reporting that as a rouble sale and converting your dollars via their own exchange rate.
Can I send whiskey to Russia?
You could buy a bottle of Glenlivet Scotch Whisky and mail it to Russia. But that can take weeks, if the Glenlivet Scotch Whisky can even get through Russia customs. With our regional offices we can deliver Glenlivet Scotch Whisky to Russia in as little as 1 – 2 business days.