U.S. citizens should leave Russia via commercial options still available. The situation on Russian borders is always changing. We update this page once a month.
Air travel options for U.S. citizens:
Travelers may also depart via some of Russia’s land borders. More information is below.
Use of Credit/Debit Cards & Access to Foreign Currency: International sanctions have been imposed on Russian banks due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. As a result, U.S.-issued credit and debit cards will not work in Russia. Travelers may consider using local credit cards, cash, or other forms of payment. They can also ask family and friends outside of Russia to buy their ticket. U.S. citizens should take this into account when making their plans.
Be aware the exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT system has made money transfers to the United States impossible. The Bank of Russia announced that non-residents from “both friendly and unfriendly countries” may transfer funds abroad in the amount of their wages although there remains a ban on transferring funds abroad for non-residents from “unfriendly countries” that do not work in Russia, as well as legal entities from such states. This ban has been extended through March 31, 2024.
We encourage you to enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and it makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. U.S. Citizens in Russia can email moscowacs@state.gov for assistance.
Click here for more updates from the U.S. Embassy in Russia.
KEY LINKS
Latest Travel Advisory and Alerts
Departing Russia by air:
If you want to leave Russia by air, be prepared to comply with your destination's entry rules. Direct flights are now operating from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Thailand, India, and other destinations.
Departing Russia by land:
If you want to leave Russia by land, be prepared to comply with your destination’s entry rules, which may differ from the entry requirements for travelers arriving by plane. Travelers should also be aware that not all border crossings may be open. Travelers should check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the country you wish to visit for more information. For a list of embassies, click here.
Departing Russia by sea:
While ferry availability changes often, some ferries from Russia to other countries may be running, including from Sochi to Trabzon, Turkey.
Visa Requirements for Families with U.S. and Russian Citizen Family Members
The following information may be of use to families with both U.S. and Russian citizen family members that are considering departure options:
No Visa Required for Russian Citizens
Azerbaijan: Russians do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan and can stay for up to 90 days.
Bahrain: Russians can get visas on arrival.
Georgia: Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter Georgia.
Kazakhstan: Russian citizens can enter Kazakhstan without a visa by air for up to 90 days but not more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
Mongolia: Mongolia does not require a visa for temporary (30-day) stays of Russian nationals. It only requires a passport with at least six-months validity.
Qatar: Russian citizens can enter Qatar visa free for an initial 30-day stay. They have the possibility to extend 30 additional days.
Serbia: Russians do not need visas to enter Serbia and can stay for up to 30 days.
UAE: UAE offers visas on arrival for Russian tourists with authorization for a 30-day stay. Russian tourists can extend these visas to 90 days.
UAE: UAE does visas on arrival for Russian tourists, with authorization for a 30 day stay, extendable to 90 with application.
Visa Required for Russian Citizens
Estonia: AThe Estonian government will not allow Russian citizens with short-term Schengen visas to enter Estonia for tourism, sports, or culture. The entry restrictions do not apply to Russian citizens who are long-term residents of Estonia or to individuals traveling to Estonia to visit family. The rules also exempt workers involved in transporting goods and passengers. They also exempt people in certain humanitarian cases. The Estonian Police and Border Guard website has more information.
Finland: Russian citizens need a visa to enter Finland. Finland has greatly reduced the acceptance of tourist visas for Russians. Priority is given to those applying for a visa due to family reasons, work, or study. The Finnish Border Patrol will consider parole entry if the person is transiting Finland or has other extraordinary circumstances..
Latvia: Russian citizens need a visa to enter Latvia. Latvia is no longer issuing visas to Russian citizens, except for some specific funerals. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has more information.
Lithuania: Russian citizens need a visa to enter Lithuania. Lithuania is no longer issuing visas to Russian citizens. Lithuania does not allow Russian citizens with short-term Schengen visas to enter Lithuania for tourism, sports, or culture. Exceptions apply for family members of EU nationals, seafarers, people transiting Kaliningrad, and in other humanitarian situations.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON ENTERING NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES FROM RUSSIA:
Azerbaijan
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Baku, call +994 12 488-3300, or email the American Citizens Services unit at BakuACS@state.gov
Click here to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Azerbaijan.
Belarus
Do not travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means. Read the travel advisory for Belarus here.
Estonia
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Estonia, call 372-668-8100, or email ACSTallinn@state.gov.
Click here to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Estonia.
Finland
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Finland, call +358-9-616-250, or email HelsinkiACS@state.gov
Click here to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Finland.
U.S. citizens with expired passports may transit Finland to the United States, but they must contact the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki at HelsinkiACS@state.gov in advance and provide the traveler’s name, arrival time, vehicle information, and U.S. airline ticket information.
Passengers transiting Finland may not cross the border outside regular opening hours except to make connecting flights/ferries.
You can find requirements for entry from the Finnish Border Guards website.
Georgia
Kazakhstan
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, call +7 (7172) 70-21-00, or email the American Citizens Services unit at USAKZ@state.gov.
Click here to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Kazakhstan.
Latvia
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, call +371 6710 7000, or email askconsular-riga@state.gov.
Click here to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Latvia.
Lithuania
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, call +370 5 266 5600, or email VilniusACS@state.gov
Click here to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Lithuania.
Mongolia
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, call +976-7007-6001, or email the American Citizens Services unit at UlaanbaatarACS@state.gov.
Click here to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Mongolia.
Poland
To reach the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, call +48 22 504-2000, or email the ACSWarsaw@state.gov.
Click here to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Poland.