All travellers to Russia need visas, including people transiting Russia from or to countries of the former Soviet Union. Travellers arriving without a Russian visa can expect to be turned back at point of entry or subjected to steep fines. More importantly, all travellers are required to show an exit visa in order to leave the country.

For short stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa and is valid only until the date listed on the visa. All travellers who spend more than three days in Russia must register their visa through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who overstay their visa's validity, even for one day, or neglect to register their visa, may be prevented from leaving. Errors in dates or other information on the visa can occur, and it is helpful to have someone who reads Russian check the visa before departing India.

Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. The certificate must contain the applicantТs passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of the medical examination and blood test.

All Russian visas, except transit visas, are issued on the basis of an invitation from a Russian organization or individual, known as the sponsor. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how to contact him. Russian law requires that sponsors - not the foreign visa holder - apply to replace, extend or change visas. Without the support of your sponsor, replacement of a lost or stolen visa can be difficult and time consuming; extensions or changes to your visa may be impossible. The Embassy cannot act as your sponsor.

Business Visa is sponsored by a Russian business firm registered with Central UVIR. The Russian firm should forward its invitation to the Foreign Office who, in turn, convey their clearance to the Russian Embassy / Consulate concerned. It is advisable to have a copy of invitation from the Russian firm while departing your country. This may be asked to be shown to the Immigration people at Moscow airport. It is also advisable to ascertain if the inviting Russian firm has got the valid registration with the Central UVIR, else even with all the documents, Immigration at Moscow airport may refuse entry.

It is not necessary for travelers to have either entry or itinerary points in the Russian Federation printed on their visas. However, all travelers must continue to list on the visa application all areas to be visited and subsequently register with authorities at each destination. If travelers in Russia experience entry and exit visa problems they and/or their sponsor must contact the nearest Russian Visa and Passport Office (OVIR) for assistance. Due to the possibility of random document checks by police, Indian citizens should carry the original or photocopies of their passports and registered visas. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines.

According to latest Russian regulation, all foreign business organizations in Russia should get themselves accredited with the State Chamber of Registration in the Ministry of Justice. Subsequently all resident representatives of such companies are also to get their personal accreditation done with the State Chamber of Registration. Based on this accreditation, they are normally issued one year exit/entry visa by the UVIR. Their immediate family members are also entitled to have visa of same type and duration.

The main Russian government organization responsible for visa problems is: UVIR, 42 Pokrovka, Moscow (closest metro: Krasnyye Vorota), telephone (495) 207-0113, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; closed Wednesday.

According to Russian customs laws and regulations, you should declare all items of value on your customs form upon arrival in Russia. If your customs form is lost or stolen, report it to Russian militia and obtain a certificate to show to customs officials when you depart the country. Foreigners without a stamped customs form may not be allowed to take any money in hard currency out of Russia at the time of departure. Those with stamped declaration forms are permitted to take out a sum equal to or less than the sum declared on entry.

Generally speaking, you should obtain a receipt for all items of value purchased in Russia. Furthermore, old artifacts such as icons, samovars, rugs, and antiques must have a certificate indicating that they have no historical value. You may be able to obtain this certificate from the store that sold the item or from the Ministry of Culture. For further information, please call Russian Customs at (495) 265-6628 or 208-2808.