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Destination Guides - Europe / Russia
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| There are a number of advisory notices on the FCO website which you should check if you are planning to visit any of the border regions. There is also a high level of street crime and theft especially in the major towns and tourist areas. Ask for ID if stopped by the police as there have been incidents of criminals posing as police in order to rob tourists. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| It is recommended that you vaccinate against Hep A, Polio, Diphtheria and Typhoid. TB and Rabies are prevalent. HIV/AIDS is on the increase. Choose where you eat wisely as standards of hygiene differ and food poisoning is common. A reciprocal health care agreement exists with the UK. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
-11 |
-5 |
0 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
11 |
13 |
7 |
0 |
-5 |
-7 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
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| This is a vast country and the climate differs greatly between regions. In general expect June to August to be the warmest months and winters to be extremely harsh. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for Moscow, Russian Federation
| Tuesday |
Max Temp: 15°C (59°F), Min Temp: 10°C (50°F), Wind Direction: NE, Wind Speed: 4mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1027mb, Humidity: 59%, UV risk: low, Sunrise: 06:46MSD, Sunset: 20:08MSD |
| Wednesday |
Max Temp: 14°C (57°F), Min Temp: 10°C (50°F), Wind Direction: NE, Wind Speed: 4mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1027mb, Humidity: 55%, UV risk: low, Sunrise: 06:48MSD, Sunset: 20:05MSD |
| Thursday |
Max Temp: 14°C (57°F), Min Temp: 11°C (52°F), Wind Direction: N, Wind Speed: 7mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1029mb, Humidity: 77%, UV risk: low, Sunrise: 06:50MSD, Sunset: 20:03MSD |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| There is a zero tolerance to drink driving and it is not uncommon for traffic police to stop motorists. Penalties for possession of drugs are severe. Do not photograph military or official buildings or establishments. Check customs regulations for restrictions on currency and valuables. |
| Getting Around |
| Check the FCO website before travel to more remote parts of Russia. Some domestic flights are available but security measures are lapse and the reliability of some aircraft is subject to dispute. The rail system is the preferred mode of transport as the roads are generally poor. Take particular care of your belongings on sleeper trains. Car hire is available. Use only licensed taxis and never share with a stranger. River transport is also popular. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| Festivals include the Russian Winter Festival held during the Christmas period in December. The Malenitsa Festival in Spring and the summer solstice in late June. Also the Russian Orthodox Christmas on 7 January, Day of the Defenders of the Motherland on 23 February, Spring & Labour Day on 1 -2 May, VE Day on 9 May, Russia Day on 12 June and a National Day of Unity on 4 November. |
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| Religion |
| Russian Orthodox |
| Visa Requirements |
| A visa is required and must be obtained in advance If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you should apply to Russian Federation's visa processing centre: VF Services, 15-27 Gee Street, London, EC1V 3RD. Tel: 020 7499 1029, www.rusemblon.org. If you live in Scotland, you should apply to the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh. Visa applications must be completed on line and the weblink provides all the information you will need to enable you to do this. Allow a minimum of 5 working days or longer during the summer holidays. You must have 6 months validity on your passport. |
| British Embassy Details |
| Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10, Moscow 121099. Tel: (7)(495)956 7200 |
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