Yes, Russian citizens can leave Russia, as it's a constitutional right, but travel is restricted by military service, debt, sensitive government jobs, and visa/entry rules of other countries, making it difficult for many, especially for long-term stays or entry into Western nations, though some countries remain accessible. While Russia's passport offers visa-free access to many places, practical hurdles like limited flights, financial restrictions (e.g., Visa/Mastercard issues), and host country entry requirements pose significant challenges for many seeking to leave.
1) Everyone legitimately on the territory of the Russian Federation has the right to freedom of movement and choice of place of residence and abode within the Russian Federation. 2) Everyone may freely travel outside of the Russian Federation.
The Russian passport along with the Turkish passport are the highest ranking passports whose holders are still required visas for their travels to the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Short answer: leaving Russia today is harder than before 2022 for many ordinary citizens, but difficulty varies sharply by individual circumstances -- passport status, finances, destination, profession, and perceived political risk.
During the Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present) since February 2022, more than 300,000 Russian citizens and residents are estimated to have left Russia by mid-March 2022, at least 500,000 by the end of August 2022, and an additional 400,000 by early October, for a total of approximately 900,000.
Poland. Poland, like the Baltic countries, has imposed a complete ban on entry for russian citizens travelling for tourism purposes. The country has taken a tough stance, limiting border crossings for russians and ensuring that the risk of their presence on its territory is minimal.
Russian citizens can become citizens or permanent residents of any other country while keeping their Russian citizenship. However, Russian authorities must be notified about obtaining citizenship of another country or becoming a permanent resident.
There are few commercial air travel options available. It may not be easy to book flights on short notice. If you wish to leave Russia, you should make your own travel plans.
While Russians can be warm and welcoming, they also value their personal space. It's essential to keep a respectful distance, especially in public places or during initial meetings.
Ranking and Travel Freedom
Global Ranking: Russian Federation's passport is ranked 46th in 2026. Visa-Free Access: Passport holders of Russian Federation enjoy the privilege of traveling to 116 countries through visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
Russia severely restricts free speech. Publishing and distribution of information (including private comments on chats, social media or social apps) related to the Russian leadership, government, government policies, armed forces and any military operations may be considered illegal.
Wealthy Russian tourists are flocking back to Italy, France, and Spain — despite the Ukraine war and EU allies' security fears. Italy issued 152,254 Schengen area visas at its two Russian consulates last year (according to EU Commission figures) - almost 19,000 more than in 2023.
From November 10, 2025, new rules for extending the period of temporary stay for foreign citizens in Russia come into force. Order No. 785 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated October 21, 2025, introduces key changes to migration procedures, making it mandatory for most applicants to file a specific application.
Despite the constitution's provision of freedom of speech, the authorities possess significant discretion to suppress any speech, organization, or activity lacking official support due to ambiguous extremism laws.
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including: security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity.
The leading cause of death in Russia is overwhelmingly diseases of the circulatory system, primarily ischemic heart disease and stroke, followed by cancers (especially lung cancer), with significant mortality also from external causes like accidents, alcohol poisoning, and suicide, reflecting high rates of preventable deaths compared to Western Europe. Cardiovascular diseases account for over half of all deaths, a much higher proportion than the European average.
Everyone may freely leave the Russian Federation. Citizens of the Russian Federation shall have the right freely to return to the Russian Federation.
Yes, Australians can technically travel to Russia and obtain visas, but the Australian Government strongly advises "Do Not Travel" due to high risks of arbitrary detention, arrest, and limited consular support, viewing Australia as an "unfriendly" nation. While visas are obtainable through the Russian Embassy/Consulate with specific documents (passport, photos, invitation, etc.), travelers face significant safety concerns and potential issues with flights, banking, and general treatment.
Americans require visas for Russian entry and residence, with categories serving different purposes and durations.
🌍 Only about 25% of its land lies in Europe, but this small portion holds nearly 75% of Russia's population, including major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Russian dual citizenship is allowed only in the case of citizens from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Otherwise, other foreign citizens who want to obtain citizenship in Russia are forced to renounce their original citizenship.
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