Crossing the Russian Border
At first this might sound like something only done in spy movies, but every day people arrive in Russian airports and have to make an entry into Russia through the specified control points. You will be given a form to complete prior to landing that will be used at the control point inside the airport.
They will ask you for your passport, inspect your visa and stamp the form you filled out. This form is a verification process that is later stamped at your hotel or OVIR office to prove you stayed at the location on your visa application. You should keep this form inside your passport while visiting Russia and have it stamped within 3 business days after arrival. Your hotel can usually do this for you.
Always keep your passport with you while traveling in Russia.
Russian Customs Process
When arriving in Russia travelers must declare all items of value on a customs form. Travelers may enter Russia with up to 10,000 U.S. dollars without submitting a customs declaration. Travelers should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Any article that could appear as having cultural value to the customs service, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. It is illegal to remove such items from Russia without this certificate.
Typically the customs process is transparent to most tourists. There are stories told of businessmen who were forced to pay high customs fees for personal items such as computers, cameras or other valuables. This is not the typical experience in Russia, however it can happen. The best method to avoid this is to not draw attention to yourself by dressing in fancy clothes or acting in a way that indicates you can afford to be “shaken down”. It’s also a good practice not to declare items unless they are beyond the $10,000 limit. If you are unsure about the forms or procedures, ask your flight attendant for assistance.
