Do you know which documents you'll need to travel to Russia? Plan ahead and find out if you need your passport, visa, national ID or all of the above!
Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Russia, for which the application should be made at least a month before your trip. For most travellers a tourist visa will be sufficient: these allow a stay of up to 30 days with one or two entries within that period. If you are planning to stay for longer than a month, there are business and other types of visas available. If you're just passing through, it's possible to get a transit visa, but as these allow limited time in the country and are the same price as a regular tourist visa, it's usually best to go for that option.
With all of your necessary documentation, you'll then need to go to your Russian embassy or dedicated visa agency: when you first visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website linked above, the Contacts link under your selected country will show the official offices for visa applications. You may also be asked to bring bank statements, birth certificates of children travelling with you and proof of travel insurance, so make sure to double check what you need in advance.
On arrival in Russia, you'll be given an immigration form produced electronically at passport control. Make sure to hold on to this as you'll need it both to register your stay and to leave the country.
Register your visa: every visitor to Russia must register their visa within seven business days of arrival. If you're in Moscow for less than seven business days, you are exempt, and if you leave Moscow, you must register again in any city where you stay seven days or longer. It is your accommodation that is obligated to register your visa for you: whether this is your hotel, hostel, landlord, friend or family. Commonly, you'll give up your passport and visa on check in for your hotel to register you with the local visa office.