Travel Information From Uganda to Russia

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Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Russia. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Russia.

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who
• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis
Consider vaccination for travelers
• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there
Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Measles

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Russia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Russia, rabies treatment is often available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Russia.

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expiry date of your visa.

Local Phrases Language : Russian

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = Privet
Good morning = Dobroye utro
Good afternoon = Dobryy den'
Goodbye = Do svidaniya
Nice to meet you = Rad vstreche

Conversational

How are you? = Kak dela?
I am good thank you = ya v poryadke, spasibo
What’s your name? = Kak vas zovut?
My name is … = Menya zovut …
Do you speak English? = Ty govorish' na angliyskom?
I don’t speak … = ya ne govoryu…
How do you say… in … = Kak skazat'… v…
I don’t understand = YA ne ponimayu

Basics

Yes = Da
No = Net
Please = Pozhaluysta
Thank you = Spasibo
You’re welcome = Pozhaluysta
Excuse me (as a question) =
Excuse me (as sorry) =
Wait = Zhdat'
Hurry up = Toropit'sya
Go away = Ukhodite
Let’s go to = Poydem
I want to go to … = YA khochu poyti v …
A little bit = Sovsem nemnogo
A lot = Mnogo

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = Restoran
Do you have? … = U vas yest'? …
Not too spicy = Ne slishkom ostryy
It was delicious = Bylo ochen' vkusno
The bill, please = Schet, pozhaluysta
How much? = Skol'ko?
Very expensive = Ochen' dorogo
Can you reduce the price? = Mozhete li vy snizit' tsenu?
Please can I have a beer? = Pozhaluysta, mozhno mne piva?

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = Taksi
Car = Avtomobil'
Bus = Avtobus
Right = Verno
Left = Ostavil
Straight = Pryamoy
Stop here = Ostanovis' zdes'

Places

Downtown = Nizhniy gorod
Street = Ulitsa
Hotel = Otel'
Museum = muzey
Mall = Torgovyy tsentr
Market = Rynok
Hospital = Bol'nitsa
Doctor = Doktor
Police = Politsiya
Post office = Pochtovoye otdeleniye
Bank = Bank

Time & Dates

What time is it? = Kotoryy seychas chas?
Today = Segodnya
Tomorrow = Zavtra
The day after tomorrow = Poslezavtra
Yesterday = Vcherashniy den'
When? = Kogda?

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = Gde tualet?
Help me, please = Pomogi mne, pozhaluysta
Call an ambulance = Vyzovite skoruyu
I don’t feel good = ya plokho sebya chuvstvuyu

• Moscow: +74992380068

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You should carry your passport with you at all times. A copy will not be sufficient. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security. Failure to produce your passport when asked may lead to a detention for up to 48 hours or a fine. You'll need to register with the local authorities if you're staying anywhere for more than 7 working days. Your hotel will do this automatically. If you're staying in a rented or private apartment, it is your host’s responsibility to carry this out. However, it is your responsibility to ensure this is done. You will need to produce evidence of the registration at passport control on departure from Russia. From 29 December 2021, all foreigners working in Russia are required to undergo regular comprehensive health examinations, including tests for sexually transmitted diseases and chest X-rays. The health examination also relates to family members, including children aged 6 and over. You will also have to submit fingerprints and other biometric data. The initial checks need to be completed within 30 days from your arrival in Russia. The new rules also apply to those on highly qualified specialist (HQS) visas. Don't become involved with drugs. You can expect a long sentence for possession of even small quantities of drugs, regardless of whether they are ‘hard’ or ‘soft’. Photographing any military establishment or site of strategic importance (including airports) is banned. There may not be warning signs in locations where prohibitions are in place. You are likely to be detained for questioning or arrested if you are caught. You'll need to get official permission from the Russian aviation authority (in Russian) before using any unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Russian airspace. You must inform them of the flight route at least 24 hours in advance and keep in regular contact with them before and during the flight. Failure to do so will result in a fine. Public attitudes towards LGBT+ issues are less tolerant and can vary depending on location. Government officials have made derogatory comments about LGBT+ individuals. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention. The republics of the North Caucasus are particularly intolerant to LGBT+ issues. Since January 2017, credible reports have been received of the arrest, torture and extrajudicial killing of gay men in Chechnya, allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities. In 2021 Russia was ranked 46th out of 49 European countries for LGBT+ rights by ILGA-Europe. There are no laws that exist to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. There are laws severely limiting the receipt of external funding by LGBTI and human rights organisations in Russia. Homosexuality is not illegal in Russia. However, in 2012, Moscow Pride was banned for 100 years. In June 2013, a law banning the promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ towards under 18s (the “gay propaganda” law) entered into force. There have been reports that instances of harassment, threats, and acts of violence towards the LGBT+ community have increased following the introduction of this law. While no foreign nationals have been charged or convicted under it, penalties could include arrest and detention, fines and/or deportation. There are restrictions on certain religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials. Following recent legislation, Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered an extremist organisation in Russia and can be subject to significant harassment from the authorities, particularly at places of worship. At least one foreign national has been detained and subsequently imprisoned for being a Jehovah’s Witness, though we are not aware of any British nationals being detained for this reason. Some other minority religious groups in Russia are also subject to similar discrimination, as are organisations like the Scientologists. Recently passed legislation in Russia imposes severe restrictions on the publishing and distribution of information related to the Russian armed forces and any military operations. Publishing or distributing information considered ‘fake’ and/or from non-official Russian Government sources may be punishable with fines or prison sentences up to 15 years. This also applies to posting and sharing content on social media. Russia’s cybersecurity laws are changing. Restrictions have been placed on some social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook and Instagram), LinkedIn and Telegram, and access to other internet sites can be unreliable or blocked completely. Access to certain areas such as military and border zones are restricted. You must get permission from the local authorities before entering these areas. If you Don't get the necessary permissions you may be arrested, fined or even deported. If you're in any doubt about whether a tour or excursion will take you into a restricted area, contact your tour operator or the Russian Embassy. Russia does not recognise dual nationality for Russian nationals in Russia. If you have for example dual British and Russian nationality, the Russian authorities will treat you as a Russian national and the consular assistance the British embassy can provide to you may be very limited. Children born overseas and added to their parents’ Russian passports may now have to get their own passport to exit Russia.

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Moscow

Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. In its historic core is the Kremlin, a complex that’s home to the president and tsarist treasures in the Armoury. Outside its walls is Red Square, Russia's symbolic center. It's home to Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum's comprehensive collection and St. Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colorful, onion-shaped domes.

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Domestic discrimination

It's important to also note that given the dangerous and volatile situation in the North Caucasus region, the threat of prejudice and discrimination against those from that area is very real in other parts of Russia. Not surprisingly, many Caucasians have fled their homes in areas like Chechnya, to avoid the dangers of terrorism. Unfortunately, many people who live in less volatile areas tend to view anyone of Caucasian descent to be terrorists. Northern and Southern Caucasians generally have dark hair, eyes and complexion. Police are also on high alert to prevent terrorist acts so they are much more likely to stop anyone who appears to be from the Caucasus region and demand proper documentation. Be aware that if you are traveling in Russia and your features happen to resemble those of this area, you may be more likely to be a target. Always carry proper documentation and identification on you just in case.

Police corruption

Most people are taught to view police officers as heroes; there to protect and serve the community. It wouldn't be unusual for a foreigner to approach an officer to ask for assistance when they are lost or need help while visiting another country. In Russia, however, this is not necessarily the case. Unfortunately, due in part to extremely low wages, it's not uncommon for police officers to demand fines from just about anyone they stop (and keep in mind that they have the right to stop you for no reason). What typically happens is that the police will stop you and ask for your papers and then claim there is a problem with your documentation. As a result, they will often tell you that you need to pay them a fine (a.k.a. bribe) in order for them to let you go. There are a few things to keep in mind if and when you are stopped by the Russian authorities:

- Be firm but polite
- Be cooperative when they ask for documentation
- Always have all of your identification on you (your passport and visa). It also helps to have identification of the hotel at which you are staying
- Never carry too much money. That way if you do find yourself in the situation where you feel you have to pay a bribe, you won't have to worry about losing too much of it.
- If you do find yourself in this situation, you can either pay the fine and be on your way or get out your mobile phone and threaten to contact your embassy. This will often be enough to discourage corrupt officers and they will let you go. Sometimes just offering to go to the police station to clear things up will be enough to get them to back off. Remember, these are criminals. They are looking for a quick, easy way to get some extra money. If they have to work for it, it's probably not worth it to them.

Police presence is most prevalent in popular tourist areas and tends to be worse in Moscow than in Saint Petersburg. When in doubt, do as the Russians do - don't approach the police, don't make eye contact and avoid them if possible. And whatever you do, don't act like a tourist. Not all Russian authorities are corrupt, but why take the chance?

Russia is slowly but surely becoming a much more tolerant and progressive society; however there is still plenty of work to be done. Major cities like Saint Petersburg and Moscow which offer larger, much more diverse populations tend to be more tolerant and accepting of different ethnicities and sexual orientations. Still, it's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid potentially volatile situations. Be polite, respectful and use common sense and your Russian adventure will be a safe and enjoyable one.

International Driving Permit 1968 is required

• The most common religion in Russia is Orthodox Christianity.
• Don't export art objects.
• Don't whistle indoors in Russia - superstition says those who whistle indoors are destined for bankruptcy. Better do that outside.
• Don't leave empty bottles on table - it can be considered as bad luck.
• Don't forget Russia recognises four ”historic” religions Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Avoid making any religious ”missionary activity” without proper authorisation.
• Don't forget Russian law bans providing “the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.
• Don't give a baby gift until after the baby is born - it’s bad luck to do sooner.
• Don't enter someone's home without removing your shoes.
• Don't forget to negotiate taxi fare (with tip) before you ride.
• Don't enter the Moscow centre with a dirty car.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Russia?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Russia. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

• Medical Expenses
  Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
• Baggage and personal belongings
  If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
• Cancellation
  Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Care

Healthcare System in Russia

Healthcare of Russia is ranked 76th in the world. Russia boasts some excellent doctors and specialists, although facilities in state hospitals are often substandard and waiting times can be very long.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Caused by touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF.

Avian/Bird Flu

Occurs from being around, touching, or working with infected poultry.

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.