Russian customs are straightforward for ordinary tourists, but the rules on cash, duty-free limits and restricted goods are worth knowing before you fly. Here's what you can bring, what you must declare, and how the green and red channels work.
The green channel vs the red channel
If you have nothing to declare and stay within the limits below, walk through the green channel. If you exceed any limit — most often cash — use the red channel and fill in a passenger customs declaration. Choosing the wrong channel can mean fines or confiscation.
How much cash can I bring into Russia?
You can carry up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash (all currencies plus rubles combined) without declaring it. Above that, use the red channel and declare the full amount; above USD 100,000 you must also prove the source of the funds. Money on bank cards or in accounts does not count toward this limit.
Duty-free allowances for personal goods
- By air: personal goods up to €10,000 in value and 50 kg in weight, duty-free.
- By land: a much lower limit — up to €500 in value and 25 kg.
- Alcohol: up to 3 litres (travellers aged 18+).
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco (or a mix up to 250 g).
- Food: up to 5 kg of plant products (fruit, nuts, dried goods) in retail packaging, without a phytosanitary certificate.
Prohibited and restricted items
Banned or tightly controlled: illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition, and obscene material. Seeds, seedlings and live plants need a phytosanitary certificate. Amber and other regulated natural items can't be taken out without paperwork — doing so can bring heavy fines. Antiques and artworks may require an export permit.
Do I need to declare my phone or laptop?
No. Personal electronics you bring for your own use and take home — phone, laptop, camera — don't need to be declared and fall well within the personal-goods allowance.
What happens if I go over the limit?
Use the red channel and declare it. Declared excess cash is simply recorded; undeclared cash or goods found in the green channel can be fined or confiscated. For money matters on the ground, see our guide to paying in Moscow as a tourist.
