FAQ
What goods imported by foreign individuals to the Russian Federation for personal use are permitted and exempt from customs duties?
Below is the list of permitted items:
1. Used personal goods: clothes and other personal items (unlimited amount);
2. Photo equipment, video recording, laptops and similar devices in the quantity not exceeding one item of each category;
3. Mobile phones, smartphones and similar communication devices in the quantity not exceeding two items of each category;
4. Alcoholic drinks in the quantity not exceeding three litres;
5. Equipment and belongings for sport.
You can find more details on import/export norms in the guidelines for individuals crossing the customs border.
What document should I fill out to declare goods?
The goods are declared in the passenger customs declaration. It is filled out in both Russian and English.
Customs declaration forms are provided by customs authority officials at the point of customs formalities completion.
You can print out customs declaration forms in advance from the official website of the Federal Customs Service of Russia.
What should I do if my luggage didn't arrive together with the rest of the accompanied luggage on an international flight?
If your luggage didn't arrive, you need to complete a passenger customs declaration in the customs surveillance zone and contact the Lost and Found office to file a claim. It is important to give a very detailed written description of the lost items and specify the numbers of the luggage tags. You have to keep your passenger customs declaration and luggage claim tickets until you have received the luggage and checked if everything is in place.
How much cash am I allowed to carry when entering or leaving Russia?
It is possible to freely enter or leave the country carrying an amount of cash not exceeding an equivalent of USD 10,000. Anyone entering or leaving the country carrying more than USD 10,000 should fill out a passenger customs declaration. Bank cards are not subject to such control.
Is it allowed to carry food in the accompanied luggage?
Food products of animal or plant origin are allowed in the amount not exceeding five kilograms per person in its original sealed packaging.
What are the rules for importing/exporting medicines?
ONLY medicines containing narcotic, psychotropic or strong medical substances require mandatory declaration.
If this is the case, a passenger customs declaration must be filled out and either an abstract of a medical record or a prescription issued by a doctor should be produced.
Medicines free from the above strong medical substances are imported/exported freely in the amounts sufficient for the temporary stay in Russia.
