Russia

Russia has exceptionally onerous visa requirements. In most cases, you have to obtain a notarised letter of invitation from a Russian citizen or organisation before you can apply for a visa. Some parts of the country ― for example, Chukotka and Norilsk, and many of the border regions ― are closed to foreigners unless they acquire special permits from the government. In most cases, you will need a local sponsor in the region to issue you an invitation through the local FSB office before you can apply for the permit, but some of these regions can be visited by foreigners on package tours, in which case your tour company will obtain all the relevant permits for you. Although Russia has an open border with Belarus, third country nationals are not permitted to cross the border between Russia and Belarus overland; they are required to fly to travel directly between the two countries. Visas …

Crime For the most part, Russia is a moderately safe country to visit. The crime rate has fallen dramatically since hitting an all-time high in the 1990s. Assault, robbery, or pickpocketing are the most common crimes. They often happen in underground walkways, the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, and restaurants. The infamous Russian mafia (ма́фия), also known as the Bratva (братва́), are still active, but they rarely engage in street crime, and it takes quite some effort to get involved with them as a tourist. Don't go looking for them and they won't bother you. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. …

Russians are generally reserved and well-mannered, and tend to be more traditional than other Europeans. This is partly due to the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is a major force in Russian society. • Social etiquette Smiling is traditionally reserved for friends and close acquaintances. Smiling at someone you don't know could get someone to think you're mocking or making fun of them. Sales assistants and public servants are normally expected to look serious and businesslike. Russians, in general, are considered straightforward. They're quite comfortable with expressing their thoughts clearly, and they prefer to get straight to the point. Don't be put off if people deliver brief, terse answers at first – this does not mean that they are uninterested in you. It is a social expectation to show respect to the elderly and authority figures. …