Is it possible to travel from Alaska to Russia?

Question

If so, do you need a visa, or just a passport? Can you fly or take a ferry, and how long for each? What is Russia like? How developed is it for tourism? Would it be safe for a solo female traveler? Any other information I'd be grateful for.

Cheers, K

Answer 1

If one were to travel west from Alaska one would cross the international date line, and arrive off the coast of Siberia. The major port of entry to Siberia is Vladivostok - which is relatively easy to get to from Japan.

Tourism in Siberia is still in its infancy. I beleive there some eco tour groups that cover various parts of Siberia - the volcanos, Lake Baikal, and the fishing. Access is usually via Moscow and then through Novosibirsk and Irkutsk

However I also believe that due to a number of major oil spills along various rivers (that happened during the Soviet era), the Russian government is reluctant to allow huge numbers of tourists to witness these environmental disasters.

In my opinion, due to the large number of indigenous peoples in Siberia, it is possible that tourism will never develop to any great degree. Tourism would destroy both the cultures and the environment.

Hope the below links are helpful

Answer 2

You can fly from Alaska (via Seattle) to Russia.

You need a valid US passport, good for 6 months beyond your planned stay in Russia, and you need an entry visa from the Russian Embassy in the USA. (See http://www.russianembassy.org/ ).

Russia is a very culture rich country. They are very proud of their country, and their rich heritage. The architecture, the art, the music, the fine arts... all are perfected in Russia.

The larger cities are very developed for tourism. Particularly the Moscow-St. Petersburg "tourist slot". Other fine places to visit are the Ural mountains (Ekaterinburg), Lake Baikal, Murmansk.

It is very safe for a single woman to travel in Russia, but stick to the better cities and areas. Also, pick up a book on Russian culture... and avoid bars and nightclubs at night if you exect "political correctness" in how you are treated.

A good site with lots of information is http://www.waytorussia.net/ .

And to comment on what the above poster said about Siberia... the "indiginous" people of Siberia are actually some of the most educated and refined people. A great number are Ukrainian by heritage, having been deported from Ukraine when the communist rule took over (mostly rich people).

Answer 3

Young Lady; I have been to Alaska several times and they do have flights to Russia from Anchorage. A ferry no. Too far. Your best bet would be to either call atravel agent or do some checking of different sites for both times and things to do there plus, since they are changing the rules on passports you could also find that out too. Good Luck & Enjoy.