How hard is it to travel to Russia?

Question

I may visit there next year what all will i need to get into the country & do a lot of Russians speak English?

Answer 1

I have traveled to Russia from the US and am going back in January. What you will need is a tourist visa. I obtained mine from russia-visa.com. The total cost is 180 dollars. There are a list of requirements but they are not very difficult. You will need a pass port and a recent pass port photo. The process is easy it takes about 11 days once they receive your passport.
I would recommend going on a tour where you will have someone to show you the city and translate for you. The airport signs are in English so that is not a problem. But once in the city you will have problems getting around if you do not have a translator. It is not easy to find someone who speaks fluent English.
If you go on a tour not only would you have a translator but you would have someone to show you the sights and explain the history to you.
When I travel there I have someone to do that for me and it makes the trip a lot more enjoyable. As far as safety goes that is why you need someone with local knowledge and use common sense you will be fine.
The crime rate in Russia is actually lower than the US.

Answer 2

First off, you'll have to get a visa. That process is a hassle (and a little pricey) but if you are a from the UK, the process will be a bit easier for you than it is for Americans and you can also stay longer, too. Lucky you. Yes, a lot of Russians in Moscow and Petersburg speak English and the young people will often be rather eager to practice their English with you. But (!), try not to entirely depend on that if you are traveling alone. Sometimes, very basic phrases come in handy so pick up a phrase book (or look online) and try to learn a few things. Also, learning how to say things like: "help" "How much" "how can I get to..." and how to say the names of transportations and such things would come in very helpful. Also, many people I know that have been say that they found knowing the Cyrillic alphabet incredibly helpful. I promise it can be done in about a week. It's very helpful! Good luck and have a good time when you're there. I love Moscow!

Answer 3

Russia consists, basically, (as an Australian might say) of "Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Bush". In Moscow and St. Pete's there is a reasonable-ish amount of English spoken - otherwise, buy a phrase book and learn some first. And you don't just "visit". Getting a visa involves a lot of paper and permissions - and boy, do Russians take "paperwork" to a new height. I suggest that you visit a travel agent and get yourself on an organised tour. Believe me, it will be a lot easier.

Answer 4

You will find many English speakers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but not "a lot". If you do not speak any Russian, you will want to go with a tour.

To go there, you need a tourist visa. It can be applied for through the Russian embassy. To do so, you will need a letter of invitation.

Your best bet is to work with a professional travel agent who can arrange the visa for you.

Winters in Moscow are no that bad. You hear of the -30 degree weather, but keep in mind that is C, not F degrees. The climate is similar to the midwest of the USA.

Answer 5

Aside from the language, my thought is that once you see the first speck of snow, you'll be lucky if you make it alive to Moscow. It's freezing up there. I mean, even the German troops died in WWII. So I suggest packing fur coats. And if ya ain't got em', go get em'. Have a safe trip. Be sure to go to St. Petersburg and visit the Peterhoff Palace.

Dasvidanya. (It's the only word I know lol, means good bye and what do you know, it's perfect!)

Answer 6

It is not hard at all, maybe it was hard 10 years ago, but today Russia is very "user-friendly" lol

I think you should find no problem travelling...at least to big cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterininsburg...