A business trip to Russia takes more preparation than a typical work visit to Europe or Asia. Visas, local payments, connectivity and compliance all need attention before departure. Expense planning deserves particular care, since corporate cards issued abroad will not work on arrival, so it is worth reading up on how to pay in Russia as a foreigner well before the flight is booked. The checklist below covers the rest.
Choosing the right visa for a business trip
Citizens of countries on the approved list can use Russia’s unified e-visa, which explicitly covers business trips. It is single-entry, valid for 120 days from issue and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Applications must be filed at least four days before entry, and no invitation letter is required.
Travellers from countries outside the e-visa scheme, or those planning repeat visits, usually need a conventional business visa. This requires an official invitation from a Russian host company and is often issued for multiple entries
Unified e-visa |
Business visa |
|
Invitation needed |
No |
Yes |
Entries |
Single |
Often multiple |
Where to apply |
Online |
Consulate or visa centre |
Registration on arrival
Foreign visitors must be registered with the migration authorities at their place of stay. Hotels handle this automatically, but travellers staying in a rented flat or corporate accommodation should confirm who will do it. Keep the migration card issued at the border until departure.
Money and expenses
Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia, including corporate cards, cannot be used in local shops, hotels or apps. Most business travellers rely on cash in dollars or euros, exchanged at a bank in the city. Amounts above the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars per person must be declared at customs.
For a cashless backup, some services issue virtual cards to non-residents that can be topped up before departure. PayInRussia is one of them. Keep every receipt, as expense reports will rely on paper evidence more than usual.
Connectivity and devices
Buying a local SIM card as a foreigner now involves an in-person visit to an operator’s office and identity checks, which is rarely practical on a short trip. International roaming is the simpler option. Check with your IT department which corporate apps and services are accessible from Russia before you travel.
Compliance and meetings
Sanctions rules in your home country may restrict which Russian companies you can work with and how payments can be made. Clear the trip with your legal or compliance team in advance.
Business culture tends to be formal at first meetings. Punctuality is expected, and having materials and business cards in Russian is a courtesy that is noticed.
Pre-departure checklist
- Visa issued, with passport validity checked.
- Hotel booked, or registration arranged with your host.
- Cash budget and a cashless backup in place.
- Roaming enabled and corporate apps tested.
- Compliance approval in writing.
