Despite international sanctions it is possible to travel to Russia. The consulates issue visas normally and life in Russia is completely normal. However, you should consider the existing limitations when taking flights, making payments, or booking accommodation.
If you have any questions or suggestions you can reply to this thread.
Although western travel sites completely block all Russian information, booking a flight from Edmonton to Paris then a second one-way flight to Baku, sleep one night, and enter Dagestan by ground, either train or bus. Baku has many banks on the Union Pay website but I don’t see an apply icon so don’t know where I’ll get that yet. I want to travel by land to Rostov-on-Don, then along the shore of Sea of Azov to Crimea for a few days. From there I’d like to head through Luhansk and Donetsk as far north as fighting allows if there still is any by then and finally cross into mainland Russia somewhere near Severodonetsk or Kupyansk. After that, slowly north exploring towns along the way to Moscow and St Petes, before finally taking a train to Berlin and Paris to make my flight back to Edmonton. 3 weeks total planned. Any suggestions appreciated. Does fast train still only run Sat and Sun to Berlin? How slow is the slow train? Thx
@flyingtiger Incredible trip 
From October 30, 2023, the Mir payment system tourist card is available in Azerbaijan. By passing the identification procedure, citizens residing in Azerbaijan can open a remote account in a Russian bank and receive a bank card upon arrival in Russia. Although, this is very new and I don’t know how it is being applied.
I have looked on the UnionPay website and have not found any bank in Azerbaijan that issues UnionPay cards.
You can also apply for a Tinkoff card for foreigners upon arrival in Russia. More information here: https://russiable.com/open-bank-account-russia/
Where do you take the train to Berlin?
@Irena THNX IRENA. WHILE LOOKING ON SEAT 61 LAST NIGHT I SAW THAT THOSE TRAINS FROM MOSCOW TO BERLIN ARE NOW ALL CANCELLED DUE TO SANCTIONS, SO I GUESS NOW LOOKING AT A TRAIN BACK TO BAKU FROM MOSCOW AND FLY TO PARIS.
AS I’M TRAVELLING THROUGH THE AREAS OF FIGHTING IN DONBASS, LUHANSK, AND DONETSK, WILL I FIND BANKS OPEN TO USE THAT TINKOFF CARD OR WILL I NEED TO CARRY CASH?
THX.
MS
Another thing came to mind just now Irena. Without too much detailed thinking easiest way might be to get to Dagestan with cash and then get a Russian sim card and open a bank account there. Leaving from Canada, but should I leave with Euros or USD, or is CAD$ OK?
@flyingtiger I think there are no Tinkoff ATMs in that area but you can use any local bank ATM to top up your card. I recommend that you ask the person who gives you the card.
@flyingtiger Just Euros or USD, no other currency, and bring banknotes without scratches or defects, since they may not be accepted by Russian banks when exchanging currency.
Hello Irena
Regarding getting around, I have been thinking about buying a cheap car in Dagestan as in the Donbass I don’t know what transportation near the troubled ares will be like. Reliable? I have my doubts. Is it possible for me to buy a car and insure it with an international driver’s license? I’m thinking an old Lada wagon or Niva. I guess I’d try to sell in Moscow. If the answer is yes, is there a website in English to find the cars?
Thx
MS
@flyingtiger I would say that it is possible to buy a car in Russia, although the process is more complicated for foreigners, since I think one of the requirements is that your car be registered with your visa. You would also need to purchase car insurance. Maybe it is a better option to rent a car, I don’t know. Google car dealership in Dagestan and ask them
Hi I have girlfriend in Kazan .is it possible for her to travel to the Uk ? Or for me to travel to Kazan ? Thank you.
@Burt9 Hi,
Russian citizens must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa to visit UK. The UK does not offer visa-free entry to Russian nationals, so this step is essential. Also, there are no direct flights from Russia to the UK.
Or couse, you can also travel to Kazan. Life in Russia is normal and visas are issued to UK citizens, however there are no direct flights and you must fly through third countries (Serbia, Turkey, Estonia, etc.) and you must take into account the existing restrictions due to international sanctions: