Typically, for trips to European countries, Russians need to obtain special visas or permits to enter in the form of Schengen. But a number of countries that do not have an agreement with the European Union are still available for citizens of the Russian Federation. When moving among the borders of these countries, a normal stamp is placed at the border control. This process is fast, convenient and does not take too much time for paperwork.
Most visa-free countries are not members of the European Union, but have been trying to get membership in it for many years. Therefore, while the issue of their legalization in the Schengen agreement has not been resolved, the Russians can take advantage of such an excellent opportunity - staying at sea and making business trips without unnecessary delay.
List of European countries that do not require a visa
Some visa-free countries of Europe were once part of the Soviet Union, of course, in those days there was no talk of visa regimes even with friendly countries. But with the collapse of the country, the situation has changed. All former members of the Union gained personal independence, and created rules for entry other than Soviet ones. And some countries, such as the Ukrainian authorities, are constantly changing entry conditions for Russians.
Consider the available list of visa-free countries in Europe:
- Republic of Belarus.
- Republic of Ukraine.
- The Republic of Moldova.
- Republic of Serbia.
- Republic of Albania.
- Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Republic of Macedonia.
- Republic of Montenegro.
- Republic of Turkey
- The Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Republic of Abkhazia.
Visa regime with Belarus and Ukraine
The conflict between the authorities of Russia and Ukraine has been going on for several years, but despite political strife, people continue to cross the border of the two states to pay a visit to relatives or friends. Ukraine is still one of the visa-free countries in Europe, despite the fact that for a long time the government promised to introduce a preliminary visa for Russians to visit its territories.
However, some changes did occur. Now, this visa-free country in Europe refuses to admit its Russian neighbors according to internal passports. Therefore, everyone who is not yet aware of such an innovation should be vigilant, and be sure to bring a passport with you.
At the border control stamp is affixed. A special immigration card is also filled out. It is kept with the visitor until his departure and is presented at the exit. Moreover, in case of loss, a certain fine is paid. All detailed information about entering Ukraine in a visa-free country of Europe can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and once again check the necessary information before traveling.
Special entry regimes are established from the Crimea, Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics. From Ukraine to call on such territories is almost impossible. For example, in Crimea, you need to get special permission.
If a citizen is banned from entering, then border guards will deploy him at passport control, moreover, they can do the same with any other, without explaining the reason.
Let’s figure out which regime is set for Russians in the visa-free country of Europe, Ukraine. For six months, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed to stay on the territory of Ukrainian lands for no more than three months. The six-month period starts from the first date of arrival. No additional registrations required.
In addition to the usual foreign passport at the border control, you can present: a diplomatic passport, a sailor's passport, an ID card or a certificate of a member of the aircraft crew, official passport. In addition to everything, they usually ask for documents confirming the visitor’s intentions: an invitation, a return ticket to their homeland, an employment contract with a Ukrainian company, a death certificate, any papers proving a relative’s illness, guarantees of personal monetary support for the entire trip (up to 900 hryvnias per day) - in this case, the tourist will be helped with cash in local or foreign currency, which has the possibility of exchange; international bank card; a document on renting a living space; letter of guarantee from a sponsor located in Ukrainian territory or a tourist voucher.
Another visa-free country in Europe for Russians is the Republic of Belarus. Since she is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, entry is allowed for ninety days for tourism purposes. If the visitor is scheduled for the educational process, he is waiting for a workplace or other matters, the solution of which goes beyond the permitted period of a visa-free stay, a special permission to enter is opened with the provision of relevant documents.
A visit to Belarus as a visa-free country in Europe for Russians is possible with the presentation of an internal passport of a citizen. Tourists do not fill out any declarations or other papers, nor are stamps stamped.
In the case of traveling by car and crossing the border with Belarus, a visa-free country in Europe, a Russian passport, car insurance and papers for the vehicle, including its registration certificate, should be presented to Russian citizens.
Visa regime with Moldova
Since Moldova is also a former union republic for the Russian Federation, the border agreements are established in a visa-free regime. The country of Europe Moldova offers Russians to visit their territories for free and without too much fuss at the border, for ninety days.
However, an unrecognized political unit in the form of the Republic of Transnistria, which is located on the territory of Moldova, requires filling out a special application form for entry and payment of a customs fee of fifty cents. If the tourist is going to return home, again using the checkpoints of Transnistria, then this questionnaire should be kept, as the customs officer will require it upon departure.
Moreover, according to the laws of Transnistria, a Russian is obliged to register at the place of stay within seventy-two hours, otherwise a fine of up to eighteen euros will be issued upon departure to the territory of Moldova. Visa-free country of Europe in 2018 Moldova does not put forward such a requirement for visiting tourists.
Visa Regime with Serbia and Albania
The amazingly beautiful Serbia and Albania, washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, are no less attractive countries for travel. The list of visa-free countries in Europe includes these two states. Despite the fact that the latter has constantly changing entry rules, it is still possible to call in Albania without issuing special documents in advance.
To take advantage of such an excellent opportunity, Russians should present a passport with border validity of at least six months and a return ticket at the border control. Sometimes they ask to show hotel reservation and insurance. At the moment, such a visa-free entry for Russians to the country of Europe, Albania is available in the summer months, but more accurate information should be clarified directly on the official website of the country's representative office in the Russian Federation.
To visit the Serbian territories, the Russian will need to present a foreign passport, as well as financial evidence that a person will be able to fully provide themselves: at the rate of fifty euros per day per person. Plus, Serbia requires insurance coverage of at least twenty thousand euros.
Serbia being a visa-free country in Europe for Russians in 2018, Serbia provides no more than thirty days of free movement around the country, for longer periods a tourist should contact the Serbian Consulate to apply for a visa.
But everyone knows about the old conflict between Serbia and Kosovo. Unfortunately, to visit this place, Russian citizens will have to submit a request for a special entry document. And the most interesting is the place where it is drawn up, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in Istanbul, Turkey. Here is a turn of events for those who want to plunge into the history and beauty of Kosovo.
Visa regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina
With which countries of Europe visa-free regime is maintained in the same state? Another opportunity to see the paradise of European scenic nature is to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Republic allows the Russians to stay on its territory for thirty days without completing additional papers and documents. Moreover, if, after returning home, it becomes necessary to inspect everything interesting that did not succeed this time, it will become possible to call on the same principle only after two months.
A citizen can enjoy such an excellent privilege in the following cases: for a tourist purpose, attending various events, concerts, visiting a relative or friend, performing work duties (in this case, entry is made using an official passport). By the way, the last three points listed include ninety days of a visa-free stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. True, visitors will have to show evidence. If a business trip does not involve commercial activities, the regime is the same - 90 days.
Visa regime with Macedonia
One of the exotic countries of Europe on the visa-free list for Russians in 2018 is Macedonia. More and more popularized the sale of tours to previously unknown, but quite ancient states. Macedonia gained independence only in 1991, and annually extends the visa-free agreement with the Russian Federation.
For unhindered passage through the border, a Russian is required to present a valid passport, insurance covering at least thirty thousand euros and proof of financial security (here you can show any plastic bank card). The validity of the passport must be higher than the period of stay in the country.
Free to move inside the country, without violating the visa regime, a Russian can within ninety days. True, upon arrival at the place of residence he should register, in case of travel by a savage without acquiring a package tour from an agent. Usually, such a procedure takes place at the nearest Ministry of Internal Affairs, and after it a form of the so-called temporary residence permit is issued. It should be kept until the very end of the holiday.
Visa Regime with Montenegro
The Balkan Peninsula is very fond of Russian tourists, especially after the information about Montenegro's entry into the list of visa-free European countries for Russians. To enter the territory of this state with azure waters and impeccable mountain views is possible only for thirty days.
After checking into your temporary home, you should contact the competent authorities for registration at the place of residence, if the tourist intends to live in a hotel, this procedure is canceled, since hotel workers are involved in these delays. Of course, when traveling on a visa-free regime, any work activity is illegal.
Visa Regime with Turkey
Turkey, although it is mostly located on Asian territory, is ranked among the European country with its small piece of Istanbul. Many years of work on requests for accession to the European Union are in the past and now, after a long lull in tourism, the doors of the two countries are again open for each other. True, in the case of Turkey, this door is free and visa-free.
By the way, the Republic of Turkey is considered the ideal place for the cheapest trip. In visa-free countries of Europe, just like on Turkish soil, a tourist will be required to present a valid passport. Additionally, a request may be received to prove the existence of a return ticket, insurance or travel voucher. But such cases are very rare and are associated mainly with a suspicious visa history or other violations.
According to the rules of the Turkish side, Russians can visit the state on a visa-free basis without a break for sixty days. But the total period of visa-free stay should be no more than three months for a half-year period.
At the border control, a stamp is put in the passport. Accordingly, any labor activity in this case is illegal and will threaten deportation with a further ban on entry. The passport itself must be valid for two months after returning to their homeland. No migration cards are required. This information is useful to the most gullible tourists who can lose money when filling out personal data online on fraudulent sites.
Visa regime with Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a transition country from a small piece of land in Europe to a large part of Asia. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, crossing the border of a given state was very simple for Russians and passed without any additional difficulties.
You can enter by the internal civil passport of the Russian Federation, and the number of possible visa-free days is equal to ninety. But in the case of reaching 20 and 45 years, you need to be very careful about the validity of the passport. Since in Kazakhstan it becomes inoperative on the day of the above age. In Russia, it is allowed to use a passport for thirty days while re-issuance is in progress, but, alas, there is no such indulgence outside the country.
In the case of using a foreign passport, Russian border guards affix a stamp of departure. When crossing the Russian-Kazakh border, all citizens fill out migration cards. It also marks the date of entry. This card should be kept until the end of your voyage and presented at the control on the way back.
Visa regime with Abkhazia
Abkhazia is also a border territory between Europe and Asia; therefore, it is included in the list of countries with a visa-free regime for Russians. Despite its difficult political status and partial recognition on the world stage, entry for citizens of the Russian Federation will be very simple - it is enough to present an internal Russian passport or a foreign one at the border, but an entry stamp will already be put on it.
In addition, it is necessary to take out insurance for thirty thousand rubles, although in reality the daily amount is calculated at fifteen rubles. Tourists who have used the operator’s travel services do not pay for this option. And for those who come to the territory of Abkhazia for a stay exceeding three days, a mandatory payment of a contribution of thirty rubles is made (exclusively for independent travelers). For children under six years of age, such a premium is not required. Abkhazgosstrakh is involved in life insurance.
You can enter the country through the Black Sea coast of Adler, which is reached by train and plane. From Adler to the border is only ten kilometers. This distance is covered by your own vehicle or by bus with a tourist group.
If you travel the entire route on Abkhazian roads by car, you need to familiarize yourself with the entry rules in advance. For the customs service, the driver shows a technical passport and driver's license. The car will be carefully inspected, so get ready to open all the glove compartments and show the contents of the trunk. If the machine is used according to the document of general power of attorney, then in addition, a point should be indicated that permits crossing the border territory. Owners of passenger cars pay a fee of one hundred and fifty rubles, and trucks pay three hundred rubles.