Travel Freedom in Russia: Exploring the Country from Baltic to Pacific

Are tourists in Russia allowed to freely travel around the country? Can you venture from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific by car, train, or plane? Additionally, is it safe to explore the Caucasus, the Central Asian Republics, Murmansk, and Vladivostok?

Travel Freedom within Russia

Yes, people with Russian citizenship are free to travel across Russia, except for special areas like borderline zones, military objects, and atomic power plant towns that require special permission.

Foreigners can also travel anywhere in Russia, with the exception of a few places that are restricted to foreigners for state security reasons. A detailed list of these restricted areas can be obtained from the respective country's embassy or travel websites.

Historical Perspective

Beyond discussing the current situation, let's take a look at the past. During Soviet Union times, citizens had the freedom to travel around the country, often visiting various parts of Russia every summer, such as the Black Sea, a dacha (country house), a river, or even abroad in the Soviet Union. This freedom allowed people to appreciate the quality of life they had, contrasted with the current situation.

Based on personal experience, whether in the USSR or Russia, people had the ability to travel almost anywhere they desired, which included extensive regional travel within the country.

Travel Options and Safety

It is allowed to travel freely within Russia without any restrictions. However, the journey from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific would be a long and costly affair, either by train or plane. On the other hand, traveling by car would likely require multiple vehicles due to the vast distances involved.

Murmansk and Vladivostok are relatively open cities, except for nearby naval bases. Exploring the Caucasus regions might be more challenging and less safe for first-time visitors. Additionally, the Central Asian Republics are not part of Russia, so traveling there would require a separate visa or travel arrangement.

Visa Requirements

The type of visa you hold will determine your travel options. Currently, an e-visa does not allow travel beyond the regions indicated in the application (e.g., Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok). A standard visa issued in your passport allows travel to various regions, with the exception of closed areas such as military zones and nuclear regions.

Conclusion

Russia offers extensive travel opportunities, from the coast of the Baltic Sea to the vast Pacific, and beyond. While the journey would be challenging and costly, the adventure and experience are well worth it for seasoned travelers. Remember to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.