Arriving in Russia!

So there you are taking your first glances of majestic Moscow from the window of the airplane, you have hopefully at this time filled out your customs declaration form, your hands are sweaty with excitement and curiosity of what to expect after you step out of the aircraft.

Depending on the airport you arrive at is how you will access the terminal, at Domodedovo usually you will walk out of the plane through the tunnel directly towards the immigration and passport control zone, in Sheremetyevo and the other smaller airports in Moscow you may be directed to board the bus that will drive you to the terminal.

Once you are in line at passport control, notice the indications on the display screens, have your passport ready and out of any passport cover along with your boarding pass stub, notice that there are some booths specifically for official and diplomatic passport holders, DO NOT go there or you will probably have to answer unnecessary questions, just proceed to any of the "all other passports" lines open and wait for your turn. Once you go up to the window, hand your passport and boarding pass stub to the immigration officer and look him/her directly with a neutral face, remove any eye wear and cap you may be wearing and clear your forehead. Depending on your nationality you may have to answer some questions/show documented proof of your itinerary, if you face a specific and direct question you do not understand well or have doubts about, ask the officer to repeat the question and answer truthfully, DO NOT LIE or that can become your first taste of from Russia with Love, in my case I entered with a высококвалифицированный специалист or highly qualified specialist visa to work and live there for 3 years so there were no questions asked at all since I had already gone thru security clearance at the Russian embassy before the issuance of my visa, I am almost sure this is not your first international border crossing so just stay calm and keep your cool. The officer will print a small duplicate card that will contain your details, then it will be stamped along with your passport, DO NOT lose that card as you must return it to immigration upon departure, that is your immigration card which you must keep with your passport and carry it with you at all times, yes, you must have your passport and card with you at all times since it is your only official piece of identification in Russia and police can stop you and ask you to produce both documents at will. Forget your local customs and ideology, especially if you come from the US, Canada, UK, DO NOT question the police as to why they are stopping you, instead just be cool and remember that you are in their country and must follow and respect their laws and regulations, usually after seeing your western foreign passport they just let you continue on your way, now I think this is rare but in the 3 years that I lived and travelled throughout the country I was never once stopped by the police and asked to produce my passport, and let me tell you, I look anything but Slavic or Russian, I do believe that personality and demeanor do play a role in that sense, I would walk around the street in my work clothes and looked a bit dirty at times but still acted cool and normal... If you look clean cut you are good to go.

And remember, you must register your stay within 7 days of your arrival, the arrival day counts as day 1, if you are staying at a hotel/hostel etc. they will handle the registration for you and will give you a прописка or registration form, keep that with you in your passport at all times too.

So remember, basic rules to follow: 

• Always use common sense and follow the rules, you are not at home.
• Keep your passport with you at all times.
• Be patient, not everybody speaks English, especially not the older people.
• Always remove your shoes when walking into any home.