For any questions, please contact us in any convenient way.
Your Trusted Path: Custom Tours & Visa to Russia
From securing your visa and managing local logistics to private transfers and 5-star stays. We navigate the complexities so you can experience the culture with absolute peace of mind.
An ultra-exclusive, all-access journey. Stay, travel, and celebrate alongside world-class artists during their Russian tour dates.
Shared 5-Star Stay Reside in the same luxury hotel (like the Ritz-Carlton) as the performing artist and their core team.
VIP Show Access & Backstage Pass Premium VIP seating at the concert, followed by backstage access, private autograph sessions, and photo opportunities.
The Inner Circle Tour Sightsee and explore the city’s finest spots alongside the artist’s production crew and entourage.
Elite Security & Escort Travel with peace of mind. Benefit from the same professional security detail and private transfers assigned to the artist.
Official Afterparty Entry Receive exclusive invitations to the private afterparty with the artist's crew to celebrate the successful show.
What’s Included / Key Features
The Backstage Pass: Exclusive Artist Experience
Extremely limited, booking strictly aligns with international artist tour dates
We handle the entire visa process for you. Mail your passport overnight via FedEx or deliver it to our Nes York Agent - approvals as fast as 1-2 days.
Private Kremlin tours, evenings at the theatre, fine dining, Moscow nightlife, or family excursions - your pace
Extend your journey to St.Petersburg, Dagestan, Altay, or wherever else you have in mind All travel and lodging arranged seamlessly for a true cross-country experience
We can assist with all legal questions and help you with any kind of business you may have
Arrive in complete comfort. Our team meets you directly at the terminal, assisting with luggage and coordinating your seamless transfer to the hotel or next destination
Stay where the important guests stay - in the luxurious suites of the best hotels. Enjoy the city's best restaurants and spas. ”Our exclusive rates up to 70% off”
VISA Support Service
Your VISA Journey
3
Receive Your Passport & Fly
Pick up your passport with the ready visa at our office, or get it delivered back to your doorstep. You are ready to fly!
2
Hand Over Your Passport
In New York: Drop it off at our office in person.
Other States: Send it securely via express mail (FedEx) from anywhere in the US.
Choose Visa Type & Speed
Select a single-entry tourist visa. Choose standard processing or express service (in just 3–4 days).
Leave a request and our specialist will contact you shortly.
Or contact us by phone
Real Guest Case Study
A seamless, worry-free VIP experience from the moment you land to your departure.
VIP Arrival & Seamless Setup
We meet you right at the airport exit with a personalized sign. Our guides will help you navigate the arrivals area quickly. To guarantee a worry-free start, we provide a local SIM card and comprehensive assistance with all local payments and financial logistics throughout your journey.
Premium Transfer & 5-Star Stay
Skip the hassle of local taxi apps. Your private driver will transport you directly from the airport to the luxury Ritz-Carlton on Red Square (or your hotel of choice) in a premium vehicle. Relax while we take care of your seamless check-in.
Curated Exploring & Personal Translator
Discover the best of Moscow—from private tours of Red Square to scenic horseback riding in the countryside and reservations at top-rated restaurants. While our main guides speak fluent English, we also provide a dedicated personal translator to accompany you on private outings so you never experience a language barrier.
Exclusive Access & VIP Flexibility
Your itinerary is fully flexible and tailored to your mood. We can arrange exclusive access to local events, from theater shows to concerts of visiting international artists. We adjust everything on the go to make your trip as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Safety & Legality
Is it legal for US citizens to travel to Russia?
Yes, it is 100% legal. There are no US laws or government regulations prohibiting American citizens from traveling to Russia. You can legally enter and exit the country as a tourist, provided you have a valid passport and a Russian visa.
The US State Department has a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia. Should I be worried?
State Department travel advisories are recommendations, not legal bans. Many thousands of Americans and Westerners continue to visit Russia safely for tourism, business, and family reasons. The advisory primarily reflects the lack of direct US consular presence. With Yes2Russia, you have a professional local team providing 24/7 on-the-ground support to ensure your trip is secure, organized, and completely comfortable.
Will I be detained or arrested as an American tourist in Russia?
No. Law-abiding tourists who respect local laws and customs travel to Russia without any issues. The rare cases featured in the news involve individuals who violated specific local regulations (e.g., carrying prohibited substances, illegal mapping, or unauthorized work). Russia remains highly welcoming and hospitable to foreign travelers of all nationalities.
How safe are the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg?
Moscow and St. Petersburg are statistically safer than many major US metropolitan areas when it comes to violent street crime. You can comfortably walk through the city centers and tourist zones at any time of day or night. Standard travel precautions—like keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places—are all you need.
2. Money, Payments & Sanctions
Will my US or Western credit/debit cards work in Russia?
No, standard credit and debit cards issued in the US, Canada, Europe, and other Western countries (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) do not function in Russia due to sanctions. Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also unavailable. (Note: While Visa or Mastercard cards issued in certain non-Western jurisdictions—such as Hong Kong, select Asian countries, or friendly CIS nations—may work at some POS terminals and in the Moscow Metro, cards issued by Western banks will completely fail).
How will I pay for things during my trip if my cards don't work?
We make payments entirely hassle-free for you:
Pre-paid Tour: Your hotels, transfers, guided tours, and domestic transport are fully paid in advance in the US.
Cash (USD/EUR): You can bring cash, and our guide will assist you in exchanging it at local banks with excellent exchange rates.
Local Debit Card: Upon arrival, we can help you obtain a local Russian debit card (Mir). You can easily top it up with cash and use it for dining, shopping, and taxi apps.
How much cash can I bring into Russia, and are there any rules?
You can bring up to $10,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) in cash per person without needing to declare it at customs. We recommend bringing clean, crisp, and undamaged $100 bills (preferably printed after 2013) with no markings or tears, as Russian banks are very selective about cash condition.
Can I use ATMs in Russia?
Yes, ATMs are widely available, but they will generally only accept local Russian cards (like Mir) or select international cards issued in non-Western jurisdictions (such as UnionPay or specific Asian/CIS bank cards). You cannot withdraw cash from your US bank account using Western cards at Russian ATMs.
3. Visas & Consular Services
How can I get a Russian visa if the embassies/consulates are closed or restricted?
We handle the entire visa process for you. As part of our concierge service, we provide the official tourist invitation (voucher), fill out the consulate application, submit the paperwork, and secure your visa. You do not need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Can US citizens apply for the new Russian E-visa?
No. While Russia has launched a simplified electronic visa (E-visa) program for citizens of 64 countries (including most European nations), citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not eligible. As a US citizen, you must obtain a traditional paper tourist visa stamped in your physical passport. Our concierge service handles this entire paper visa process for you.
Do I have to mail my physical passport? Is it safe?
Yes, the Russian Consulate requires your physical passport to apply the visa stamp. We coordinate secure overnight shipping (e.g., FedEx) directly to our authorized visa processing agent in New York. Over our 19 years of operations, we have managed thousands of passports with a 100% security track record.
How long does it take to process a Russian tourist visa?
Standard visa processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks. However, we can arrange expedited processing in as fast as 1 to 2 business days for urgent travel. We recommend starting the visa application process 30 to 60 days before your departure.
4. Flights & Logistics
Since direct flights between the US/Europe and Russia are suspended, how do I fly there?
You can easily fly to Russia with a single connection through several major international hubs. The most popular and reliable airlines and routes include:
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST)
Emirates / FlyDubai via Dubai (DXB)
Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)
Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Air Serbia via Belgrade (BEG) Our team will help you choose and book the most convenient and cost-effective flight itinerary for your dates.
What happens when I land in Russia? How will I get to the hotel?
Your peace of mind is our priority. A professional Yes2Russia driver (speaking English) will meet you directly at the airport arrivals gate holding a sign with your name. They will assist with your luggage and transport you to your hotel in a private, premium-class vehicle.
5. On the Ground & Connectivity
Will my US mobile phone plan work in Russia?
Most US carrier roaming plans (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) do not function in Russia due to current restrictions. You will not have cellular data or SMS roaming automatically.
Can I buy a local Russian SIM card, or should I use an eSIM?
Recent Russian laws (effective 2025) require physical SIM cards to be registered with local government credentials (a Gosuslugi account and SNILS, which require local residence), face/voice biometrics, and the specific device's IMEI. This makes purchasing a local physical SIM card extremely difficult and impractical for short-term foreign tourists. Instead, we strongly recommend purchasing an international data eSIM (such as Holafly or Yesim) before your trip. These cards operate via international roaming agreements, bypassing the local registration requirements. Note that due to carrier security screenings, activation of these eSIMs can sometimes take up to 24 hours after you land. We recommend downloading offline maps (such as Google Maps or Maps.me) and setting up messaging apps before arrival.
How can I access blocked apps like Instagram or Facebook during the trip?
Google, messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage), and email work perfectly. To access platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you will need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) installed on your device. Before you travel, we will provide you with a list of recommended VPN services that are tested and work reliably in Russia.
How are American citizens treated by ordinary Russians?
You will experience exceptional warmth and hospitality. Russian citizens make a clear distinction between geopolitics and individual tourists. Americans are welcomed with genuine interest, curiosity, and friendliness. Our past clients consistently highlight the kindness and hospitality of the locals as a high point of their trip.
Do I need to speak Russian to enjoy the tour?
Not at all. You will be accompanied by professional, bilingual guides throughout your tours. In major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, navigation signs are duplicated in English, and personnel at 5-star hotels and fine-dining establishments speak English fluently.
Book a Tour
Leave a request and we will contact you to clarify the details.