1. Abkhazia.
One of the main southern destinations for Russians enjoys constant popularity, including due to the possibility of entry with an internal passport. Russians have the right to stay on the territory of Abkhazia (a partially recognized state) for up to 90 days.
Russians can also visit South Ossetia without a passport, a territory recognized as a separate state by only a few countries. If you go there with a foreign passport, you may subsequently have problems entering Georgia.
What is needed for entry
For different categories of foreigners, there are different requirements for crossing the country's border. Someone can visit South Ossetia only with a civilian identity card or a foreign passport, while others will need to obtain special permission from government agencies.
Russians and persons with Russian citizenship
South Ossetia is one of the visa-free countries for Russians, since Russia and Ossetia currently have an agreement on visa-free entry. Therefore, citizens from the Russian Federation cross the border of the Republic of South Ossetia using internal passports.
Also, entry in 2021 can be carried out using the following documents:
- international passport;
- diplomatic or official document;
- seaman's certificate.
Children under 14 years of age will need a birth certificate and proof of Russian citizenship. All travelers from Russia who have not reached the age of majority also need consent from their parents or official guardians, certified by a notary, when crossing the border with others or on their own.
CIS countries
For citizens of other countries that have a visa-free regime with Russia, a visa permit to travel to South Ossetia will also not be required, but in the case of a guest visit, an invitation from relatives living in the republic or from an organization will be required if the trip is of a tourist, business or work nature. .
The invitation must be issued in accordance with the established template. Issued by the Consular Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia. It is better to apply for an invitation in advance. The period for consideration of the application can be up to a month in the case of a guest visit and a month if the trip is related to work activities.
Procedure for entry into the territory of the Republic of South Ossetia for citizens of other foreign countries
Citizens of other countries
People wishing to visit South Ossetia and who are citizens of countries that have a visa regime with the Russian Federation will need at least a double-entry Russian visa.
In addition, they need to make an invitation from the receiving party, which can be individuals or legal entities located on the territory of South Ossetia.
The inviting party will need the following documents for registration:
- Passport of a citizen of the Republic of South Ossetia.
Or:
- Documents certifying legal registration. persons on the territory of South Ossetia;
- A copy of the passport of the invited foreigner.
- Evidence of confirmation of family ties or grounds for the arrival of a foreign guest.
Citizens of the Russian Federation and countries that have recognized the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia when crossing the border of the republic must register upon entry and exit at the Ruk checkpoint. Citizens of other states, if an urgent trip is necessary, must submit an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia at least three days before entry and a month in all other cases. The procedure can be carried out either by the receiving party or by the applicant himself, who has sent a request to the email address of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia.
After receiving approval, this category of citizens also undergoes registration at the checkpoint and receives the right to enter the country.
Checkpoint Nizhny Zaramag
For violation of order and reckless behavior at a checkpoint, if a foreigner refuses to comply with the requirements of border guards, he may be subject to administrative punishment.
In this case, the employees draw up a protocol, and by a court decision, the violator may be held accountable and required to pay a fine.
4. Kazakhstan.
Any Russian entering Kazakhstan for tourism purposes can only carry an internal passport. Citizens aged 20 and 45 should be careful. If on the territory of the Russian Federation you cannot change your passport for a month after reaching this age, then you will no longer be able to enter Kazakhstan using expired documents: they are considered invalid.
Upon entry you are required to fill out a migration card. The questions are simple and duplicated in Russian. You can stay in Kazakhstan with a Russian passport for up to 30 days. When leaving, you need to give your completed migration card, so don’t lose it.
Read about which EU countries issue multiple visas for a long period easier than others.
Top 10 countries that do not require a passport upon entry
The absence of a foreign passport does not mean that you will have to vacation only on the territory of the Russian Federation. Examples of countries where you can fly or visit without a passport:
- Armenia;
- Abkhazia;
- Belarus;
- Kazakhstan;
- Kyrgyzstan;
- South Ossetia.
Armenia
You can enter the territory of the state using an internal passport of the Russian Federation only through airports. You need to fly to the cities of Yerevan or Gyumri. The period of stay on the territory of the state is 30 days from the date of arrival.
Armenia is a land of mountains and medieval monasteries.
Armenia is a colorful country. Armenian national cuisine is popular all over the world. While traveling around this country, you should definitely try dolma, lavash, and shish kebab. It is interesting to visit Mount Ararat, which offers beautiful views.
It is also worth going to Lake Sevan, which is considered the largest on the Caucasus Range.
Abkhazia
You can come to Abkhazia without a foreign passport from Sochi. The customs checkpoint operates 24 hours a day. People go to Abkhazia to admire nature. Service and maintenance here are in decline, as is the architecture.
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Abkhazia is a flourishing subtropical region.
People who find themselves in Abkhazia should definitely visit Lake Ritsa and admire its incredible landscapes. You can also go up to the New Athos Monastery and take a walk in its surroundings. History buffs can go to Stalin's dacha and explore the residence.
Alanya
Alania, or North Ossetia, also allows Russian tourists without a passport, but you can only get here by car. Ossetia will impress guests with beautiful mountain landscapes, gorges, caves, rivers and lakes. But people who are accustomed to top-level service and comfort will not like it here. Due to the war, many buildings have been destroyed and the country is in economic decline.
Alanya is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey.
Kyrgyzstan
You can stay in Kyrgyzstan for 90 days. This is a state with rich culture and beautiful nature. The pearl of Kyrgyzstan is Lake Issyk-Kul, it is included in the list of the most transparent on the planet. In addition, I recommend climbing the Sulaiman-Too peak. It is considered a UNESCO monument and a sacred mountain. Kyrgyzstan is beginning to develop in the direction of ski holidays, so you can take a trip to one of the resorts.
Kyrgyzstan is a state with beautiful nature.
Kazakhstan
You can stay in Kazakhstan for 30 days without registration. A trip to the Kazakhs is a unique opportunity to explore the Baikonur Cosmodrome. In the Tien Shan mountains you can see crystal clear lakes and admire the landscapes. Almaty looks beautiful from a bird's eye view.
Kazakhstan is a state located in the center of Eurasia.
Belarus
You can get to Belarus from Russia by car, plane, train or bus. Staying without registration is allowed for 30 days. Belarus is famous for its cleanliness and hospitality. A trip to this country will surprise you and leave a good impression. Interesting sights:
- Nesvizh Castle;
- National Library;
- Mir Castle;
- "Belarusian Maldives";
- memorial complex "Brest Fortress".
Belarus is a country with an ancient history and rich traditions.
Kaliningrad region
The period of stay in Kaliningrad is unlimited for citizens of the Russian Federation. This city is not the most attractive for tourists due to the difficult road. Given the location of the city, without a passport you can only arrive here by ferry or by plane.
The Kaliningrad region is the westernmost region of the country.
Despite this, those who come to Kaliningrad will remember this city for a long time. Popular places and attractions:
- Cathedral;
- Kant's grave;
- Curonian Spit;
- Amber Museum;
- Brandenburg Gate.
Türkiye
The only country that is not part of the former USSR, but allows you to visit a city on its territory without a passport is Turkey. To do this, you need to be a member of a tourist group cruising the Black Sea. The route will include the city of Istanbul. You can enjoy its culture and attractions only with a Russian passport for 2 days.
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Türkiye is an amazing country with a rich history.
Crimea
Since 2014, the Republic of Crimea has been part of Russia, so all you need to travel is an internal passport. Now you can get to the peninsula by car, train or plane. Crimea has incredible nature, beautiful capes, clean and blue sea. On the territory of the republic there is the Taigan lion park, where you can see various animals.
The disadvantages of traveling around Crimea will be high prices, roaming, poor Internet and lack of service.
Crimea is part of Russia.
Tajikistan
Until 2015, having a foreign passport to visit Tajikistan was optional. However, now you will not be able to enter the country without this document. In addition, upon arriving in Tajikistan, each person is required to register within 10 days.
Tajikistan is considered one of the most ancient states in the world.
Where to go for New Year without a visa? List of countries open to Russians
Fans of New Year's travel should not despair. Although entry into most countries is closed, there are many countries where you can have a great New Year's holiday. Moreover, there are countries on this list that do not require a visa to visit, which means that traveling is even easier! The main thing is not to forget that upon returning home you will have to take a coronavirus test.
New Year in the homeland of the pharaohs
Egypt is a country open to Russians during the pandemic. Formally, a visa is needed, but it is issued at the border by border guards, so there is no extra hassle required to obtain it.
Why is it worth going to Egypt for New Year? The answer is obvious: you can move from winter to summer. Celebrate the New Year in an exotic setting - around palm trees, the sound of the sea, and golden sand under your feet. This is something you will definitely never forget!
Photo: istockphoto.com
Paradise holiday in the Maldives
If we ignore the hefty price tag, then a trip to the Maldives is an easy trip. Russians can stay in the Maldives without a visa for 30 days. The cost of the tour per person during the New Year holidays will be at least 100 thousand rubles. In return, you will receive vivid impressions - almost all resorts organize concerts, sports tournaments and gastronomic parties for tourists. During the winter months, the Maldives is especially attractive: the air temperature fluctuates around 30°C, and the water is heated to 26-27°C. When else will you celebrate the New Year on the shores of the Indian Ocean?
Photo: istockphoto.com
Travel to South Korea
South Korea is a country that combines ancient culture and history with high technology and development. In one trip you can see both the huge skyscrapers of Seoul and the tranquil landscapes of the Korean province. The most important advantage is that entry into the country is allowed during a pandemic, and Russians do not require a visa for this.
The national culture of South Korea will amaze any person, so if you want to get bright emotions from your New Year's trip, this is definitely the place for you.
Photo: istockphoto.com
I want to go there: 6 unusual places for a New Year's holiday outside the city
Istanbul and Turkish beaches for the New Year
It is no secret that Russians can visit Turkey without a visa. Moreover, the country has not closed its borders. However, it is worth remembering that the Turkish authorities have recently strengthened coronavirus restrictions. The actions of some of them also affect tourists:
- The operation of hammams, saunas and indoor pools in hotels has been suspended.
- Masks are required in public places.
- In Istanbul, cafes and restaurants are only open for takeaway, and most of them are closed on weekends.
However, this is not a reason to deny yourself a New Year's trip. Tourists are not subject to the curfew that applies to local residents. Most of Turkey's attractions are still open to the public, and the beaches have not been closed.
Photo: istockphoto.com
New Year in Serbian
Russians do not need a visa to Serbia. Why not celebrate the New Year in a hospitable and beautiful country? Traditional Serbian dishes await you on the New Year's table: sarma and slivovitz. The children will be congratulated by Ded Mraz and Snegulitsa.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Every year a large Christmas market is held in the center of Belgrade, where souvenirs are sold, mulled wine is poured and folk ensembles perform. On New Year's Eve, a Santa Claus race is held in Serbia - they, dressed in costumes, run along the central streets.
