Destination: Moscow

Getting to Moscow

Getting to Russia's capital is a plane trip away, landing at Moscow's international airport and choosing a direction. But as with any international travel, preparation is a necessity.

Sheremetyevo-2, 35 kilometers (22 miles) outside the capital, is Moscow's international airport. Moscow is served by Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Finnair, Japan Air Lines, KLM, Lufthansa, Sabena Belgian World Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines and Swissair.
For getting around in Moscow, Metro-Moscow covers the city underground, and taxis roam the streets. Rental cars are available.
Few places accept travelers checks, although they're still a good bet against theft. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Eurocard) and American dollars are widely accepted. The ruble is the legal tender.

Russia has somewhat elaborate entry and exit requirements for international visitors:

All travelers must have a sponsor for a visa to enter the country, and an exit visa to depart. The exit visa is issued along with the entry visa for short stays, but visitors who stay longer must obtain their exit visa through their sponsor.
For a tourist visa, hotels or tour package operators can serve as the sponsor. Provide a copy of hotel confirmation or tour package confirmation from a company registered with the Ministry of Foreign affairs. Business travelers need a letter of invitation from a counterpart or other business associate in Russia. For a visitor's visa, a letter of invitation issued by a local authority from each place of stay -- relatives and friends in Russia should obtain the letter and mail it to the traveler.
Anyone applying for a visa of more than three months must also present an HIV test certificate.

For more information, contact the Russian Embassy or a Russian Consulate. Or visit the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Russia.
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Getting to Moscow

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