Russia prohibits importing narcotics, weapons, and military goods. As of 2026, duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco apply to adults 18+. Personal goods up to €10,000 (approx. USD 10,800) are duty-free, but cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Additional restrictions apply to dual-use goods and items from 'unfriendly countries.'
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
3.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Total duty-free alcohol is 3 liters; excess up to 5 liters is dutiable at €10 per liter. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash and monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
Goods duty-free
$10,800
Personal goods for non-commercial use up to €10,000 (approx. USD 10,800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to a flat 30% duty, but not less than €4 per kg for certain goods.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotics and psychotropic substances in any form
Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Obscene or pornographic materials
Endangered species and products made from them (CITES)
Cultural valuables without an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a prescription and completed customs declaration)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
Drones and UAVs over 250g (require prior registration and permission from the Federal Air Transport Agency)
Satellite phones and cryptographic equipment (require a license from the FSB)
Alcohol over 3 liters (excess up to 5 liters is dutiable at €10 per liter)
Rules worth knowing
Dual-use goods and sanctions
Importing goods with both civilian and military applications (e.g., certain electronics, software, or chemicals) may require a license. Travellers from 'unfriendly countries' face additional scrutiny and potential bans on certain items.
Currency declaration for all amounts
Even if carrying less than USD 10,000, you must still fill out a customs declaration if you are carrying any cash. The form is available at the border and must be submitted in duplicate.
Temporary import of vehicles
Foreign-registered vehicles can be driven in Russia for up to 1 year without customs clearance, but the driver must have a valid international driving permit and vehicle registration. Overstaying results in fines and possible seizure.
Cultural valuables and antiques
Any item over 100 years old or classified as a cultural valuable (e.g., paintings, icons, coins) requires an export permit from the Ministry of Culture. Importing such items without a permit is prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
You can bring 1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Total duty-free alcohol is 3 liters; any amount from 3 to 5 liters is subject to a flat duty of €10 per liter. You must be 18 or older.
No, personal electronics for your own use (phone, laptop, camera) do not need to be declared unless they are new and exceed the duty-free value of €10,000. However, if you are carrying multiple units, customs may consider them commercial goods.
Yes, but if the medicine contains narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam), you must have a prescription or medical certificate in Russian or English, and you must declare it on the customs form. Carry only a quantity for personal use (up to 90 days).
Undeclared cash over USD 10,000 can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of up to 100% of the undeclared amount or even criminal prosecution. Always declare any amount over the threshold.
Yes. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce from countries under Russian food embargo (e.g., EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Norway) are prohibited. Other food items for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities, but must be declared if they exceed 5 kg or are of animal origin.
Drones (UAVs) over 250g require prior registration with the Federal Air Transport Agency and a permit for import. Without these, the drone may be confiscated at customs. Even small drones may be subject to restrictions in certain regions.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCS of Russia) before travelling.