Russian Federation Travel Guide - Duty Free

Duty free regulations are liable to change at short notice. The following should be used as a guide only, and travellers are advised to contact the Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information. The following goods may be imported into the Russian Federation by persons aged 16 years and older without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products (over 18 years).
• 2l of alcoholic beverage (over 21 years).
• A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
• Gifts up to the value of US$10,000.

Note: On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form, which must be retained until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables, which must be registered on the declaration form. Cameras, jewellery, computers and musical instruments should all be declared. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. All antiques or icons should come with a certificate from the Ministry of Culture allowing export. Presentation of such certificates should speed up customs formalities.

Weapons and ammunition, radio electrical equipment, narcotics, fruit, vegetables, sturgeon of any species or sturgeon products, and live animals unless with a special permit.

Arms, works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture), precious metals and furs.

Up to 250g of caviar per person may be exported, provided a receipt is shown proving that it was bought at a store licensed to sell it to foreigners and a licence from the Ministry of Economical Development is presented.