Cash / Currency 🇷🇺 Russia
Cash / Currency is restricted for travelers entering Russia; declare above the personal allowance.
Can I bring Cash / Currency into Russia?
Cash / Currency is restricted for travelers entering Russia; declare above the personal allowance.
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Cash / Currency requires declaration at customs (and in some cases an import permit) when carried by travelers into Russia. Federal Customs Service (FTS Russia) applies a personal-allowance threshold per item category; quantities above attract duty + the destination's VAT/GST rate (20%) plus, for select categories, an additional excise tax. EU customs harmonisation and EU Regulation 608/2013 IPR enforcement apply alongside national rules. Travelers should consult Federal Customs Service (FTS Russia) for the current quantity threshold + documentation requirement before departure.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 5000–1000000 RUB
- Civil penalty only
Leaving Russia with cash / currency
Since 2 March 2022, Presidential Decree No. 81 prohibits exporting foreign-currency cash (banknotes) above USD 10,000 equivalent from Russia — this is an outright ban, not a declaration requirement, introduced as a capital-control measure. Amounts up to USD 10,000 equivalent may be carried without declaration under the EAEU Customs Code Art. 260 framework that previously governed (declaration above USD 10,000 aggregate). Russian-rouble cash export is separately limited. Violations are treated as currency smuggling with seizure and criminal liability under Criminal Code Art. 200.1.
Values at or above this threshold must be declared (USD).
Carry Cash / Currency in carry-on where applicable (medication / lithium battery / valuables). On arrival, walk the Red Channel and declare on the customs form. Federal Customs Service (FTS Russia) computes duty + VAT at the published rate. Have the purchase receipt + (for medication) the original prescription available.
This page covers destination customs rules in Russia. Whether you can carry cash / currency through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Russia is named by UK OFSI Russia sanctions. Commercial and high-value movements may require a licence or blocking-regulation check. Personal travelers should verify whether the specific item or payment method is caught.
Cash / Currency rules in other countries
Cash / Currency
🇺🇸 United States
Must declare cash or monetary instruments over USD 10,000 on arrival and departure.
Cash / Currency
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Must declare cash of GBP 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Great Britain.
Cash / Currency
🇩🇪 Germany
EU rule: declare EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the EU.
Cash / Currency
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Must declare cash of AED 60,000 or more (approx. USD 16,300) on arrival.
Cash / Currency
🇵🇭 Philippines
PHP 50,000 limit; foreign currency over USD 10,000 must be declared
Cash / Currency
🇻🇳 Vietnam
VND 15 million limit; USD 5,000 foreign currency