Consulate of the United States

Services, Useful Information & Fees

Foreign Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements In Moscow

(Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs - Publication 10432)

This listing is for U.S. citizens traveling on tourism/business and does not apply to persons planning to emigrate to foreign countries. Persons traveling on official business for the U.S. Government should obtain visa information from the agency sponsoring their travel. For purposes of this publication, a visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a U.S. passport that allows the bearer to visit that foreign country. Note: Wherever you see the words "photo(s) required" in this publication, it generally means that you will need to submit passport-size (2"x2") photographs.

Important: this listing is prepared from information obtained from foreign embassies prior to march 1997. This information is subject to change. Check entry requirements with the consular officials of the countries to be visited well in advance.

Passports

U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport, a certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove identity, a valid driver's license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.

Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a visa, sign it and write your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided . This will help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become separated from the envelope during processing. Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.

Some Middle Eastern or African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel. Consult the National Passport Information Center (1-900-225-7778) for guidance if this applies to you.

Visas Should be Obtained Before Proceeding Abroad

Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices in the United States may be obtained by consulting the Congressional Directory in the library. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain visas, where required, from the appropriate embassy or nearest consulate of the country you are planning to visit.

Immunizations

Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever. A cholera immunization may be required if you are traveling from an infected area. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date. Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations are required to return to the United States. Detailed health information is included in Health Information for International Travel, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (address on page 2) for $14 or may be obtained from your local health department or physician or by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 404/332-4559.

An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term visitors. Although many are listed here, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to verify if this is a requirement for entry.

All international flights are subject to U.S. Immigration and U.S. Customs fees paid in advance as part of your ticket. In addition, many countries have departure fees that are sometimes collected at the time of ticket purchase.

Notes

Consular Information Program

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides assistance and information to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Consular Affairs issues Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, and other travel publications. Below are brief descriptions of some of the information currently available through the Consular Information Program:

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

Consular Information Sheets are issued for every country in the world. They include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, health conditions, political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.

The State Department also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other conditions overseas which pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements may be heard anytime by dialing (202) 647-5225 from a touch tone phone. They are also available at regional U.S. passport agencies, at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, and through airline computer reservation systems, or, by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped-business size envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and Consular Affairs' publications can be obtained by accessing any of the following systems:

Other Publications: Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets describing the countries of the world. They contain the most current information on each countryOs people, culture, geography, history, government, economy and political conditions. Single copies are available from the GPO for about $1 each.

Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts provides names of key officers and addresses for all U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. This publication is updated biannually and is available from the GPO. Single copy purchase price is $3.75; subscription is $5 per year.

Health Information for International Travel contains detailed information on international health requirements and is available from the GPO for $14.