Do U.S. citizens need a Russian transit visa?
On a five hour layover in Moscow, changing planes but not airport, would a U.S. citizen need a transit visa?
Best Answer
According to the Russian Embassy page you will not need a visa if you're not leaving the airside.
EDIT
Additional information on the same from Timatic
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Can I get Russian transit visa online?
Complete the online Russian transit visa application form.You can find the form online at kdmid.ru.Is Russia allowing transit passengers?
Transiting in RussiaPassengers entering or transiting the Russian Federation must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 2 days before arrival. The test result must be in English or Russian. A notarized translation to Russian is accepted.Do I need a transit visa for Moscow Sheremetyevo?
Do transit passengers need visas? Transit passengers who do not have visas may stay in the clean zone for up to 24 hours. Such a passenger must be carrying a boarding pass for the next flight. We recommend that you check your baggage through to your final destination at the airport of departure.How long does it take to get a Russian transit visa?
Consideration period of documents required to obtain a transit visa is from 4 to 20 business days. In case of the need of urgent consideration, you can pay a higher consular fee and if your application is granted, you will obtain a visa in 1-3 business days.Do I Need A Transit Visa If My Plane Has A Stop In The US?
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Answer 2
Note: The answer was valid at the time of posting in May 2014. SVO has expanded drastically in the last few years and what was not available 5 years ago may well be available now.
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Original answer: As an American citizen that has travelled to Moscow and via Moscow many times, I can definitely confirm that you do NOT need a transit visa if your connecting flight is from the same terminal. If you have to change the terminal, then you do need a transit visa and you must get this visa before travelling - you cannot get it once in Moscow.
Answer 3
There is an exception !! If an American citizen flies from Minsk, Belarus through Moscow, will DEFINITELY need a tranist visa, because it is considered a domestic flight. I was rejected to fly to Moscow from Belarus and I have to purchase another ticket to Warsaw and from Warsaw to Moscow.
Answer 4
I am flying from LAX USA to Israel, via Moscow. On X'Mas. With Aeroflot. I have a 4.5 hr layover in Moscow. I am an US citizen. I asked the same questions the Aeroflot representative. He said, "if you dont leave or exit the airport, you do not need an entry visa. But if you want to go visit the city, during your layover, you do need a visa"
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