Exploring Russia on my own - legal?
When applying for the visa, there were a lot of complicated explanations about where not to go. What does it mean in practice?
Can I drive around in Russia anywhere I want? Or are there legal limitations? For example, if I want to do day-trips from St. Petersburg to wherever in the countryside, is that allowed? Can I go in any hotel I find anywhere?
I know this sounds a bit silly, as in other countries this is an obvious 'yes', but as i said, in the Visa application, there was a lot of fine print about not going anywhere else than my visa was applied/given for (however, the visa has no text on it with locations limitations).
[this question is not about my security while doing that, but about legally being allowed to]
Best Answer
Yes, it's a completely legal, if you aren't going to visit the restricted areas such as closed cities near the border and so on. And if you're asking, then you'll definitely see the warning signs near them, so you shouldn't be afraid of breaking some local law.
However, you should check the questions I've linked in comments as there are a couple of advises how to deal with registration issues. If you are going to stay in a hotel at night, it would be better to create a reservation, as the service isn't always be prepared for a visitor, unfortunately. Also the language barrier could be a problem for some places, so you should check for the English speakers at the place you're going to stay in.
Major restricting road signs you should be aware of:
There is a control point ahead on the road
There is a danger zone ahead on the road
There is a road police checkpoint ahead on the road. You can try to gather some information there, but be careful and don't let them achieve your documents.
You can't go without a stop the vehicle. If you meet this sign somewhere not near the railroad, you've probably got near the restricted zone, and you should get the directions as soon as possible.
A STOP-line :)
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