Is an 8 hour layover in Russia (SVO) long enough to leave the airport?
On my way to Paris, I will have an 8-hour layover in Moscow (SVO) in Russia from 5 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon.
Will I have enough time to leave the airport and spend a few hours in Moscow and still be able to get back, clear security and make my connecting flight in time, or should I just find ways to keep myself occupied at the airport?
I will be traveling on a US passport
Best Answer
8-hour layover is completely enough to see some sights in the center of Moscow. To avoid traffic jams just use "Aeroexpress" (airtrain). It departures every 20-30 minutes and it takes about 40 minutes to get from SVO to Belorusskaya railway and metro stations - which is not far from the center of Moscow. So, you'll have about 4-5 hours for sightseeing.
I used to travel a lot and I haven't noticed any difficulties during passport control in SVO. So, I think you have a good chance to wander in the center.
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Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Moscow?
A Transit Visa is not required if you remain in the transit zone of the airport in order to catch an onward or connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival or more in case of forced stop. Transit visas can be single- and double-entry.Do I need a visa to transit through SVO?
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.Do I need transit visa for connecting flights Russia?
Foreign nations flying over Russian territory without changing planes do not require a visa. International travelers who have paid tickets for flights leaving within 24 hours out of the same airport and not requiring the traveler to leave the transit zone to make their connecting flight, do not require a transit visa.Can I transit through Russia?
Transit Visas are issued to those travelling through the Russian Federation to an onward destination. If you are on a transit flight, will be spending less than 24 hours in Russia, and do not intend to leave the airport transit area, then you will not need a Russian Visa for your trip.Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow-Russia | Full Details
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Answer 2
You do not need a transit visa if less than 24 hours layover. Passport and plan ticket to you destination is only required.
The only 2 restrictions apply is that if you are going in/out of Belarus or the Crimeana Pennisula.
Look up under Aeroflot visa and passport to back up this claim.
https://www.aeroflot.ru/us-en/before_and_after_fly/airport/visa_and_passport_control
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