Russian COVID-19 Rules for Museum and Theatre Visitors

Russia was one of the first countries to open its borders to foreign visitors after the global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Visitors of more than 50 countries can visit Russia now as tourists. Please check the website of a Russian Embassy/Consulate located in your country to check for more details and see if your country is on the list of «opened borders» countries.

Currently in Russia there are special regulations in place to visit museums, theatres and concert venues. Most of them require a local QR-code confirming an individual vaccination status. Most venues accept only QR-codes issued by Russian authorised bodies. As an alternative document to a Russian QR-code, visitors can present a valid PCR test results or antibodies certificate.

Some venues and museums accept foreign vaccination certificates but there are only few of them.

When we design a touring itinerary, we take into account and advise on current entry requirements of each particular museum.

Below is a list of COVID requirements for the most popular museums in Moscow and St Petersburg. As requirements change frequently, it is advisable to get in touch with our customer service before booking a tour to avoid complications.

The Hermitage Museum (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 48 hours/Antibodies certificate

Catherine Palace Museum (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 48 hours/Antibodies certificate

Russian Museum (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 48 hours

Pavlovsk Palace Museum (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 24 hours

Faberge Museum (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 24 hours

Peterhof Museum (St Petersburg)-foreign vaccination certificate

Mariinsky Theatre (St Petersburg)-negative PCR test valid for 24 hours along with a foreign vaccination certificate

Mikhailovsky Theatre (St Petersburg)-foreign vaccination certificate

St Isaac’s Cathedral (St Petersburg)-only Russian QR code

The Cathedral of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood (St Petersburg)-only Russian QR code

Peter and Paul Fortress (St Petersburg)-only Russian QR code

Yusupoff Palace (St Petersburg)-only Russian QR code

Kremlin Museum (Moscow)-negative PCR test valid for 24 hours

Safe travels!