The practical impact of sanctions: cards, cash, foreign currency, and flights

This page is for Turkish citizens planning how to carry and spend their money when traveling to Russia. The sanctions imposed on Russia since 2022 and Russia's countermeasures have changed card payments, money transfers, and cash-carrying rules. Below, you will find the official rules concerning Türkiye's status under these regulations, cards, transfers, cash, and travel routes.

• Türkiye is not on the "unfriendly countries" list established by the Russian Government's decision of March 5, 2022 (No. 430-r).
• The countermeasures applied to individuals and companies from the countries on this list do not apply to Turkish citizens in this capacity. The list includes countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Japan, and Ukraine.
• For example, the Central Bank of Russia's restrictions on money transfers abroad currently apply to individuals and companies from the countries on this list (see below).

• Cards issued by Russian banks: According to the Central Bank of Russia, Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks continue to work within Russia. These cards cannot be used for transactions abroad or on foreign websites.
• E-visa fee: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that, due to sanctions, the e-visa fee can be paid only with cards issued by banks outside Russia. Cards issued by Russian banks, bank transfers, and PayPal are not accepted (see R1.2).
• Cards issued by Turkish banks: Russian official institutions have not published a general rule on the acceptance in Russia of cards issued abroad. Before departing, ask your own bank whether your card can be used in Russia.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye recommends carrying sufficient cash foreign currency when traveling abroad.
• If you are staying in Russia for a long time, you may need to open an account at a Russian bank (see R8.2). For cards and the Mir payment system, see R8.1.

• The Central Bank of Russia abolished, as of December 8, 2025, the limits on foreign-currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens and non-residents from friendly countries.
• Restrictions on citizens of unfriendly countries remain in force until December 7, 2026:
  • Non-residents working in Russia may send abroad an amount up to their salary.
  • Transfers abroad by those who do not work in Russia and by companies from these countries are prohibited.
• Since Türkiye is not on the list of unfriendly countries, these latter restrictions do not apply to Turkish citizens in this capacity.
• Your bank may ask for documents and the purpose of the transfer. For foreign-exchange control rules, see R9.5.

• Declaration upon entry and exit: cash and traveler's checks with a total value of more than the equivalent of US$10,000 in a single trip must be declared using a written customs declaration. Other negotiable instruments (checks, promissory notes, etc.) must be declared regardless of their amount.
• Foreign-currency limit upon exit: Since March 2, 2022, it has been prohibited to take cash foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 out of Russia (Presidential Decree No. 81). This amount may be increased with the permission of the Central Bank of Russia.
• Calculation: if you are carrying different currencies, convert each one into rubles using the Central Bank's official exchange rate on the day of departure, then convert the total into dollars. The total must not exceed US$10,000.
• Rubles: rubles and foreign currency not exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 may be taken out without restriction. However, if rubles and foreign currency together exceed US$10,000, the entire amount must be declared, with each currency listed separately.
• The declaration also asks for the source, owner, intended use, and route of carriage of the money.

• E-visa fee: the invoice is issued in UAE dirhams or Chinese yuan and is paid with a foreign bank card. The fee is non-refundable.
• Consular visa: the fee is set in dollars and is paid in cash or by bank transfer at the visa center (see R1.3).
• Visa center service fee: since July 4, 2022, it has been payable only in Turkish lira.
• Invitation fee: the inviting party in Russia pays it in rubles (see R1.4).

• With an e-visa, you may enter and exit only through border checkpoints designated by the Russian Government. When purchasing your ticket, check that the arrival and departure airports are on the list (see R1.2).
• Connecting travel: if you make a connection at an airport in Russia and leave the airport's transit area, or if you travel through Russia by land, you need a transit visa.
• You also need a Russian transit visa if you are traveling to Belarus or Kazakhstan via Russia.
• For security reasons, entry into certain areas of Russia may require special permission, and air traffic may be temporarily restricted (see R1.9). Check the status of your flight with your airline.

• Departing without asking your bank whether your card will work in Russia.
• Trying to pay the e-visa fee with a card issued by a Russian bank.
• Failing to declare cash exceeding US$10,000.
• Carrying more than US$10,000 in cash foreign currency when leaving Russia.
• Calculating different currencies separately without checking the total.
• Assuming that it is possible to make a connection in Russia and leave the transit area without a visa.

• Are sanctions imposed on Türkiye? Türkiye is not on Russia's list of "unfriendly countries." The countermeasures linked to that list do not apply to Turkish citizens in this capacity.
• How much cash can I take to Russia? There is no upper limit upon entry; however, you must declare any amount exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000.
• How much foreign currency can I take out of Russia? At most, the equivalent of US$10,000. Taking out cash foreign currency exceeding this amount is prohibited.
• I work in Russia. Can I send my salary to Türkiye? Since December 8, 2025, the Central Bank has abolished transfer limits for non-resident citizens of friendly countries. Prepare the documents requested by your bank (see R8.1).
• Can I use my Russian card in Türkiye? According to the Central Bank, Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks cannot be used for transactions abroad.
• Can I pay the e-visa fee with my Turkish card? Yes. The fee can be paid only with cards issued by banks outside Russia.

• Central Bank of Russia – rules for transfers abroad (until December 7, 2026)
• Central Bank of Russia – removal of limits for citizens of friendly countries
• Federal Customs Service of Russia – rules for taking out cash foreign currency
• Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union, Art. 260 – declaration requirement
• Presidential Decree No. 81 – limit on taking out foreign currency
• Russian Government decision No. 430-r – list of unfriendly countries
• Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – border checkpoints available for e-visa use