If you decided to visit Russia with your own bike then you will have to go through the process of crossing the border. We decided to give you step-by-step guide how it works, we hope it will help you pass the
Required documents for crossing the border with the vehicle:
1) Passport
2) Valid Russian visa
3) Driving license (possession of international driving rights is not mandatory, but welcomed)
4) Vehicle registration certificate (original)
5) Certificate of ownership (copy)
6) Green card insurance.
Which border crossing point to use?
There are many border crossing points to enter Russia, you can ride through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan. If you enter Russia from Europe then Finland, Estonia and Latvia are the preferred options. Border crossing can take 2-4 hours, depends on traffic. We suggest to politely overcome cars and ask border officers if you can pass without waiting in the line. 90% they will say yes.
Green Card
Where can I buy insurance? What insurance it should be? Can I buy insurance in Russia?
To begin with you need European Green Card Insurance, here you can read what it means. Best solution is to buy it at your home country, but sometimes its difficult to find local insurance company (for example in UK or in Japan) that can sell you it. Situation differs from country to country, so there is no universal solution. Ask your local insurance company if it sells such insurances. If you cant buy insurance at home don't panic, at the border there are usually special kiosks where people sell such insurance policies. Last, but not least, at the border nobody will check insurance as a rule.
In Russia, for example in Moscow, if it so happened that you passed the border without insurance, its possible to buy local insurance, but its very complicated, because not all companies do this and you will need to translate your documents into Russian with the attorney. It takes time and money. Buying insurance at home or at the border is much cheaper and easier.
Sometimes people ask, is it necessary to make international driving license or you can use local Italia, German, USA, Canada driving licence? If its in English and its clear that you have permission to ride a motorcycle that you don't need something else, ride with your local driving licence. But if its in Arabian, Japanese or other languages when its not clear what is written in it, make translation into English at least.
Border crossing
At the border you will have to fill:
1) Two copies of the Declaration form. To speed up the procedure, it is better to fill out the declaration in advance (here is template - declaration form), print it on 2 sides of one sheet and take it with you. If you have not filled out or forgotten the declaration, the form can be taken right at border points
2) Two copies of Migration card (for entry and exit, here is how it looks like migration card). Migration Card can be obtained only on the Russian border in the "window" in the ms office. Migration card for exit with a seal must be kept for the entire period of stay on the territory of the Russian Federation. When leaving, these sheets are again stamped on the border and remain with the customs service.
Both blanks are in Russian/English, so you can understand what is written. Both are free. First one is for migration service, that you have visa and there you mostly enter your passport details. Second one is for importing your bike. After officer will stamp your documents he will give you copies of it - store it in safe place with passport because you will need this papers when you leave Russia. Also in the hotels this papers are required.
Hope that will help you cross the border fast and easy. If there are still questions left please don't hesitate to ask, write us at info@rusmototravel.com